Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakeisha Young.
Shakeisha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My passion for food began at an early age, I gained inspiration from my grandmother and mother. Seeing them in the kitchen inspired me to sharpen my skills and techniques. I’m a proud native of Winnsboro, SC my southern roots are showcased throughout the menu selections and styles of cooking I offer. I pride myself on creating southern classics with a twist.
I’m a proud graduate of Johnson & Wales University- Charlotte, where I received a Bachelors in Culinary Arts & Food Service Management. Although my main focus is on the culinary side, I have a strong passion for Baking Pastry and Arts.
During college, I developed a love for making desserts, thus pushing a huge focus on the pastry side. I am a well rounded chef with lots of experience. Something I take pride in is being actively involved in my community through activism and community service. I’m also experienced in event planning and decorating.
I’m now Chef Shakeisha, owner of Shakeisha’s Kreations where we do things the SK Way! We make custom desserts and treats with signature meals you’ll love to eat! Welcome to Shakeisha’s Kreations! Shakeisha’s Kreations brings refined global cuisine and exemplary service to homes and venues in the Carolina’s. Shakeisha’s Kreations offers a variety of meals with a twist as well as a wide variety of desserts and pastries. We create unique dishes showcasing our differences and twist on classics using the superior and freshest ingredients, empathizing taste and exemplary style. We would love to cater your next event. We are here to cater to your every need, making your life easier and expanding your palate.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the challenges I faced, as I was beginning to start my career and kicked off my culinary was being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called lupus.
In November of 2016, I had my first flare up where I lost complete function of my limbs (legs & arms). I was stuck on the chair and couldn’t move only speak. I was in college at the time and was only 19 years old. In the middle of the night I had to use the bathroom since I couldn’t move, my best friend pulled me off the chair & I drug my body to the bathroom. I didn’t know what was wrong but like most people I begin to think the worse. I called my parents and they came to college to pick me up where I was taken to the hospital. They ran a series of test and gave me morphine for the pain. The doctor told me that it was likely lupus but couldn’t tell for sure.
In 2019, one year after graduation is where is my business was taking off. I experienced several flare ups that year, at least 3 of them causes short overnight hospital stays. It’s gotten better over the years with consent treatment and lifestyle changes but ultimately is something I will deal with for the rest of my life.
In Spring of 2019 I received a formal diagnosis, that’s almost 3 years of test, specialist, pain, frustration and unknowns. I have lupus SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) . It’s where the body attacks its own tissue and organs. It affects my skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, and heart!
So before taking an order, accepting an event or working on a design I have to consider how will that effect my body. What are the other moving pieces in my life that could trigger a flare. In true fashion of counting my advocacy work. As of Fall 2025, I’m a proud member of Lambda Sigma Sigma Lupus Sorority, Inc. Where our are founding principles are faith, advocacy, strength, and sisterhood.
Despite all of this I push through and continue to make my dreams a reality! Thanking God, my family, and friends for supporting me through it all.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
While I don’t work in food service industry full time any more (covid), I’m pursing other passions while maintaining my home based business.
For the past 5 years, I’ve worked for a labor organization called The Union of Southern Service Workers. We are a cross sector union that organizes service workers in the South. I’m a senior lead organizer coordinating the work of the SC chapter and membership across regions.
As far as Shakeisha’s Kreations is concerned, I’m always attending pop up shops, local markets, and most recently I was apart of The Big Grab. “The Big Grab” is a massive annual 50-mile yard sale event held in South Carolina, stretching through the towns of Blythewood, Ridgeway, and Winnsboro. Held every year on the weekend immediately following Labor Day, it attracts thousands of shoppers and hundreds of vendors offering everything from antiques to re-purposed items. Last year was my first time attending and it was a success.
In August of 2023, I was accepted into Dessert Wars. It was my first competition and largest event attended to date. Dessert Wars is a massive, traveling dessert festival and baking competition. It was great exposure for myself and took away alot of learned lessons.
Something that sets me apart is my ability to tell a story through my food. I love that I can leave a lasting impression on people soley based on the meal I have served them.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the labor organizing world, I hope to have made transformations for service workers across the south that will give tangible improvements.
I think the biggest changes will be a balance between technology and hospitality. Restaurants will rely more on technology to improve efficiency, but guests will still value great food, genuine service, and memorable experiences. I also expect sustainability, local sourcing, and accommodating different dietary needs to become even more important. Chefs who can adapt, keep learning, and stay creative will have the best opportunities.
Pricing:
- 6 inch cake (serves 12):-$75+
- 9 inch cake (serves 25):- $120+
- Custom Treats:- $25 + per dozen
- Private Dinner for 2: Starts at $300
- Catering based on menu and travel fees
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shakeishaskreations.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakeishas_kreations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KerationbyShakeisha
