Meet Molly Schemper

Molly grew up in a farm-to-table restaurant before the term existed. She has always loved food and connecting to people through it. After a stint in advertising, she took a job as a personal chef/crew member on board two private yachts. She resettled in Chicago in 2003 and met her business partner (and now husband) at a downtown restaurant. Together they launched FIG Catering and have learned something nearly everyday since then – whether it’s how to make a better scone or how to source more local produce. 

Q+A

What inspires you? 

My fellow entrepreneurs that I see struggling and working hard every day. I feel like I was so lucky to be born into a family that was educated and able to always feed and cloth me. I am inspired by those who come from harder situations and are able to succeed.



What is your first (or best) memory? 

Hanging out at our family restaurant – eating chunks of blue cheese, smelling cooked custard, marrying ketchup bottles, buttering bread pans…everything.



What do you hate? 

Close minded people



If you had to change careers what would you want to do? 

Make goat cheese in Jamaica or open an ice cream parlor



Who helped get you here? 

Everyone – my family, my friends, my enemies even



What gets you through a rough day? 

Usually chocolate or wine, sometimes both


Want more? Connect with Molly on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Jamie Kelter Davis Photography