Today we’d like to introduce you to ShaVonne McCants.
Hi ShaVonne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Chef ShaVonne: A True G.R.I.T.S (Girl Raised In The South)
Born and raised in the beautiful coastal plains of Charleston, SC, Chef ShaVonne is, by all definitions, a true Charleston Gullah-Geechee Girl with deep Southern roots. Her love for food runs as deep as her heritage—so much so that she often jokes, “I believe I was cooking before I was talking… well, then again…”
Raised in a large, women-led family, cooking & food was more than just sustenance, it was a way of life. More than just a means of survival, it was a cherished tradition, a way to bond, and a passion passed down through generations. This foundation instilled in her an unyielding love of food, excitement in the joy her gifts brings to others, and a deep respect for the women who came before her. Her entrenched passion for food is a tribute to the generations of women that has helped fashioned not only her skills, but also her unwavering commitment to excellence.
A Culinary Signature: Seafood With A Side of Soul
Known for her beautifully presented, well-seasoned, and deeply flavorful dishes, Chef ShaVonne explores coastal Southern-inspired comfort food with her own gourmet Americana twist, creating mouthwatering meals. Whether using seasonal fresh vegetables and herbs from her own gardens or incorporating exotic ingredients discovered in her travels, every dish reflects her signature style—Seafood With A Side of Soul.
The Birth of A Movement
Edible Endeavors was created in 2008 while Chef ShaVonne was still navigating the corporate world as a telecommunications specialist. What started as a simple favor for a friend—bringing lunch the next day—quickly turned into something bigger when nearly 20 people placed orders. From that moment on, she knew she was onto something special.
In 2012, with no formal training and no nest egg to speak of, she took a leap of faith, leaving her “good job” to pursue catering full-time.
Starting humbly in the confined spaces of her Austell home, Edible Endeavors quickly moved from the garage into its first commercial location, The Studio, a commercially zoned building in Mableton, Ga. Less than 2 years later, the business outgrew the space and relocated to its current home, just 3 minutes away into what’s now affectionately known as The Café – a 1600 sq ft commercial kitchen & café storefront where all the magic happens!
Through Edible Endeavors, Chef ShaVonne currently creates beautiful, delicious food while cultivating meaningful partnerships with clients, venues, businesses, entrepreneurs, and the community. Her priority is to continuously succeed in producing and serving high-quality products with commitment to excellence in all aspects of her reach, with an unwavering code of business ethics and conduct. Her and her team’s “Best Of” approach ensures every dish and experience reflects the highest standards of quality, service, and ethics—ingredients that have become the proven “recipe” for her lasting success.
You can visit Chef ShaVonne and taste her deliciousness at her café in Mableton, Ga or by contacting the company directly for catering services!
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?
Since starting my business in 2008, I’ve witnessed tremendous shifts—in food trends, technology, business practices, the employment landscape, and the world at large. With those changes have come countless challenges—and just as many triumphs!
I’ve made it a personal goal to approach every situation from a standpoint of being forever grateful and choosing a glass half full versus half empty mindset. I recognize that my obstacles haven’t been any greater than those faced by others in this industry but has possibly felt “heavier” because of a background of not knowing the undertakings of being an entrepreneur, and to that point, no formal training in the industry in which I was entering.
Prior to opening the catering company, I had no previous experience in a commercial kitchen environment so learning the intricacies of daily kitchen life was a steep learning curve! Not only was I a self-taught Chef, I was also a first generation “business owner”, leaning on and learning from the basic knowledge that I had on hand and within reach.
After spending 15 years in Corporate America, I quickly realized that very little of my prior training prepared me for the daily grind of running a successful business. Now, tack on hiring, training and RETAINING employees! I had to figure it out in quickly and in real time! I developed a deep appreciation for those who joined me on this journey, riding along in fearless faith even when the destination wasn’t clear. And there were many of them.
In the early stages, I bootstrapped the business straight out of pocket, which worked for a while until I truly grasped the actual costs of maintaining it. Access to capital & general business funding proved to be a necessity but it was also elusive. I’ve been blessed to be able to keep my overhead & expenses low enough to keep our business afloat without accumulating significant business debt.
Day to day operations and accounting, without professional training was (and sometimes still is) very daunting. I gleam from the many “pocketed specialists” that I have in my corners that provide invaluable tips and resources. Online training, government and state sponsored small business administrations and strategically formed business alliances keeps us progressing and in compliance!
Growth and expansion continue to be both a beautiful passion and a brutal pain point. I often have more ideas than I have resources, which can be frustrating—but that’s the nature of great ambition. I never want to become stagnant because I know there’s greater coming. I always want to do more. Be more…
Through it all, I believe my biggest challenge in running a small business has been finding balance in life, in relationships and in exploring other ventures/ desires while staying grounded to the business that I’ve built and not losing touch with the original passion and excitement that fueled me in the beginning.
While it can be difficult to stay in love with an idea that sometimes feels designed to break you, I’ve learned to return to my “why” — daily. It’s in that reminder that I find rest, strength, and the resilience to keep pushing. My purpose grounds me, even when the path seems unsteady. And that purpose—rooted in faith, love, service, and legacy—is what continues to carry this Edible Endeavor forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Edible Endeavors is a full-service catering company rooted in what we proudly call “Beautiful Deliciousness”! For more than 17 years, we’ve specialized in offering fresh, garden to table herbs and vegetables, expertly seasoned and prepared cuisine offerings – all without sacrificing presentation.
Our signature style, Seafood with a Side of Soul, speaks to our Gullah-Geechee roots and Southern heritage. No matter the menu, every dish we create is designed to be bold, vibrant, and full flavor! We offer a dynamic mix of new twists on timeless classics and fresh culinary ideas that keep both our new followers, and loyal clients coming back for more.
Each and every menu is customized for each client to ensure that attention is specifically tailored to their unique vision, taste preferences, and the spirit of their special occasion.
We’re not just industry veterans—we’re passionate food lovers who still truly enjoy what we’re blessed to do every single day. While we lean on tried-and-true practices to deliver consistently excellent experiences, we also embrace innovation and stay on top of emerging trends to ensure our offerings remain cohesive, current, and elevated.
New for 2025, Edible Endeavors has expanded its core offerings to include:
~ Mobile Charcuterie, Dessert & Beverage Bars – A valuable & intriguing addition available for corporate events and private celebrations, our beautifully curated mobile bars add a touch of luxury and creativity to any occasion.
~ Edible Endeavors House Seasoning Line – Created for our Home Cook enthusiasts, this highly requested collection brings our bold, signature flavors straight to your kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a large-scale event, our mission remains the same: to create meaningful connections through delicious, intentional food and unforgettable experiences.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Find your tribe. Don’t just look for someone with a big name or social media clout. Look for someone who resonates with your values, work ethic, and goals. You want someone who “gets” you, your struggles and the challenges you’re facing.
Be clear and intentional about why you want a mentor. Is it accountability? Industry insights? Emotional support? Strategic planning? Different needs may come in different people. Knowing what you’re seeking will prevent wasted time and opportunity for all parties involved.
Be a sponge, soaking up the good and with the bad. Take what you need and graciously leave the rest.
Give as much as you take and supplement consistency and eager passion for lack of knowledge in every endeavor.
Be a great aura to be around ~ leave defeat & doubt at the door. No one wants to be friends or in business relationships with a Doubting Thomas or a Debbie Downer that always speaks defeat and lack. Keep it positive and keep affirming the greatness until it’s your truth. You win in your mind before you win in the physical.
Some of the best allies I’ve ran across have been found in Industry Networking Mixers – definitely found via social media. Like minded groups, such as Women (or Men) in Business / Ethnic & Religious Commonality Groups / Local Meet-Ups and business building groups like SCORE, SBA or The Urban League are all great resources.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://EdibleEndeavors.com
- Instagram: @EdibleEndeavors /@ChefShaVonne
- Facebook: @EdibleEndeavors /@ChefShaVonne
- LinkedIn: @EdibleEndeavors /@ChefShaVonne
- Twitter: @EdibleEndeavors
- Youtube: /EdibleEndeavors
- Yelp: /EdibleEndeavors
Image Credits
Edible Endeavors Catering
Chef ShaVonne McCants
