A Woman Fulfills Her Dream of Opening a Restaurant, and Makes History in the Process – Opinion

Teasha Watkins lives in Pearisburg and cooks for the past 30 years.

“I have been cooking forever,” Watkins said.

Watlkins had longed for the dream of owning her own restaurant. In May, she opened Silver & Salt, a down home, stick-to-your ribs restaurant for the community of Giles County. Watkins said that the community she loves is Giles County.

From the Silver & Salt website:

Teasha Watkins is my name. I was born and raised in Giles. It has been my home since I was a child. Now, I love my neighborhood and want to help others by cooking good food at home. We hope to meet you soon.

Watkins was right!

WSLS sent their news cameras and the mayor attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“At the ribbon-cutting, it was so nice when the mayor Robert was here, and I was like dang, we are all here for this purpose,” Watkins said.

Co-owner and manager Will White said it’s an exciting milestone.

“It’s mind-blowing,” White said. “It’s just good for the community to be getting some Black cooking.”

Watkins stated that customers show up to help one another.

“Everyone here is good. Everybody has a kind heart. If you ever need something, just post it on Facebook. Everyone will be happy to assist. No matter what. That’s just the way it is. It’s like a big family,” Watkins said.

Watkins is an inspiring story. It is why Feel-Good Friday is so special. I love that Watkins is simply following her dreams and wanting to give back. Watkins, like Lucy Westlake is true to herself and does what she enjoys. Watkins found a way that she could share her passion for food with those around her.

I know that some of our readers don’t give much credence to “firsts,” and feel as though it is part of the Leftist indoctrination and agenda.

It isn’t, but I can assure you that it is. These milestones achieved by men, women, Blacks and Whites as well as Hispanics should be celebrated and honored. This is not to promote any agenda but to inspire others and to motivate the next generation.

Watkins was shocked to learn that she had become the first Black woman in Pearisburg and County of Giles by following her dreams.

“I would be the first Black-owned restaurant ever to be in Giles, which is wild,” Watkins said. “There’s really not been any ever. I was like ‘Dang, I’m 36 and I’m the first. I like that.’”

Watkins demonstrates that those who achieve these milestones truly are the ones who pursue excellence. Even though the Left has reduced the standards for excellence, Watkins shows that if you keep striving to achieve excellence and give it the spotlight, the outcome will be the opposite. Watkins wants to incite a generation, just like Westlake.

“You can do whatever you want, for real,” Watkins said. “Just do it. You can do whatever you want. Because someone is going to support you.”

C.S. Lewis stated,

“You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.”

Teasha Watkins was moved by this, and she hopes that others will follow her lead.

If you’re in that neck of Virginia, Silver & Salt is a great place to go grab a bite. Their food looks delicious.

Find out more about this dream, this milestone, and this first of its kind on Silver & Salt’s Facebook page or website.