Why did paula deen start cooking?

Paula Deen became famous by her restaurant The Lady and Sons became known. Once it hit popularity, she wrote a cook book called "The Lady and Sons Savannah Country Cook Book." This gave Paula's fans to try her recipes at home. And soon led to her appearance on QVC. In 1999 USA Today food critic Jerry Shriver named The Lady and Sons, "International Meal Of The Year" Therefore giving her more popularity and publicity. Soon people started to adore her and her food.