Ina Garten is looking back at the bold career move she once called the “stupidest decision” she ever made.
In a new Instagram post, the Food Network star shared a series of nostalgic throwback photos documenting the life-changing risk that ultimately transformed her career. What she once considered a major misstep ultimately became the turning point that launched her into culinary fame and lasting success.
Ina Garten Recalls The Memorial Day Weekend That Changed Her Life
In an Instagram post celebrating Memorial Day, Ina Garten reflected on an impulsive decision that ultimately changed the direction of her life forever.
She and her husband, Jeffrey Garten, were living and working in Washington, DC, when she realized she needed a life shakeup. The impetus to change her direction came after reading an ad for a specialty food store for sale in a place she’d never lived before, The Hamptons.
She captioned a trio of flashback photos, “Two months after I turned thirty, I happened to read the business opportunities section in The New York Times and spotted an advertisement for a tiny specialty food store for sale in the Hamptons. That store was called Barefoot Contessa – a quirky name with (as it advertised) ‘unlimited possibilities.'”
Garten continued. “I was bored out of my mind working in Washington. Jeffrey said, ‘Let’s go look at it!'”
“I took over that store on Thursday of Memorial Day weekend in 1978. That first day, we took in less than $100 total. I thought I’d made the stupidest decision of my life! But failure wasn’t an option and, as they say, the rest is history! Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone, and good luck to all the chefs starting their summer season!”
Ina Garten’s Message Inspired Her Social Media Followers
GettyIn the comments section of Ina Garten’s Instagram post, her social media followers shared how inspired they were by her message.
“Your story is so inspiring to me. Listening to you narrate your audiobook helped me muster the courage to take the leap,” wrote one follower.
A second Instagram user penned, “Absolutely love this and your indelible impact & many incredible contributions that give so many of us inspiration to chase our own dreams.”
“What an incredible partner you have to encourage your wildest dreams! And look what it turned out to be! A beautiful life you’ve built,” shared a third fan.
A fourth follower concluded, “Thank goodness for that tiny ad.”
Ina Garten Said Jeffrey’s Love and Respect Continues to Inspire Her
Ina Garten has been married to Jeffrey Garten since 1968 and opened up about her marriage during an appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast. The couple has been married for 58 years.
The couple shares a mutual love and respect for each other that has only grown stronger over the years. Their enduring bond continues to be a defining part of their relationship.
“This is what Jeffrey taught me: let’s figure out how we can both do what we wanna do. It’s not about whether we get to do what you wanna do or I wanna do,” she told Poehler.
“He’s so respectful, and it’s pretty hard not to return that.”
“Be My Guest with Ina Garten” airs on the Food Network.
