Meet Shauntel Green

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shauntel Green.

Shauntel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It started out in 2018 as a whimsical idea with a few cousins….. turned into a mission to honor my mother and her legacy.

October 2018 I began preparing chicken, specialty waffles and other brunch items to accompany every Sunday. We quickly turned into a household favorite. Every Sunday the streets were flooded with people from all over the city coming to try out our food.

Early in 2019, both cousins phased themselves out and I was left standing with the torch. I proceeded to what I am still running towards, the finish line. Facing many obstacles along the way, I’m determined to keep pushing. I keep reminding myself this is my race! So the pace is based on me, and me alone.

This journey, by far hasn’t been an easy one. But certainly gratifying. Aside from a few helping hands along the way, I’ve pretty much done everything on my own. Every accomplishment, setback, etc. most importantly, I’ve kept going.

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?
It’s been a very rocky road. I honestly think if I’d known all the things I now know about this field/industry… I probably would of gone a different route. But nothing worth having comes easy. So here I am fighting my way through.

The pandemic was certainly a struggle for us all. Some if not most are still trying to recover from it. Inflation, I could go on about that! I know we’re all experiencing the effects of it. There are a lot of factors that contribute to “the rocky road” along the way. Each person’s story will be different than others. Some I can’t recall at the moment and some that aren’t note-worthy. Not everyone you encounter along the way has your best interests at heart. More often than not it’s what you can do for the next person’s situation. No loyalty, most people are out for themselves. The business world, it’s just like the streets! People are vicious, your intentions may not be malicious. But you gotta know how to play dirty. If it’s “hot” everyone wants a shot at your spot or a piece of what you’ve got!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
It’s been hard separating business from personal over the years. In fact, I allowed myself to get so consumed with the business and trying to make it I lost myself. I’ve been coming back too however and it’s been amazing.

Work is tough when It’s hard to find good workers. People who actually want to work and have hustle/common sense. I work! And I mean work hard. Long hours, little to no sleep, I mean the shopping, lugging/hauling groceries in, prep, and preparing food for the masses from scratch.

I think I specialize in soul food… and that’s not limited to the typical perception of soul food. I’m referring too cooking food from the pits of my soul for others to enjoy.

I think that separates me from others. Paired with the experience, I try to cultivate with each plate/visit/encounter. I’m most proud of my ability to push through and maintain. I’ve faced some pretty big obstacles. Some most don’t know about. The most devastating being the recent passing of my mom. And despite it all, I push through. I’m typically always juggling a lot. And without a team… most people would of given up… it’s just not in me. I’ve gotta see this through

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I wear my heart on my sleeve… so I’m not sure there is anything I haven’t shared yet lol.

If you’re ever in the city, check me out! Give a like or follow on Facebook or Instagram @Dirtybirdschicken.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/dirtybirdschicken?igshid=MDE2OWE1N2Q=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dirtybirdschicken 

Image Credits
Deon Brodie Shay Evans