Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaquin Thomas.
Hi Shaquin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Sometimes, I wrestle with changing the name of my business and getting a new logo, but then I start thinking about how I started my business and came up with the name. My father was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer on March 6, 2017, and her life changed forever. I moved him in with me immediately and began to take care of him. As his health declined, I took a leave of absence from her accounting job. During my leave of absence, my job politely fired me! On the morning of April 23, 2017, I awoke at 6am & like every morning, I checked on my father as soon as my eyes opened because I slept on the chair right next to his bed. This time, I noticed his eyes were open, but he wasn’t responding. He was transitioning. I called the Hospice nurse, and I was told it could take a few hours or days, but the hearing was one of the last things to go. I told my father I loved him and that I would spend my life making the catering business a success like we had planned together. I got up and began to prepare a meal for a 200-person wedding event I was set to cater that afternoon.
I then called my immediate family to share the news about my Dad. Everyone came to my house. I whipped up peach Cobbler, hugged loved ones, stuffed chicken, kissed my Dad, chopped potatoes, shed tears, and stopped to check my father’s pulse & this routine continued until I watched my beloved Daddy take his last breath at 1032 a.m. I felt like a piece of my soul died that day. I felt like he gave his life in exchange for my dream. I would never have stepped out on faith to start a business. I spent my entire savings taking care of funeral costs. A few days later, I was wondering what I would do and how I would provide for my kids. I happened to stop by Blessings Thrift Store b/c window shopping was therapy for me. While there, an employee said, “Maybe you can deliver lunch to us until you decide about going back to work.” The next day, I sold my first $7 plate & it has been a whirlwind of a dream since then. It is six years later, and I am still sharing my soul to my table.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I have experienced other chefs and caterers viewing me as their competition and attempting to sabotage my business. As a business owner, I wholeheartedly believe that there is enough for everyone to be successful. My slice of the pie doesn’t affect anyone else’s slice of the pie.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a private chef, and I specialize in an assortment of food items, especially customized grazing and charcuterie tables. I am proud of myself because I published two cookbooks on Amazon, and I also created a line of seasoning blends. One of my biggest accomplishments was being featured on CNN for gifting homecooked meals to an elderly, disabled veteran on my birthday. I am set apart from other chefs because I selflessly serve my community, and oftentimes I personally serve my homecooked meals to law enforcement, veterans, and even the homeless community.
What matters most to you?
I strongly believe that no one should go without having food to eat. I come from humble beginnings, and I personally know what it is like to ensure my three children had meals, and sometimes I would not have enough for myself. Therefore, I try to do pulse checks in my community as often as I can to ensure I can make a difference and help provide meals if someone is struggling to put food on the table.
Contact Info:
- Website: soultotablecatering.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/soultotablecatering
- Facebook: Soul To Table Catering
- Linkedin: Shaquin Thomas
- Youtube: Cooking With Soul To Table
