The Gig Salad Blog

I recently read a two page spread in Inc. magazine about the CEO of Happy Mandible, Tonya Kay. I really dig her and this is partly why,  because I see a little of myself in her.

I too was once CEO (culinary executive officer) that is, of a craft service company, many years ago in New York City. Like many film and tv production jobs, this gig was to allow me and others, then and now, the access to the producers, directors and other industry types that may give the big break.

That break came to me when towards the end of the production of “She Devil”, director Susan Seidelman said, “hey kid, you want a bit part in my movie, I’ll give you a line as my way of saying “thanks” for all the good grub you provided for Meryl and Roseanne and Ed and the rest of the crew”.

That would be the same Meryl Streep, who’s now in the new movie “It’s Complicated” co-starring with Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, the Grammy nominated, sometime banjo pickin’, comedian, actor. And, Roseanne Barr of the then-wildly-popular “Roseanne” tv show.

Ed Begley Jr., also was there, most recently of “Living with Ed” fame. Yes, Ed was living green way before it was in style. He had me recycling on the set back in 1989.

For me, I went from the kitchen to the stage and now I’m behind a desk.

Tonya, is more of a Jackie-of-all-trades, master of many. Dancing professionally since she was 15 and left her farm town in Michigan. A brief stint in Branson, MO where she landed a gig backing up the ivory tickling player Dino.

Now, amongst being a Madonna Impersonator, acting, and speaking about a raw and vegan lifestyle, Ms. Kay’s L.A. based company is delivering raw and vegan foods to the same type of craft service and catering companies on movie and tv sets I use to run.

Tonya, in addition, has also parlayed her multiple talents into a new Comedy Central series called “Secret Girlfriend”. On the side she performs and competitively throws knives, spins fire, and bullwhips. One of those competitions landed her on the national stage of America’s Got Talent, alongside some of the other uniquely gifted people we have helped get on the show by setting up private auditions through Gig Salad.

Ms. Kay is one special type of variety performer that talent buyers across America come to us daily to book. And frankly, one of the types I find most fascinating. The danger and the uniqueness of this circus-type, sideshow performance make what she offers a true crowd-pleaser for private and corporate events.

Tonya may very well be one of the hardest working folks in showbiz. And with a knife, she is certainly a cut above the rest.