Today we’d like to introduce you to Shonda Singleton-Taylor.
Hi Shonda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Lakeland, Florida, and raised in the small town of Mulberry, Florida. My background and upbringing had a major impact on who I am today. I was primarily raised by my grandparents along with my parents. Throughout my childhood, I was involved in many different academic-related and extracurricular activities.
I participated in activities such as learning to play the flute, piano, and organ, cheerleading, drawing, and painting, computer classes, flag corps, pageants at the church, singing in the choir, other church activities, as well as selling food items and fundraising activities. My grandfather always worked hard on his job and my grandmother had a love for cooking and baking. I had the opportunity to watch my grandparents run a successful business and were able to assist with payroll and various bookkeeping activities. Everyone around me had a strong work ethic, from my grandparents to my parents as well as my aunts and uncles.
As a result of watching my grandmother, I had a desire to learn the basics of how to cook and bake. I would help her during holidays and other times when she had to prepare food and dessert. Everyone loved her food. I was blessed with that gift. I actually started selling cakes in middle school. My grandmother taught me the skills for business early on and I didn’t realize it until I was grown. She also taught me that anything worth having takes hard work and that things won’t always be easy. There will always be challenges, work hard and things will work out “if it’s the Lord’s will”.
I excelled in academics in school and attended Florida A&M University, School of Business & Industry program where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA). I have a wealth of Financial, Business, and Consulting experience. I am also licensed as a real estate broker. Through my love for cooking and baking, I enrolled in culinary school where I earned an Associate degree of Science in Baking & Pastry and an Art of Cooking Diploma.
A few years ago, I started Gertrudes Kitchen, LLC, a licensed catering company offering food, dessert, and beverage catering. I work hard and I am a go-getter. I always set high expectations for myself and live by the motto of “where there is a will, there is a way!”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I started in South Florida with dessert catering.
I was always busy working during the day, raising my kids, and baking for clients at night. Once I moved to Central Florida and decided to do both food and dessert catering, there was another set of challenges. The struggle was with time and balance. It has always been a challenge to juggle time and work/life balance.
However, when you are a hustler and have goals and dreams, you do what you have to do to make it happen.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently work as an IT Consultant and also manage a catering business. What sets me apart from others is my work ethic and my strong desire to be successful. I am proud of all of my accomplishments to date and I am super excited about the future.
I got here where I am today by being determined to succeed, goal setting, having a strong work ethic, and following my motto of “where there is a will, there is a way! We face challenges every day but we have to continue to work hard and push through. I’ve learned that things aren’t going to be easy, the road to success is not straight, it is full of a lot of turns and twists.
I’ve also learned to never give up no matter what. My brand is Gertrude’s Kitchen, LLC and we love to put a smile on people’s faces through the love of delicious food and dessert.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice is to set goals, create a plan and take action!
Contact Info:
- Email: gertrudeskitchenllc@gmail.com
- Website: www.gertrudeskitchenllc.com
- Instagram: @gertrudes_kitchen
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gertrudeskitchenllc
- Twitter: @GertrudeLlc
