Seeing a small businesses take root and grow into a staple of the community is one of my favorite things, and I love getting to know the owners and hearing their story of getting started. When I saw a new business coming to Oconomowoc called Full Spoon Grab&Go, I immediately dug into finding out more about the business and the owner. Loving healthy living and food options myself, I knew this would be place I would frequent often because Full Spoon will be offering just that – healthy lunches, fresh pressed juices, real smoothies, and so much more! And while I am thrilled for this new business coming to the town I live, I also wanted to learn more about the owner, Salina Judkins, and hear her backstory and behind the scenes of bringing this shop to our downtown.
Im excited that I got to meet with Salina for coffee to learn more about her and her latest venture before the official opening of Full Spoon! I love how involved she is with our community, and helping to make this area such a fun and great place through all of her other endeavors. She is an entrepreneur at heart, driven and always looking for a great opportunity that others will love and find valuable. She is generous, kind, and grateful, which I love. I hope you enjoy Salina Judkins’ interview, learning more about all the ways she is involved with our area, and the details behind her latest venture, Full Spoon Grab&Go. – Jessalyn Rich
About Salina Judkins
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Most of my family, extended included, live in or around Oconomowoc, which is one of the main reasons I love it here. They are all very supportive, driven, and full of love! I am extremely blessed to have them as my biggest and most important support system. I am often asked if I am related to everyone in Oconomowoc, and honestly, there is some truth to that!
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do. How did you choose that path?
I was born and raised in Oconomowoc and attended UW La Crosse to receive my degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. After living in Milwaukee for one year, I returned home to Oconomowoc to be close to my family and friends, and to submerge myself into the community. I have always had an entrepreneurial mind with a passion for community, helping others, and living my best/healthiest life.
I am a real estate agent with Stapleton Realty, run and own my own Social Media Marketing company called Local Social Experts LLC which caters to helping local businesses have an online presence, started The Etcetera Bar and Grill rooftop Igloos- with my business partner Laura Fischer, and I am a bartender and more at Vino Etc. – all in Downtown Oconomowoc. My plan is to continue doing all of these things even as Full Spoon Grab&Go comes to life. Full Spoon Grab&Go (or Full Spoon) is going to have healthy grab&go foods, smoothies, juices, and other farmers market finds. My hope is to have options that tailor to most, as well as a welcoming environment for both locals and passerby’s. Full Spoon will expand as time goes on, as I have a lot of fun plans for it!
I chose this path because I would rather do a million things I love and am passionate about than one “desk job” that just pays the bills. Plus, I love our community and all the people I am consistently surrounded by. I believe Full Spoon is going to fill one of the main voids we have in Downtown Oconomowoc. I look forward to providing the community with healthier options, and a quick place for those always on the go.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love that what I do creates flexibility for my life, while helping others lives/businesses run more easily. Interacting and connecting with so many different people in the community is something I really enjoy. I love to meet new people and create lasting connections.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
The only challenge will ever be setting limitations in your own mind. I firmly believe that your life is in your hands. If you want something bad enough nothing should stop you from achieving those goals and bringing those dreams to life. So, my biggest challenge has been learning to believe in myself.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding part is seeing other people as excited as I am for the things I am doing- like opening Full Spoon.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
My goal is to open Full Spoon in the next couple of months! After that, you never know what I may have up my sleeve.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Just do it! Don’t be afraid to ask other community members for help or advice.
Salina Judkins & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
My favorite thing about our community is the people! Everyone is so welcoming and willing to help out their neighbor. I love the lakes and ability to walk and do almost anything. Shopping- Fray Boutique of course, and the variety of restaurants and live entertainment are also favorites.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Brian Borkowski- Owner of Vino Etc. Brian has welcomed me into his Vino family since I moved back to Oconomowoc/he opened his doors. From letting me bartend, run his social media marketing, planning vendor events, networking events, and more. Brian has ALWAYS encouraged me with the words “lets do it.” His entrepreneurial spirit, fun ideas, and ability to not let any negativity get in his way has influenced me beyond measure. Brian is a do-it-all kind of guy. He has so much love for this community and for all of the people who are part of it. He has helped mentor me from a business perspective and always encouraged me to go after what I want. Brian also reminds me that there are a lot of people who believe in me. I have Brian to thank for a whole lot of things.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
My favorite coffee shop is Roots. I love a good double shot of espresso or a Doors Sandwich. My favorite cocktail stop is Vino Etc for my favorite wine and environment. My go-to restaurant is Bella Gusto. I love the dill pasta salad, a bottle of wine, and some pinsa with amazing service. I also love the Etcetera Bar and Grill for their food, amazing specials, friendly staff, and rooftop views. We are lucky to have a lot of good restaurants in Downtown and I make it a point to rotate/try new things when I get the opportunity.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Vibrant. Growing. Home.
For Fun
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family, close friends, community, and myself. I am very blessed to have a family full of entrepreneurs, who are constantly pushing me to go after what I want. They are my biggest supporters (fans? that sounds cooler) and, as my dad says, they will support me “all ways and always.” I wouldn’t be as motivated and driven as I am if it weren’t for my family, and for that I am so grateful and blessed.
Q: If you were a drink, what would you be?
Probably a glass of wine, shot of tequila, or a smoothie- and nothing in between.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Set goals, make lists (I love lists), work hard, have fun, and surround yourself with people who value you, respect you, and encourage you to be/do your best. But most of all, take care of your mental health, whatever that looks like for you.
Where to Find Salina Judkins
Salina Judkins
Owner, Full Spoon Grab&Go
Email: fullspoonocon@gmail.com
Phone Number: (262) 354-5004
Facebook: Full Spoon Grab&Go
Instagram: @fullspoon.ocon
