Meet Shakyla Yasin | Business Owner & Teacher

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

Hi Shakyla, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote is “Good better best never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best”. To me this quote means that there is always room for improvement and growth and to always be resilient. Throughout life and business you’ll always face challenges and obstacles but you can not allow those things to stop you from being persistent or reaching your goals. Daily this quote is a reminder of the personal growth I’ve seen within myself over the years and it’s motivation to continue to gain more knowledge, skills and experience to be the best I can be in every area of my life.

What should our readers know about your business?
Saucy Balti’s started as a side hustle while I was in undergrad at Wiley College. Just a young college kid, trying to survive and make a dollar. I’ve always loved cooking and had a passion for it, so I thought why not do something I love and it also makes others happy. Having the hunger to be independent and self sufficient I started selling plates on campus to my fellow peers and even staff members once talk spread around campus. I’m originally from Baltimore, MD so everyone called me “Balti” and the saucy came from me knowing I had the sauce. After seeing how many people enjoyed my food and how it impacted the campus I considered making it a legit business. After graduating from Wiley I began graduate school at Prairie View A&M University as well as working as a elementary school teacher. Being a full time grad student and a full time teacher I didn’t have the time to run a business but the passion was still there. I did my research and I continued to pray over my vision and goals. After much prayer and preparation, in August 2020 I decided to have a soft launch of my business in Houston, TX.

Being completely honest, year one was the hardest year for me I had so many high expectations as I was a eager new business owner but I soon learned year one is full of trial and error and that’s okay. I made mistakes and I’ve learned from them, and I’m thankful for my hiccups. I became discouraged and wanted to call it quits but thanks to my support system they wouldn’t let me give up. I learned so much about business through working with other business owners in multiple business areas, always being teachable and open to feedback.

Saucy Balti’s is not only about the amazing food but it’s about the experience you’ll receive, from catering events, private chef dining, pop up shops, cookbooks and more. I believe that catering is just like preparing that Sunday Dinner at granny’s house filled with love. I can give you the recipe but the sauce wouldn’t be the same.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A few favorite spots in the city I would take anyone coming into Houston would be Tamashi Ramen & Sushi they have the best ramen bowls and fresh sushi hands down! To the Aquarium in the heart of downtown to explore and be kids again. I’d also take them to the color factory for the beautiful scenery and great selfies you can take. If we’re feeling brunch vibes I’ll take them to The Black Walnut Cafe or Sixty Vines. The woodlands mall and the galleria is always options for shopping and quick activities.

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?
I would like to give a shout out to my father, Tacuma Yasin the owner of Nations Best Moving & Hauling LLC. Since I was a young girl my dad has always instilled in me the spirit of a hustler. He’s always told me “why work for others when you can work for yourself”. He’s been such a influential person in my business ventures as well. Always giving me golden nuggets and advice and pushing me to explore my options, gifts and talents. In addition to the endless conversations and support he’s also been a great example of a business owner, after being in business 10 years, he’s still eager to learn and he strives to cultivate other young business owners and invest in their futures. Thanks to him I took a leap of faith and officially kicked off Saucy Balti’s.

Website: www.SaucyBaltis.com

Instagram: @SaucyBaltis

Twitter: @SaucyBalti

Facebook: Saucy Balti’s

Other: Email: Saucybaltis@gmail.com

Image Credits
Jared Patrick