Rochelle is a partner with Edward Francescone in creating a new cell phone app called eataboutown.
Photo credit experian.com
Rochelle never thought she would be an entrepreneur. The idea always scared her when she was younger. When the Covid 19 pandemic held the United States hostage, Rochelle thought about her career and financial situation. The pandemic put a lot of things into perspective. Rochelle decided she wanted to be more in control of her financial future and her life.
Rochelle and her friend Edward Francescone came up with the idea for the app while walking around in Center City in Philadelphia, PA, one December night. They went down to the Christmas village were walking through the city as they often do. They were talking about how Edward and another friend would try different restaurants before the pandemic. And then the idea just came to us. Edward came up with the basis and then we started to form an idea for a new kind restaurant rewards app for cell phones. This is the origin of eataboutown.
Rochelle is a long time resident Philadelphia. She moved there when she was 18 years old. Having worked in the restaurant industry Rochelle has a lot of input to offer Edward in the development of the eataboutown app. The premise is a membership based rewards app eataboutown will drive people to experience new restaurants and enjoy a diverse selection of food. The app will allow members to find participating restaurants using various search options, displaying different cuisine types and entertainment. Members are rewarded every time they try a different restaurant in the app. Eat About Town is also a marketing tool for restaurants in the nationwide. Click here for more details about the eataboutown app.
The eataboutown app is still in development. There is a graphic prototype and Rochelle is currently in the process of securing more funding to complete the build. Rochelle and Edward hope to have the app launched within the next 6 months. The eataboutown app will be available for android and iOS cell phones
You can keep up with eataboutown app news and the launch on its Facebook page eataboutown. There is only one level of membership that is billed monthly. Rochelle says rewards far outweigh the membership fee! If you are interested in signing up for eataboutown membership go to www.eataboutown.com. You can do a pre-signup, with the option to pre-pay for the first year. If you choose this option you will get a pre-membership at a discounted rate of $12 for the first year. Individuals and restaurants can also sign up with no obligation.
** Trigger Warning: Show contains very heavy subject matter.**
Juggling motherhood with work is not new information. For decades, women have been piling things on their plate (often not by choice) while everyone applauds them. “I don’t know how she does it”, they say. So how come no one says, “why does she have to do it all?”
The TV show “Working Moms” gives the unfiltered version of how most moms are feeling with this juggling act that society wants to pass off as normal?!? This Canadian show is based in Toronto, Ontario and if you ever just wanted to turn on the TV and see raw footage of motherhood, then this is the show for you. This show covers a range of topics including; how to juggle your job with your marriage/kids, what happens when your child starts acting out, and what happens when you feel like all you do is try your best but it’s still not good enough.
What I love about this show is that it is the complete opposite of a lot of things we see in entertainment in regards to a women’s role in the house and the office. There are often a lot of perfectly wrapped up endings in tv shows and movies (which is great, everyone loves those), however, it gives women the impression that they are not doing “enough”. We compare ourselves to other women and where they are on their journey not realizing that we aren’t falling behind them, we are just in a different place.
Working Moms goes deep into what happens when you return from maternity leave and you are still breastfeeding. You are working so hard to receive a long-overdue promotion but during the day you have to manage your schedule so that you can pump. It sounds easy enough but when out of the blue meetings pop up and you must be there, what do you do? I feel like the better question (after watching the show) is still: Why is it easier for men to return to work than it is for women? Assuming that most, if not all jobs have female employees why is there not more support for them in the office? Why are there judgment and dirty looks? Why do promotions in the office force females to choose between being a mom and being an employee?
One thing I know for sure, is that I would like someone to say “what can I take off your plate?” instead of “I don’t know how you do it all?” I know that I can do it all, I’m not perfect but I can do it. My point is, even though I can, it would be nice to not have to. To carry the mental load alone between appointments, childcare, my job, my business and my marriage (plus family, friends, and a healthy lifestyle) is a lot and we all know that these are only a few examples. Working Moms is the show for you if you are an exhausted working mama and have reached a point of just not caring at all! Whoever said we had to do it all, has never even lifted a finger! Don’t let anyone make you doubt yourself. You can handle this!
We have now completed half the year of 2022. Look back at the previous six months and consider what you have learned. Also, consider any victories you have accomplished.
We jumped into January with the S.M.A.R.T. Goals. In February, we learned that staying in the black is ‘where it’s at’ regarding our bank balances. In March, we discussed maximizing our natural talents, or maximizing our goals, skills or other interests that will allow us to become healthier individuals.
In April, we discussed the “T” account usage in accounting and how it relates to balancing our finances. In May, we reviewed how to minimize different types of expenses. In June we celebrated!
This month of July, I want to briefly explain a “Joint Venture”. It’s summer, school is out and you may have extra time on your hands. You and your buddy or cousin decide to make some money by asking neighbors in your area if they need any yard work done or help walking the dog. These are just two examples, it could be anything different. The two you agree to do the work together and share the money earned from working. This is the basics of a joint venture.
Keep in mind that you should always write down what each person is responsible for doing and the amount of profits you will spilt or share. Have an adult review what you have written down and when each of you agree to everything, sign the form and stay committed to the agreement. There may be some challenges along the way. Keep communication open and discuss your feelings about the jobs you have agreed to do together. Always keep an adult involved to help guide you through the process.
You may surprise yourself and discover that this is something that can grow into more than just a summer past-time. Keep your mind on your money!
Darrian Byrom, is the Founder and CEO of Bumble Scents Skin Care, a natural skin care line for children and adults who suffer from specific skin inflammations and concerns as well as sensitive skin. Her products aid in rejuvenation, hydration and nourishment to your skin. She started her company, because of her son dealt with eczema. This is a true success story, since her launch she has gained a consistent customer base across 45 states. She knows all too well the demands of running a successful business and plans a 3-day Relax and Unwind Self Care Retreat, October 21st-23rd in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Guests will enjoy pampering with massage, self-care activities, and Zumba. “This retreat is going to be life-changing and transformational to all attendees who want to put themselves first and make self-care apart of their lifestyle. Clinical Therapist Alexia Mitchell will be in attendance to teach women how to reset and heal and find self-care easier when applying it to your life after a loss, or when you may have experienced a significant change in your life.”- Darrian Byrom
Tell us about what led you to launch Bumble Scents Skin Care.
My seven-year-old son dealt with eczema since the age of one and medical grade creams did not work on him. He would still be inflamed, itchy and the small bumps would pop, and he would be two toned. Creating products helped heal his skin over time. I have always been someone who was into more natural based products and a holistic approach. Doing that for my son is what initially sparked the idea. Also, I launched during the pandemic in June of 2020. It was an even greater push because I was laid off for a few months during the pandemic due to the restaurant only working managers, which was understandable. I had to wait months before I finally received my unemployment benefits. That made me promise myself to NEVER be in any position to be laid off whether it’s a pandemic or just being “let go”. I was afraid when I launched that no one would order from me but once I did, within my first 6- months I made $20,000 in sales and reached 40 states of consistent customers. Launching Bumble Scents Skin Care changed my life and put me in rooms I never imagined being in.
Tumeric and Seamoss Massage Soap Bar
Your products are made of natural ingredients specific for children and adults who suffer from skin inflammations and sensitive skin. Tell us more
Yes, my products are made of natural ingredients for children and adults with sensitive skin and skin inflammations. I create my products with natural herbs and oils that specifically help heal and aid in skin rejuvenation for those mainly in a day-to-day battle with eczema, acne and hyperpigmentation. These are three skin concerns many people deal with and have a hard time combating against. The products have been proven to heal and/or reduce the appearance of these skin concerns and give itch relief and even skin tone.
Tell us about the popular, Skin Toner Bundle and Bumble Package.
The Bumble Package is a definite luxury package. It’s a choice package where customers can choose their soap, scrub and moisturizer based on what skin concern they are wanting to target. This bundle leaves customers, refreshed, hydrated, feeling beautiful and brand new in their skin. The Skin Toner Bundle is mainly for those who want to target hyperpigmentation, dark spots and acne scars. This bundle is pre picked and cannot be modified. It includes my Smooth Egyptian Facial Cleanser which can also be used as a body wash as these skin concerns can happen on areas besides the face. This soap is an African Black Soap base filled with extra hydrating and skin softening oils to repair the skin and add a boost of moisture. The Tumeric and Seamoss Massaging Soap bar which is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial soap. This bar is rich in Vitamin C which is a beneficial brightening bar and evens skin tone.
Bumble Package
The Aloe Vera and Hemp Body Scrub is a new addition to this bundle as it is an exfoliating agent used to remove dead skin cells and repair skin. Also included are the Rose Water Toning Sheet masks best used on days customers would exfoliate for brightening and Toning purposes. The last product in this bundle is the All-in-One Whipped Shea Butter. This body butter is the single butter I make as it’s full of nourishing ingredients to heal, brighten and hydrate the skin all over.
What will we enjoy from your Relax & Unwind Self Care Retreat in October?
The Relax and Unwind Self Care Retreat is October 21st-23rd in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It is for busy business-women or women who wear multiple hats in their day-to-day life. Whether it’s business, work, motherhood, marriage, motherhood etc. This retreat is designed for like-minded women to come together, release their worries, setbacks and anything blocking them from putting themselves first. Activities are designed to fully break down who they once were and leave a new woman ready to take on the world with a clearer mindset, vision and purpose. This 3-day weekend will be a fully pampered, fun and transformational experience for each woman attending as we will have Zumba and Pilates, meditation sessions, night caps with music food and drinks, self-care activities and much more.
What luxurious treatments that will be offered during the 3- days?
A few luxurious treatments that will be offered during the 3-day retreat is that all meals will be fully catered by our private chef, Chef Najah of Southern Munchiez who has a specialty in global cuisine and a flavored twist to southern cuisine, no one will have an empty stomach! Also, all attendees will have a facial treatment by our licensed Estheticians giving your face the love it deserves. Attendees will also receive a body massage by licensed Massage Therapists.
Why will your retreat be life-changing?
This retreat is going to be life-changing and transformational to all attendees who want to put themselves first and make self-care apart of their lifestyle. Clinical Therapist Alexia Mitchell will be in attendance to teach women how to reset and heal and find self-care easier when applying it to your life after a loss, or when you may have experienced a significant change in your life. Spiritual leader Ayodele Olufemi will be in attendance to bring on the approach of self-care while finding your spiritual center and balance. We will have Zumba and Pilates led my certified instructors Paula Marie and Sandra Wide following with meditation to add physical and mental self-care into your daily life helping to clear your mind and becoming one with yourself. Estheticians Raven Jackson and Dementia Scales will be pampering attendees with facials to start off their pampering for the weekend. Following up with Licensed Massage Therapists Kieri Davis and Anastasia Williams who will be working their magic on attendee’s bodies during their massage. Private Chef Najah Hines of Southern Munchiez, her niche is global cuisine and southern cuisine with a twist. She will be filling all stomachs with all meals and drinks for the duration of guests stay. Team Leaders will also be in attendance to ensure all activities and list of events run smoothly and efficiently.
Share the activities and Sister Circle.
Some activities you will have to be in attendance to see! The Sister Circle is to get close to one another while targeting a specific past time memory and how to surpass that memory. We will be talking to our younger self and finding the root to our inability to change certain aspects of our life so we can move forward in a more positive state. There will be other pairing activities that will form bonds and forever sisterhoods. As well as a fun night of Paint and Sip.
Seimone Loupé, the owner of Eclectic Totes LLC, launched her tote bag business in 2020. During all of the tragedies and restrictions during the pandemic, it was time for a change. It was necessary to bring a sense of liveliness to her world, even if it meant wearing totes and fabrics from other countries. The idea derived from desiring chic, multi-cultural bags for all occasions. To feel like one is on vacation within their own city, even if it means taking a simple walk on the beach or nearby park.
Eclectic Totes is the new wave of artistic and vibrant eco-friendly bags that are durable, affordable and classy. The Eclectic Line embodies unique bags from multiple countries around the globe. Each tote is handmade from regions which include Bali, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, London, India, Canada, Mexico, U.S.A. and more!
Eclectic’s unique African Collection line are handcrafted by Artisans from Kenya and Ghana. During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 42,000 layoffs have occurred in Ghana. Thousands of businesses have had challenges including a decrease in sales. Eclectic Totes donates 10% of all proceeds from our African Collection line to the Artisan Relief Fund. These funds are employed strictly to support Artisans with demonstrated need.
You had an epiphany during the pandemic and decided to launch, Eclectic Totes. Tell us why it was time for a change.
The pandemic was a complete shock to the system when it all began. Hearing the death tolls every morning, and learning friends and family were impacted put me in a state of extreme sadness and confusion. Aside from the pandemic, my spirit was crushed due to the constant police brutality, in which impacted the black community, which left me heart broken. During the mandatory lock down, I yearned to travel and spend time dinning with friends. I needed to figure out a way to break the monotony of my daily routine. I remember waking up one morning and feeling the urge to make a difference. Eclectic Totes was a vision that I had for a few years prior to 2020, and I felt it was time to create, bring light and peace to my spirit as well as to the public. Once the travel ban was lifted, I knew it would be time for women to travel and feel proud to wear bags that are unique and diverse. I wanted to hand select styles that would bring warmth and a sense of confidence for anyone that represented my brand. Being eclectic means you do not fit into one particular box, but instead draw upon various styles. It was time to introduce the world to Eclectic Totes.
Tell us about why Eclectic’s unique African Collection line are handcrafted by Artisans from Kenya and Ghana.
It was important to me because I am of African descent, so I chose to pursue Africa first. During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 42,000 layoffs have occurred in Ghana. Thousands of businesses have had challenges including a decrease in sales. Eclectic Totes donates 10% of all proceeds from our African Collection line to the Artisan Relief Fund. These funds are employed strictly to support Artisans with demonstrated needs.
Diamond Leather Trimmed tote- New Arrival
FWM: Share your popular designs.
Currently our best sellers include the Embellished Colorful Spring tote, Diamond Leather trimmed bag, Gold Silver Medallion Jute Tote along with the Jute Round Black Scroll tote.
FWM: Eclectic Totes offers the perfect combination of stylish totes and handmade jewelry, perfect for weddings and Summer outings. Please share a few chic combinations.
I adore our new gold plated Jade necklaces which would add a pop of color to our Jute Round Black Scroll totes. Jade is a mineral that has benefits that include grounding and moral integrity. Jute is a natural fiber, and the leaves include minerals and are extracted from the Jute plant (Corchorus Capsularis). The necklace and tote pair are beautiful and natural. Our Crystal Quartz gold bangle is majestic and is perfect to wear at a classy occasion. I would pair this bracelet with our embellished colorful spring tote which is light and durable.
Gold Silver Jute Medallion Tote Jade Pendant Aquamarine and moonstone
Tell us about your latest elegant tote from India.
Our Eclectic Fringy colorful tote is large in size and is handmade. Each stitch is intricate and detailed with colors that include yellow, magenta, powder blue and gold. This bag definitely makes a statement and is perfect for a walk at the beach or your next spa day. The fringe and pompoms are fun and eclectic. The tote fits everything from beach towels, your favorite magazines, or even your laptop. The size is 15”x22”.
Share your vision for 2022.
Our team includes Los Angeles-based top artists, seamstresses, and designers and we are currently working on our 2022 Eclectic Totes Winter Collection. I would like anyone from all walks of life that love vibrant, eclectic fashion to wear my bags. It would also be a great honor to see my bags represented by humanitarians, entrepreneurs, female leaders of power, influencers and celebrities from across the world.
Essie Taylor is an influencer and world changer. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Rockford College. She is a veteran educator of Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, and Spanish Language Acquisition with National Board Teacher Certification. She is an advocate of lifelong learning, language learning & multiculturalism. Essie is the CEO of KenMar Press and The Essie Faye Collection. Essie is the author of “Finding the Love You Deserve: 30 Lessons in Self-Love & Acceptance” and “Finding The Love Your Deserve: A 60 Day Healing Journal For Women of Faith. She is also a minister, youth advocate, recording artist, podcaster, and improviser. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path. She loves God, people, and helping others. Essie has been a Christian nearly all of her 39 years; She was born again at 15-years-old. She has been a bilingual worship leader and interpreter for 10+ years and has by the grace of God helped to establish bilingual ministries at 5 churches in her young life. She is a survivor of domestic violence (verbal and emotional abuse) and marital abandonment in a prior marriage.
Share your background.
I am a Chicago Native–I’m from the South Side! I was born and raised in the neighborhood of Englewood. I’m a product of the Chicago Public School System. I am currently an educator at CPS. I believe that education opens many doors of opportunity; it did for me. I’m a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL where I majored in African American studies and minored in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
Tell us about your deep commitment to motivating minorities, women, and youth to pursue God while chasing their dreams.
As a Black female and youth advocate and educator, I feel that it is my responsibility to first be visible and give voice to that experience, in whatever space in which I find myself. Education is a tool through which I coach my students to find their life path, to question, inquire, and think. Teaching is a huge part of my identity, as are my race and gender. I am a mentor to youth, and I am a sister-friend to women of all races, as we share a similar struggle and path in life.
You have been a bilingual worship leader and interpreter for 10+ years. Tell us more.
I have a passion for worship, praise, and God. I am also passionate about Spanish and Spanish-speaking cultures. It is an amazing opportunity to create a space of access through interpreting and serving in another language. I am helping others by spreading the Gospel message of love to Spanish speakers. The medium of language is powerful and I have the task of being a conduit as I transmit a message from one language to another–this is not merely words, but it includes energy, expression, and the anointing. It’s an awesome experience and allows access to many who may not otherwise have access to a life altering message of victory & deliverance.
What was your inspiration for Finding the Love You Deserve?
My book, “Finding the love you Deserve: 30 Lessons in Self-Love and Acceptance” was born out of my experience within an abusive marriage and the grief of divorce. After I ended a “marriage” of three years, I was so broken emotionally, spiritually, financially, psychologically. It contains 30 lessons I learned from walking the path to wholeness and rediscovering who I was after experiencing one of the lowest points in my life.
Share your vision for the Essie Faye Collection.
My vision for the Essie Faye Collection is that consumers would be inspired by the encouraging messages on tees. Life can be so difficult sometimes and the smallest things–like tees–can bring so much joy. Sometimes sadness can be overcome with a simple kind word. I aim to deliver a kind word through tees with an inspirational message. My motivation for starting this collection was the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The entire world was mourning; we were surrounded by death and uncertainty. It was a scary time for us all. And I thought, “how can I encourage people to keep faith?” The Essie Faye Collection is a small way to encourage faith in God’s plan and the kindness of people.
Parenting is truly a blessing. Watching your child grow throughout the various stages of life is priceless. While most mothers have a good grip on motherhood, mompreneurs often experience a different version. The mompreneur version involves mom guilt, needing a consistent village, and learning how to multitask. In the beginning stages of entrepreneurship and mommy life, one often experiences the most challenging situations.
Beauty mogul, Kechia Taylor, knows about this lifestyle from firsthand experience. Her luxury brand known as Brows and Co was built from the ground up with her hustle, tears, and motivation. “A mompreneur is a boss!,” Kechia exclaims. Despite this notion, mom guilt is still a real emotion. “Mom guilt will play on your emotions if you let it,” she continues.
Here’s what Kechia Taylor mentioned about the early stages of mompreneur life, how to handle mom guilt, and more:
When your career began, how did you manage your day-to-day business while
parenting?
“Oh my goodness, I sucked at it! I managed by taking my children to work. They hated it, but I had to be there building my business. Some days they were in the studio with me for 12 hours because daycare was closed. But being present in this space impacted them in a positive way and both of my children are now entrepreneurs.”
How does your “village” impact your home and business life?
“I’ve always kept quiet about the things I was working on in my business. There were a
limited number of people who knew what I was doing. I didn’t share with too many people because I didn’t want any outside “noise” or negative opinions. I just wanted to lock in and focus to build my brand.”
How did mom guilt impact your life?
“A lot! I always feel guilty that I had to encourage them to be independent earlier. There were times when I had to go on trips for my business and my kids couldn’t go. But on the positive side, all of the work I’ve put in has made it easier for my children. They won’t have to work as hard and they have tons of access to things to help grow their businesses. For example, because I own a beauty studio, my daughter has a space for her to open her barbering company once she graduates.”
How can working moms thrive in their business life?
“The most important thing is to incorporate your kids within your business. That’s what I
did and continue to do. I incorporate my children so they have a better understanding of what I’m doing and how the entrepreneurial lifestyle works. They now want it because it’s
what they grew up seeing. Another important thing is for moms to really take care of themselves. Do something for yourself every day. Even when your schedule is full, pause and take care of yourself.”
What self-care practices help you thrive daily?
“I meditate every day! I also work out a ton and love having a spa day.”
Being a mompreneur is no small task. We experience more challenges than most entrepreneurs. However, those challenges can be turned into positive changes and goal-oriented mind shifts to incorporate best practices. Connect with Kechia Taylor of Brows and Co by visiting her on Instagram as @browsandcompany and https://www.browsandcompany.com/pages/linkinbio.
Writer, C. Scott, is a mompreneur, author, and social worker. Follow her online as @curls_coils.
Hello Pretty Women Hustle readers! I’m changing things up for you today. Typically, I do a review on something I have already watched but what I wanted to try now is doing a two-part review – before and after I watch it.
They say to never meet your heroes because you might be disappointed and although this “meet” is virtual for me I am really hoping this popular phrase is wrong. I have been dancing and singing (way off-key) to J.LO for many years now and I always wondered what type of person she should be in real life. Watching the previews at first glance it was quite hard to tell which side I would be seeing but hearing J.LO talking about her insecurities in one scene really was an eye-opener for me. I have always seen this put-together version that I aspired to be (I mean, don’t we all see these versions of all celebrities?), I still aspire to be like her (I doubt this movie will change that) but it was a nice reminder that we should be striving for happiness and not perfection.
Seeing as how this “review’ is a little shorter than my past ones, I want to know your thoughts. Have you seen this documentary? Has it changed your view on Jennifer Lopez? Did you enjoy the film?
Comment on our post or slide into our DM’s and let us know your thoughts!
Nonnie cosmetics specializes in Beauty, cosmetics, and personal care. Our cosmetic line sells high-quality, cruelty free long lasting lip-gloss and liquid lipsticks with a matte finish, paired with our pigmented, colorful loose glam glitter, along with some of our amazing skincare products such as “foaming bath whip” “milk bath” and “sugar scrub” that’s all-natural and handmade fresh to each order.
At Nonnie Cosmetics our goal is to make your beauty unique from the inside and out. K Beauty products were also made for those who suffer from a skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis, each product has been FDA approved.
What inspired you to start Nonnie Cosmetics? I’ve always loved being in the company of others and helping them become the BEST versions of themselves.
Did you always have a passion for the beauty industry? Yes! I literally use to sneak and play in my grandmother and older sister’s makeup at the age of 10 and up lol.
Take us through your creative process of releasing new products for K Beauty by Nonnie cosmetics? I continue to practice my craft by finding out the different types of beauty products that my audience is looking for. I am currently in the process of releasing New Products that several customers have requested.
What can customers expect when shopping with K Beauty? Great Professionalism “The skill, good judgment behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well” I have this saying that “The Customers are ALWAYS RIGHT” with Nonnie Cosmetics, Whatever it may be customers will definitely be “AMAZED” with our customer service and to know that we understand their needs and wants.
What message do you hope women take away from your brand?
That our brand is 100% All Natural and Hand-made fresh to each order. That K Beauty Products are truly amazing and work wonders on all skin types.
Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3-5 years?
I plan to open a “Beauty & Spa Lounge” where women can come to get pampered/relax all while sipping on several different flavor mimosas as well as being able to sell/purchase our K Beauty Products in our establishment and focus on making Nonnie Cosmetics a huge “House Hold Name”
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? A woman who does it all from being a business-woman, mother, and wife while being able to find a balance through it all and still able to grace people with their beauty
NonnieCosmetics.com
You can follow Nonnie Cosmetics on social media FB: K Beauty by Nonnie Cosmetics IG: Nonnie_Cosmetics Email: Nonniecosmetics@gmail.com
Shaquin Thomas is the CEO and owner of Soul To Table Catering. She is a personal chef and event planner. In addition to serving food, she also selflessly serves her community. Hence the name; Soul To Table. Her accomplishments include being an author of two published cookbooks, Cooking with Soul To Table and Soul To Table Soup which is available on Amazon. Even though she has accomplished so much, she is still human and has those moments so to speak.
Sometimes she wrestles with changing the name of her business and getting a new logo but then she starts thinking about how she started her business and came up with the name. Shaquin’s father was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer on March 6, 2017, and her life changed forever. She moved him in with her immediately and began to take care of him. As his health declined, she took a leave of absence from her accounting job. During her leave of absence, her job politely fired her! On the morning of April 23, 2017, She awoke at 6 am & like every morning, She checked on her father as soon as her eyes opened because she slept on the chair right next to his bed. This time she noticed his eyes were open but he wasn’t responding. He was transitioning. Shaquin called the Hospice nurse and she was told it could take a few hours or days but the hearing was one of the last things to go. She told her father she loved him and that she would spend her life making the catering business successful as they had planned together. She got up and began to prepare a meal for a 200-person wedding event she was set to cater that afternoon. Shaquin then called her immediate family to share the news about her Dad. They came to her house. I
She whipped up peach Cobbler, hugged loved ones, stuffed chicken, kissed her Dad, chopped potatoes, shed tears, and stopped to check her father’s pulse & this routine continued until she watched her beloved Daddy take his last breath at 1032 a.m. She felt like a piece of her soul died that day. She felt like he gave his life in exchange for her dream. Shaquin would never have stepped out on faith to start a business. She spent her entire savings taking care of funeral costs.
A few days later Shaquin was wondering what She would do, how and how she would provide for her kids. She happened to stop by Blessings Thrift Store b/c window shopping was therapy for her. While there, an employee said, “Maybe you can deliver lunch to us until you decide about going back to work.” The next day Shaquin sold her first $7 plate & it has been a whirlwind of a dream since then. It is 5 years later and she is still sharing her soul to her table and She has even published a few cookbooks and created a line of seasoning blends. Her father was a giving person and she pays homage to him daily through her random acts of kindness. Shaquin was once featured on the local news stations like ABC and CBS for catering a wedding with 200 guests completely free for a beautiful woman diagnosed with stage four lung cancer just like my father. She has been so blessed so she pays it forward by providing home-cooked meals and personally serving the police, firefighters, EMTs, and veterans once a month for free locally in her hometown of McDonough, GA. She even packages hygiene kits and she and her kids walk around Atlanta giving them to the less fortunate.
Shaquin was once featured on CNN for giving homecooked meals to a 90-year-old veteran on her birthday as well as feeding the homeless. She does random pulse checks on the elderly and the sick and shut-in. Because her network has grown so much when there is an immediate need for a citizen like getting a ramp built for a disabled veteran or having a leaky molded roof replaced completely free of charge for an elderly woman, She is able to post it on social media and the job gets done ASAP and It warms her heart. She loves being able to help. The local community including the firefighters and American legion volunteer and work on these community projects and She serves them complimentary meals daily until the job is complete. Shaquin aspires to be an inspiration to those ready to give up on their dreams! She would say to them-You got this and NOTHING can stop you!
Who is Shaquin Thomas outside of entrepreneurship?
Outside of entrepreneurship, I wear a plethora of hats. I’m a mother of three beautiful active children. I’m also extremely active in my community, serving complimentary meals to police officers, first responders, veterans, and the less fortunate on a regular basis. I’m very involved in community affairs as well. Because of my busy schedule, vacation time is always much needed.
When did you realize you had a passion for culinary arts?
I realized I had a passion for cooking once I started cooking for company potlucks and they were enjoying my food so much, that they started requesting dishes. They would request items I had never cooked and I would always say, “Of course, I know how to do that!” Surprisingly, all my dishes were a hit so I realized it had to be a God-given talent because I had never even thought of culinary school.
How did The Soul To Table Catering company come about?
It was a full-circle type of experience the way it came about. My father would always assist me with cooking for my events and he told me to step out in faith and do it full time. When you have a 9-5 job, the cushion is so comfortable. When my father was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, I took a leave of absence from my job to take care of him. I was on a leave of absence for less than two weeks and my job asked if I could return but I declined because I was taking care of my father 24/7. They let me go and stated I could reapply if my father passed. My father passed ten days later. Soul To Table was birthed when my father transitioned while I was preparing food for an event. I had an epiphany. My father gave his soul while I was cooking in order for my dream to fruition…Soul To Table.
What has been the highlight of your journey thus far? What has been the most challenging lesson you’ve had to learn?
The highlight of my journey was being recognized on CNN for serving veterans complimentary meals on my birthday. The most challenging lesson I had learn is that others in the same industry will always consider you competition.
What can women expect when supporting Soul To Table Catering? What is the experience like?
The experience is like no other. When utilizing my services, we talk, and ultimately we bond. There are so many facets to me and I have never met a stranger. I share my testimony, encourage them on their current journeys, and it’s always like this sisterhood, you know? I’ll be in the kitchen cooking up a homecooked meal and then I’ll give them a complimentary Soul To Table spice for simply booking my services.
What is your favorite summer go-to menu?
Salads of course! When it’s hot you want something light. Besides, there are so many ways to make salads every day of the week- from a blue cheese wedge salad to a pulled pork BBQ garden salad.
What is a quick and easy meal mom’s in business can make to incorporate healthy eating habits?
Salmon and broccoli will always be the quickest go-to meal for moms in business. 15 minutes in the oven and you have dinner on the table. Not only is this a healthy option but it also gives
you more quality time with the family.
You have published two cookbooks since launching, can you share the message in your projects?
My goal in both cookbooks was to create easy-to-follow recipes for anyone, especially working moms. Feeding families daily can be quite a task and oftentimes, we find ourselves cooking the same meals over and over. In my cookbooks, I share classic recipes with a twist as well as some eclectic options tossed in for a little razzle-dazzle!
Where do you see your brand in the next 3-5 years?
I wholeheartedly believe in manifestation and the power of the tongue. I see myself collaborating with major brands, having my products being offered on major store shelves, and eventually having my own cooking show on a television network!
If you could collaborate with any brand, who would it be and why?
I have never had the opportunity to collaborate with any brand so my quick answer would be any of them! Hahaha. Honestly, though, I would love to collaborate with brands I actually use like Lawrys, McCormick, Reynolds Foil, Betty Crocker, Old Bay, Kraft, and more.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
I believe that a pretty woman who hustles is strong and independent, and we are always rocking the best outfit- self-confidence and a bright smile. More importantly, we know our worth and add tax.
Social Media Handles:
IG: @soultotablecatering
FB: Soul To Table Catering
Shaquin’s accolades include a line of seasoning blends, sweatshirts, kitchen cookware, an herbal immunity tea, and more available on her site soultotablecatering.com
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