Meet Shelby Dean | Person Chef/Experienced Caterer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelby Dean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelby, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I’ve recently gotten into a new relationship and have gained some pretty amazing bonus babies. Being a full-time bonus mom has changed my work balance tremendously. In the past as a single entrepreneur, I balanced work with having a social life, letting my hair down by hanging with friends. Now my balance is going to the parks with my family on resting days, Church on Sundays and always having my amazing partner in my corner to keep me fueled and motivated when I get overwhelmed. It’s a different feel, a feeling of peace and sanity. To know that you now have your own family to lean on and to give you that extra push, that little escape from the stress that entrepreneurship can bring is all of the balance I’ve ever really needed. especially in this season that Iam in currently with business. It took a little while to get use to the balance especially during busy season, (Holidays) But I wouldn’t trade it in for anything else. My family is my motivation/balance, and they really keep me going.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My Craft is my everything and Iam definitely sensitive about my craft (lol) I think what sets me apart is the ability to listen to what a client wants and be able to execute above and beyond expectations. How I got to where I’m at today is by keeping God first, marketing, learning from my mistakes, not giving up and to just keep going despite of any negativity that is around me. Was it easy?? of course not. but knowing that my purpose is much greater is what keeps me going. How I have overcame challenges is by remaining calm and focus no matter what. Challenges are just situations that we experience just to learn from and become better. What I want the world to know is no matter what’s comes your way always remain calm and positive everything that seems bad in that moment is just happening so you can learn, grow and be the person that you are destined to be. just keep going no matter what. With this mindset you will get to your purpose sooner than you think.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would start our day at my favorite coffee shop Minuti for that burst of energy to set the mood for the day, do some shopping at my favorite mall in Memorial City, maybe do some thrifting in the heights. Chill at one of my favorite hookah spots Cafe Layal. I love sitting at Discovery Green Park if the weather is great. Miyako’s Sushi is always a huge hit! Then get dressed up and hit the Midtown strip.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, shout out to God for continuing to order my steps that gets me closer and closer to my ultimate purpose in life. He gives me the strength every day to get up and make a difference in my business even when it seems like the world is on top of me. To my amazing Pastor Keion Henderson who keeps my soul feed through his anointed word. My mother Lynette who continues to support and motivate me. Last but not least shout out to my loving and amazing partner Khristopher who is always down to ride for me and with me whenever I need him to, My safe place and best friend. He makes this journey a little bit easier. I’m currently in my growing and molding stages in entrepreneurship, which to me is one of the hardest stages to approach. It is basically a stage of lots of sacrificing and discipline. you start to lose friends and loved ones in this season due to the lack of understanding of what you are mentally dealing with, which can become quite lonely. Think of it as a strip down just to be rebuild and rebirth with a new mindset and knowledge, I call it the ” Butterfly Effect.” It can be a little scary due to not being able to see what’s ahead yet exciting at the same time because change and growth always have a beautiful outcome.

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