Laura Turk grew up in the lake country area and graduated from Kettle Moraine High School in 1999. She never really fit into any sort of “cookie cutter” job opportunities, so becoming a serial entrepreneur was the only path for her. Truthfully, she says she kind of fell into it. In 2013 Laura was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, which led her to live a low carbohydrate lifestyle. In short, with a love for pizza, the “lifestyle” led her to lose 75 pounds! She created Boombalatti’s Pizza Company and their keto/gluten free dough in 2018. A few successful years into that and renting kitchen space from others, she could finally branch off on her own, which afforded the opportunity to take on Panetta’s Catering as well, ending 2020 with something to be happy about.
About Laura Turk
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m a proud mom of two boys, Ryan, 13 and Connor, 11 and engaged to the most wonderful man and supporter, Anthony Napierala. Jamaican wedding scheduled for May of 2025.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
Explained a bit above but to elaborate, I’ve always loved cooking and helping others as well. Boombalatti’s helps me help others with their health goals and Panetta’s gives me the opportunity to offer an awesome menu variety along with affordable meal flash sales, posted randomly on Panetta’s Catering Facebook page and always under $10.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
When people either order again and again or at an event, come back for seconds or thirds; it warms my heart.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Horrible “landlords”. When renting kitchen space, you may run into someone who “nickels and dimes” you to pieces. As a start-up, you don’t have a lot of money and you need someone in your corner to help you succeed. That’s where I decided to start “kickstarter kitchen”. A low rent incubator kitchen for start-up companies to actually have a shot at success.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Being genuinely thanked. Seeing someone genuinely happy because of the work you offered is priceless.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I’m working on slimming and strengthening Panetta’s menu with focus on creative and “one of a kind, go-to” recipes. Boombalatti’s Pizza Company has recently relaunched and I’m excited to be open to customers on their schedules.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Do your homework. It’s not an easy road. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Be more afraid not to. You only live once.
Laura Turk & 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!)
The togetherness. As distant as we may all get from time to time, when the time comes, our community comes together strong.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Not one person but a group. The entrepreneurs that rent from me inspire me by reminding me where I started. Each struggle brings you new strengths.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
No. I’m a foodie. I’m always looking for the next new dish.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Caring. Proud. Strong.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m actually a big kid. I don’t love being serious all the time. I’m not good at sitting still. I love playing in the snow, shooting slingshots and kayaking.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Not sure I have one. I’m pretty eclectic.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids!
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Coffee… fully loaded!
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
My Dad. He’s gone, I miss him dearly and I think he’d be proud of me and my boys; SO much to share.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To see the Great Barrier Reef one day.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
When those around me are at their happiest.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Pick your battles. Not everything is worth fighting about.
Where to Find Laura Turk
Email: panettascater@gmail.com
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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