Celebrity Chef Speaker Paula Deen is a best-selling author, television show host, tastemaker to celebrities and the everyday housewife. She overcame odds to become one of the most noticeable brands today.

With only $200 and the help of her sons Jamie Deen and Bobby Deen, she became known as “The Bag Lady,” after starting a home-based meal delivery service in Savannah, Georgia. From this she opened her restaurant, The Lady and Sons, in Savannah. Her first cookbook, The Lady and Sons Savannah Country Cookbook, led her to her first TV appearance on QVC, which brought her brand from regionally known to nationally known, and started the repeated stretch of New York Times best selling cookbooks and magazines.

After the launch of her cookbooks, the Deen brand moved to television with the premiere of Paula’s Home Cooking on The Food Network in November 2002, Paula’s Party in 2006, and Paula’s Best Dishes in 2008. The next step in the branding of Paula Deen, was the signature cookware and kitchen accessories. In March 2008, Meyer Corp launched the line; this was then followed by the Paula Deen Home Collection. Paula now offers a vast line of products that range from scented candles to cream cheese to writing desks, and a common theme running throughout all of her products: home. Her focus is always trying to make someone feel welcome and feel at home, and her products exudes this in every form. She also endorses Smithfield Hams.

Paula was also a guest judge on Top Chef, which aired on Bravo in 2011 and was also on Oprah where she baked her favorite pound cake recipe. The recipe called for two sticks of butter and three cups of sugar. This is a favorite episode of fans because Paula reminded Oprah, “I’m your cook, not your doctor!”

In 2009, Paula released a new desert line to be sold at Walmart that included old fashion fudge, apple crunch top, gooey butter cake bars, etc. Most recently, Paula opened up her own restaurant and retail store called Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Paula Deen is available for public speaking, autograph signing and team building events.