Today we’d like to introduce you to Nateisha Shaw. They and their team shared their story with us below:
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Nateisha Shaw is an entrepreneur, aspiring public speaker, and Author of Island Cooking at Home. She now resides in Cleveland, a suburb in Ohio. As a child in Jamaica, she recounts congregating in her late grandmother Mazel Gabiddon’s kitchen, where she observes the healing powers of a good home-cooked meal, which ignited her love of cooking—and inspired her cookbook journey of Island Cooking at Home, which includes Authentic Jamaican recipes & American Fusion dishes with a melody of vegan, juice, and herbal teas. The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us, causing irreparable losses and affecting our mental health, well-being, and finances. For Nateisha’s daughter, Maya, it was a time of sadness and melancholy, and she found solace in her mother’s cooking. The recipes and tea shared in his cookbooks are a testament to the healing power of Food. Attribute to her grandmother’s teachings, this cookbook is a celebration of Jamaican cuisine, a fusion of Jamaican and American flavors that challenge traditional culinary boundaries. Attribute to her Mother Maxine and Grandmother’s teaching.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Entrepreneurship has been a rewarding yet challenging journey for me. Before the pandemic, I opened a brick-and-mortar business called (Rare) in Cleveland Heights. We offered catering services, sip and paint events, and venue rentals. However, the pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, particularly in finding and retaining skilled employees. Despite these setbacks, I remained adaptable and strategic, an essential trait for any entrepreneur. Unfortunately, the government-imposed lockdowns and social distancing measures severely limited or halted operations for my business. Despite our best efforts, we were forced to close due to the strain it caused.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a published author specializing in authentic Jamaican cuisine and American fusion dishes, which mix robust cultures to create a fusion delight. I’m known for my cooking and cookbook Island Cooking at Home Cookbook. In this 157-recipe cookbook, you will discover the beauty of Jamaican cuisine. This cookbook uniquely disrupts traditional culinary boundaries by seamlessly fusing Jamaican and American flavors. It challenges the status quo, offering readers an exciting and innovative culinary experience and bringing these two rich culinary traditions in a way that stands out from conventional cookbooks. I am proud of my island cooking at home seasoning launching in Myers Fairfax market, Meijers Grand Rapids, and Lansing, Michigan in early June.And My cooking Show Island Tings premiere on Lokul Tv May 4, 2024. It’s a cooking and conversation show. In each episode, I explore the rich flavors of the Caribbean and take you on a vibrant culinary journey with a few special guests. My humble beginnings, which keep me grounded, set me apart from others in business. From Kingston, Jamaica, to growing up in East Cleveland, my cultural heritage and diverse challenges instilled a deep sense of community and responsibility in me. This inspired me to return some of my book sales to the Laura Women’s Shelter.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have learned as an entrepreneur that persistence is the key. Resilience in the face of setbacks is one of the most critical traits of successful entrepreneurs. Businesses often face unexpected challenges, and perseverance can determine long-term. Failure is not just inevitable but also a valuable learning tool. Successful entrepreneurs use failures as opportunities to gain insights and refine their approaches rather than seeing them as defeats.
Pricing:
- Cookbook $28.95 Ebook
- Cookbook $39.95 Paperback
- Cookbook Hardcover $44.95
- Hosting $125
- Business Consultations $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://islandbabeco.com/
- Instagram: @Islandba_spices and @ Iamislandbabe
- Youtube: Islandbabe1
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Island-Cooking-Home-Jamaican-American/dp/B0CV8PTVD6
Image Credits
Mixed by Goldie Sn_Media2
