It’s Monday and you know what that means… another introduction to one of our fabulous employees here at Paddington Station! Meet Savannah Popelka, a buyer and friendly face you’ll most often see in the kitchen section upstairs.
- Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a tiny, rural Texas town of 826 people called Beckville! It was right on the border of Louisiana and was definitely what you’d call “the sticks”. With kids entertaining themselves, you get a lot of creativity and my first specialties with cooking were mud pies and mud cakes. I believe kids growing up with their hands in the dirt is a good thing and builds lots of character! - What is something about you that would surprise people?
I raced junior dragsters when I was eight years old. I had a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower motor on it and would drag race with other eight-to-twelve year olds. My pit crew was my dad and his friends, who built and worked on my car (see the photo on the bottom left!) Both of my parents raced as well- my dad in another dragster and my mom in a street-modified Camaro. It was just what you did in Texas on a Saturday night and was a lot of fun! - What is the best meal you ever had?
I went to culinary school in Austin and was a line cook for fifteen years. It was hard work but I felt tough, like it was the place I needed to be to cut my teeth. The best meal I ever had was at the restaurant where I worked, and one time our chef competed against Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America. I got to help prepare it and we did five courses of elk: elk tenderloin seared rare and sliced thin, elk masa on corn, sopes with elk, and much more, all cooked in a signature Southwestern style. It was such a cool experience and absolutely delicious! - What is your favorite time of year?
Between Summer and Fall. I still want some warm days but I love watching the trees change! I live for the reds, yellows, and deep oranges. It’s also a great time of anticipation of the holidays to come and all the good eatin’ that happens! - Where is your favorite spot in Ashland?
I love climbing up to Acid Castles with my dog and hanging out on the big rocks! You can go up there any time of year and see the fresh snow, the changing of the leaves, and the blooming of Spring, and it’s always stunningly beautiful. - What are some of your hobbies?
I go to see a lot of music, and love to go dancing at the Talent Club! My husband plays Irish music every Sunday at the Black Sheep and it’s always a good time. - Tell me about your favorite pet you’ve ever had.
Leo is the best guy! He’s half Shetland Sheepdog, half American Eskimo, and all floof. His birthday is August 2nd, so he’s actually a Leo. He’s quite vain and never misses a chance to check himself out! We call him the stinky weasel because he’s got a little weasel nose and is allergic to everything. I got him from Southern Oregon Humane Society four years ago and he’s my best friend. - Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My mom. She raised me and she jumps over every hurdle and keeps going. She’s retiring this month after owning a construction company for twenty years and then became a hospice nurse, providing end-of-life care. It’s tough being so far from her, but I’m so grateful to have her in my life. - What is a mantra you like to live by?
“This, too, shall pass.” Whether times are good and the quote provides a reminder to appreciate what you’ve got while it’s here, or if times are bad, it serves as a reminder that everything is only temporary. - What is your favorite thing about working at Paddington Station?
The vibe. I like being here and surrounding myself with tabletop goodies, aprons, and jams and dreaming about how I could decorate my own house. It just brings me so much excitement and joy. I know that I’m in the right place because I love interacting people when they come in and getting to share my excitement with them too. I enjoy hearing all of my coworkers belly laugh from across the building and it makes me smile to work with such quirky, fun people in this quirky, fun place.
