THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 4, 1996 TAG: 9512300140
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Vicki Lewis
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
Rowena Fullinwider turned a love of baking into a thriving business that makes gourmet food and distributes it to all 50 states.
Fullinwider is the president and owner of Rowena's Inc., which is at 758 W. 22nd St.
Going into her 13th year in business, Fullinwider said that her start was ``sort of an accident.''
Instilled with a love of cooking from her mother, Fullinwider often baked for family, friends and church bake sales.
``People liked what I made and wanted to buy them,'' she said. ``And a friend offered to carry things in her store.
``After that, things just started to grow.''
After renting kitchens to cook in, Fullinwider said she knew she had to open her own business or ``put it away. I decided to go ahead and do it because I've would have always wondered about it if I hadn't.''
Name: Rowena Fullinwider.
Nickname: I have never had a nickname.
What brought you to Norfolk: The Navy and a desire to be here.
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii.
Occupation: Owner and president of Rowena's Inc. - Creators and Producers of Gourmet Foods.
Marital status: Married to Peter, a very special person.
Children: Three wonderful children, Mary Frances, Rowena and Jody.
Last book read: ``The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success'' by Chopra.
Favorite movie: Most recently, ``Father of the Bride II.''
Favorite magazine: Inc. Magazine.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? There are many people I admire. I can't think of anyone I would like to trade places with.
Biggest accomplishment: First, raising three wonderful children that are caring and special adults. And secondly, my business of 12 years, which produces specialty food such as poundcakes, lemon curd, carrot jam and other unique flavors. And also having been credited, July 1993, on the floor of Congress as being the person largely responsible for getting Congress to re-evaluate the Nutritional Labeling Education Act of 1990 and passing a suitable small business exemption to that act. This was a positive event for most specialty food producers across the nation.
Most embarrassing moment: When you can't remember someone's name.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Perhaps slow down a little - but I love life, and I'm always eager for new experiences, so I always want to stay busy.
Perfect way to spend the day: In the garden during good weather or in front of the fire during the winter.
Favorite vacation spot: Sea Island, Ga.
Pet peeve: People who dwell on the negative. I try hard not to focus on the negatives.
First job: Taking care of correspondence for a lady that was blind.
Worst job: I've never looked upon any job I've ever had as being a bad job.
Hobbies: I love to garden, and I love to sew.
Favorite restaurant: In Ghent, you can't lose.
What do you like most about Norfolk? I've traveled all over the world and nothing surpasses the affection and generosity of the people in Norfolk.
What do you like least about Norfolk? With our wonderful museums, opera and other cultural and fun events, how could anyone find things to dislike in Norfolk. Plus, we're always growing and trying to improve. That's a great combination for a positive future. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by JEN FRIEDBERG
by CNB