Who is Shef Shaun?

I am a native of Cleveland, OH and I began my culinary journey at the age of 6 years old. I was blessed to learn how to cook from both of my grandmothers, both of whom passed away in 2023. They both left me with life lessons around everything involving the kitchen that I still use today. At the age of 18, I moved to New York City, where I was able to work in marketing and public relations for Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons for over 10 years. I began as an intern and grew into the marketing director for their Phat Fashions clothing brands. Through that experience, I was very well educated on branding, messaging, community engagement and philanthropy. Shortly after, I worked to create my own brand as a personal chef in NYC, which I relaunched in Charlotte as Shef Shaun's Kitchen.

 

Right before moving to Charlotte in Spring 2022, I self-published my first cookbook, Soul in the Citi, which is currently available on Amazon. Through that book, I have been able to form a relationship with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library Foundation, where I have done 2 extremely successful Cooking Demonstrations/Book Signings in the Mint Hill and Sugar Creek locations. I have an amazing social media following of 10K+ combined followers on Instagram, Facebook and Nextdoor. Last year, I competed in the Favorite Chef competition presented by Carla Hall where I was able to achieve 5th place in my area. This year, I am working with the Mint Hill Library to provide cooking demos and educate participants on kitchen safety, budgeting/shopping and proper food storage. I am also a sous chef at Mimosa Grill in uptown Charlotte under the guidance of celebrity & executive chef, Kaley Laird.