In this episode, host Dave Fiore speaks with Shacafrica Simmons, better known as Chef Shac. Born in South Florida and the oldest of 11 total siblings, she is an entrepreneur at heart with multiple brands under her Chef Shac, LLC, umbrella.

Before earning two degrees from culinary school, she tried her hand at barbering school and midwifery after a challenging pregnancy. But it was food and how to use it to lift spirits and create opportunity for others that turned out to be her true passion. And it didn’t hurt that her unique blend of southern, soul and Bahamian influences has proven to be a winning recipe. In 2017, she defeated three other chefs on Food Network’s popular show, Chopped.

Even with that success, however, the mom of three still struggles to work out the best way to successfully monetize her talents, experience and heart for the community. Focused primarily on catering and events, her business has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and her professional future remains uncertain. But she has a smile that you can hear and faith that God still has big plans for her life.