I attended Iowa State University for HRIM with a Music minor and while working at Great Plains Sauce & Dough Company, I was inspired to open my own pizza place. I’ve always loved working with people and have a true servant’s heart. I grew up working in restaurants with my first job bussing tables at the 5th Street Cafe in Valley Junction while in high school at Hoover High. What inspired you to start your own business? Was it something you always wanted to do? I find it will be a beautiful journal to reflect upon as the years pass and the things we are grateful for change as we grow older. Our latest favorite thing we do is write in our gratitude journal when we have a meal at the table together. We have so much fun reading books together, being creative through art and our imaginations, exploring in nature, and finding as many ways as possible to laugh. The biggest joy is to see the boys be inspired to do kind things for others and watching their personalities blossom as we enjoy new experiences together. My biggest challenge is the fear of not giving 100% of myself to my boys while trying to balance the stress of owning businesses that can be very unpredictable and demanding of my time. I’m still strapped with the challenge of turning work off when I have a day away from the shop with my boys. There’s always something to do for the business. What do you consider the biggest challenge of motherhood to be? Biggest joy? We love spending time outdoors playing sports, hiking, swimming, and visiting with our family, most of which whom also live in the greater Des Moines area. I am very proud that my son Dylan is following in my footsteps by learning piano through taking lessons at Central Iowa Music Lab. I’m also a keyboardist and vocalist, performing with various groups in town. I’m a Des Moines native and single mother raising two amazing boys Dylan (7) and Preston (5), along with an ornery 15-year-old puggle named Riley.
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Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family She is a single mom to two boys who inspire her daily to work hard, treat their guests and team with kindness, and embrace as many opportunities as possible in the community to make a difference while sharing joy with others. Gwen Page is the President and Co-Founder of Fong’s Pizza.
#Bellhop des moines series
Check out the rest of the series and read profiles from previous years here.
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This summer we are thrilled to feature some local moms who are thinking outside the box and making a difference in our community through the businesses they own, organizations they are involved with, and work they do. You are a mom, wife, friend, diaper changer, nose wiper, meal planner, lost toy finder, the list goes on and on!
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Des Moines Mom recognizes that moms wear a lot of hats.