Meet Shabkeim Simmons of Tintswalo Catering Service

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shabkeim Simmons.

Hi Shabkeim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Tintswalo desires to create a love and appreciation for authentic homemade meals. With our name baring Africa descent, the business inherited its name after I completed a mission trip to South Africa with my church Thy Kingdom Has Come International Ministries and Lady T. Goggins Ministries. Tintswalo-meaning, “Mercy Carrier,” or the one who restores mercy, knows there’s no better way to extend kindness and goodwill than by providing and preparing healthy, portioned, nutritionist-certified meals for all to enjoy.

My love and passion for food is credited to my late grandmother Mattie L. Johnson and my late father Mitchel Earl Chaney. They taught me the value of authentic homemade meals, all while growing fresh vegetables and herbs. People often ask why am I such a perfectionist when it comes to food, I laugh and say my mother. She is such a great influencer as it relates to presentation and diversity in cooking. One of her favorite quotes is “don’t cook for the applause, babygirl, cook for their health.”

Tintswalo was birthed from a place of prayer and big faith in God. After much prayer, long talks with my wonderful Husband, Ewansiha Simmons, and my Pastors Thomas & Teresa Goggins, God released me to leave my corporate job and go full time with my vision. We Are Called to Serve In Excellence.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The catering industry is very competitive naturally. I think that my biggest challenge early on was learning not to compare myself or Tintswalo Catering to anyone else. I had to trust what I knew and what I didn’t know I prayed daily for insight and help. Being authentic in this industry is what has separated me from many others. I moved to Georgia in 2013, so every connection that has been made, every client I have served is all because of God.

As you know, we’re big fans of Tintswalo Catering Service. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My heart is for serving in excellence. A big part of our vision is serving the homeless communities. We go bi-monthly to the city of Atlanta and serve fresh hot meals to over 250 of God’s sons & daughters. We serve those who can’t pay us or may never see us again, but we leave an impact in their hearts that God has not forgotten about them.

When people say Chef Sha, my desire is not only to be known as a celebrity Hibachi Chef, an awesome caterer, but I want to be known as a Daughter of the King, and that I have represented him (God) well.

To my five amazing children Jarvis, Kamaria, Elias, Hezekiah, and Ajani, know that nothing is impossible with God. If God be for you, who can stand against you?

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Be authentic!

Contact Info:

• Email: tintswalocatering@gmail.com
• Website: www.tintswalocatering.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/chef_sha_tintswalo
• Facebook: facebook.com/tintswalocatering
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfDnoPAIs37Ij81VIt5Izg

Image Credits
@inijephoto