Leslie Wellons, Co-Owner and Founder on Influential Women
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Influential Woman · Hospitality and Food Services

Leslie Wellons

Co-Owner and Founder, Fabulous Affairs Events and Cuisine

Austin, TX 78717

28Years experience

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Boston University - BS

Her Story

About Leslie

Leslie Wellons is the owner and founder of Fabulous Affairs Events and Cuisine, an Austin, Texas-based event planning and catering company she established with her husband in 1998. With more than 30 years of experience in the food service and hospitality industry, Leslie specializes in corporate catering, production catering for film and television, and private events. Her passion for the culinary field was influenced by her mother's involvement in catering, inspiring her to pursue a career in hospitality. She earned a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Boston University, where she served as vice president of the student council for the university's Hotel and Restaurant Management School. During her studies, she also received training from renowned chefs Jacques Pépin and Rocco DiSpirito, further developing her culinary knowledge and professional expertise.

Through Fabulous Affairs Events and Cuisine, Leslie provides comprehensive event planning and catering services tailored to the unique needs of corporate clients and entertainment productions. Her areas of expertise include menu development, event coordination, client relations, marketing, staffing, and vendor management. She also brings valuable hands-on experience from her time at Legal Sea Foods in Boston, where she gained knowledge of seafood sourcing, cooking techniques, and food and wine pairings. Working alongside her husband, chef Bruce Cox, Leslie oversees business development, client proposals, hiring, marketing, and operational management, while also contributing to menu planning and food preparation. Her company has established strong relationships throughout the Austin community and has developed specialized experience serving film, television, music, and other production projects. Looking ahead, Leslie aims to expand the company's production catering services as opportunities continue to grow throughout Austin and Central Texas.

Leslie attributes her success to family support, a strong educational foundation, and a commitment to continuous learning. She believes that staying informed about industry trends, researching new culinary ideas, and remaining open to new approaches are essential to delivering exceptional service. Family has always played an important role in her professional and personal life, with her two sons participating in the family business during their summer breaks as they grew up. Outside of work, Leslie enjoys music, dancing, exercise, and walking around the lake with friends and her dog. She also appreciates traveling, visiting the beach, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, and spending quality time with family and friends. Through her dedication to hospitality, adaptability, and personalized service, Leslie continues to create memorable experiences for her clients while strengthening her company's presence in the Austin catering and events industry.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Leslie

01What do you attribute your success to?

Family support and a good background. Never stop learning, keep up with latest trends, adapt to make things more operationally proficient, and always research new menu ideas.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Learned from mentors at places like Legal Seafoods in Boston about sourcing seafood, cooking methods, and food and wine pairings. Also learned from mother who owned a catering business, and from chefs like Jacques Pepin and Rocco Despierto at Boston University.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Growing the production side of the business as more filming comes to the Austin and Central Texas area. Texas is becoming more desirable for productions, with opportunities to work with companies like Netflix, MTV, and Food Network on series filmed around Austin.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Family is first and foremost. Enjoys incorporating family into the business, with kids growing up working in the catering company, and food being central to family gatherings.

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