Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharell Johnson.
Hi Sharell, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I think my story starts off similar to over half of “older” college graduates. I graduated college at 29 years old; I was so proud of myself for finally achieving this long-awaited goal. I had a huge plan of becoming this famous local journalist only to get my dreams crushed when no one would hire me with no experience. (Side Note: I even practiced what my signature “sign-off” would be!) As an adult student, I was so focused on work, paying my rent, and passing my classes that it never occurred to me to obtained experience for this dream career; I was approaching 30 years old and I had no journalistic experience outside of my college courses. Two months after graduation, I started working at a factory inflating soccer balls. I was devastated and my dreams seemed out of reach.
To go back a little further, I’ve always been a foodie…I grew up cooking! Just like how an athlete has a natural talent for football or a singer has the natural talent of singing. That’s me; I am naturally a great cook. During my struggles as an adult college student and helping my sister raise my now 19-year-old nephew, meals had to be cheap, creative, and quick! So, I started sharing my recipes online and they were a hit! I even have two cookbooks under my belt.
In 2019, I decided to take my food off line and onto the plates of the people. I blended my education as a journalist, my love of food, and my passion for black culture to create Sharell Cooks, LLC.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth. I felt like I needed to educate myself all over again, but this time, about life as an educated southern woman of color. I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know until I didn’t know it. I knew nothing about business, food presentation, photography, social media as an advertising tool, SEO, etc. All I knew is that, I had this gift, this skill, and I wanted everyone to see it as it did.
I think the biggest challenge for any business owner is clientele; getting people to try your product or service. Of course, you start with family and friends, I found that this step has the tendency to weigh heavily on you mentally. It will have you questioning your worth or even if this path is meant for you. Family and friends can be some of your biggest supporters, but they can also be your biggest critics.
Think outside of who you know to get your target audience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in intimate private dining for wedding anniversaries, birthday dinners, or a simple “Ladies Night In.”
I also ghostwrite a lot of projects for food blogs, magazines, and other local publications.
I just started my own Blog called Meet me in the Kitchen, where I interview locally black-owned businesses in the food industry.
Lastly, I am known for my exclusive Pop-Up Taste Testing. It is not advertised in any form. I send invites through Facebook Messenger. Once an attendee accepts the invite, only then they are instructed to share the invite across their social media. People in today’s society, love exclusivity. They love “Instagram-worthy” experiences. People are lined up in my Inbox just hoping that are up next for this exclusive invite-only event. And I must say, my Test Testings are a grand experience indeed!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say the best characteristic that play a key role in my success is consistency. When you stay the course and create a pattern, people will always have something to look forward to.
Also, I have to mention that the best quality that my business have is my Business Manager/Sister, Latrella Johnson. She is one of the key reasons why Sharell Cooks is what it is today. She keeps me grounded and organized. If quality was a person, she is definitely the best of them all!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @therealsharellj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharellCooks/
- Twitter: @therealsharellj
Image Credits
Ariel Enid Photography
Sharell Cooks, LLC
