Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla McDaniel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Pecan Tan Sweet Pecans started with me taking some candied pecans to work one day in August of 2019 and letting a co-worker try them. My co-worker came back with seven orders of candied pecans. I started off with zip loc bags and writings my customer’s name on the bags with a sharpie. I was nervous about getting my catering business started but it was something that I’ve always wanted to do since learning how to cook from grandfather. The first meal he taught me how to make was homemade garlic bread and spaghetti with meatballs. He introduced me to food network and watching chefs like Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse and I’ve always had a passion for it. When my grandfather passed away in 2001 right before I started my senior year of high school, I felt like he was taken from me before I got a chance to show him how I have grown and started my business because of him. 18 years that passion burned inside of me and I never did anything until it was mentioned that I needed to start my own business. I prayed about it, I second-guessed my self about it but I finally did it.
I came up with the name because of not only do I sell candied pecans and more but it describes me with the complexion of my skin, I’m a sweetheart and there is so much more to me than what you see.
Since starting Pecan Tan Sweet Pecans and More, LLC in 2019 I have over 500 followers, sold out at pop-up shops. I went from having just one regular flavored pecan to having 8 flavored pecans, creating two sauces, and selling dinners, doing meal preps and private chef for clients who don’t feel like cooking or for a special occasion.
I thank God for making it to where I am today. I thank God for placing the right support group in my life who wanted to see me grow and hit the ground running.
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 has definitely not been a smooth road. I actually closed the doors on my business in 2021 because I was frustrated, I felt I was being seen, no one was purchasing anything.
So I made a move without thinking about my customers and closed the door. My support group was like no ma’am don’t permanently close it, revamp, figure out what will draw the customers in and open back up the door.
God sent confirmation through a friend of mines dad when he did an interview for a podcast called Black & Unfiltered Entertainment. He spoke about never giving up on your passion, and although things may get hard, keep going until you get right. I needed that’ and I opened my doors back up and we have been growing consistently.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Pecan Tan Sweet Pecans and More, LLC specializes in flavored candied pecans such as regular, cinnamon, sweet and spicy, sweet and salty, and bourbon maple bacon just to name a few. We also do Sunday dinners once a month. We rotate between Air Fried Turkey Wings, Stuffed Salmon, and Jerk Chicken. We have other treats as well such as Caramel Pecan Pie Cheesecake and Caramel Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies. We also offer meal prepping and private chef services.
I am most proud of my signature sauces that I sell by the bottle or on wings. I have a Hot Shayaki Sauce which is a teriyaki and hot sauce base. I also have a Honey Shaylemon Pepper Sauce as well. I’m proud this because I took a leap of faith and they have truly sold out.
The thing that sets me apart from others is that I put my heart and soul into every dish, my menu is not like everyone else’s and it’s divinely delicious!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I can be contacted by email at pecantansweetpecans@gmail.com
My website pecantansweetpecans.com
I am also available on Instagram and Facebook.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pecantansweetpecans.com/
- Instagram: @pecantansweetpecans
- Facebook: Pecan Tan Sweet Pecans and More, LLC
Image Credits
INS Photography (India Samuel) Jamiah Lester
