We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shawnte Jackson. Check out our conversation below.
Shawnte, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are very precious. I am a very early riser and I am usually up between 4:30 and 5 am ( I don’t like to waste a second of the day). This is the time that I get to wake up and thank God for another day. I do not let my feet touch the floor without giving Him thanks. I join a prayer line via phone and pray for guidance in my day. I feel lead to intercede for others during this time as well. We are in a season in life where we all need help. Prayer can move mountains. I refuse to start my day without prayer.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Shawnte Jackson. I am the owner and founder of Trinity Sourced LLC dba Royal Signature Foods. I am a private chef and caterer in central Ohio. I specialize in bringing gourmet meals and custom treats to gatherings that bring people together for any occasion. My company is unique in many ways. I offer more than just food. You gain an experience that lasts far past the end of an event or gathering. All events booked are customized to the needs of my clients. They receive decoration, set up, and full service through the end of their event or gathering. From balloon arches to table decor, it is a full package of love put into each event. My organization is faith based. I believe that each person or persons I meet is not just coincidence or for profit. There have been friendships gained, ministry, and guidance given in each function I have had the pleasure of bringing joy to.
It was not easy building my brand. There were many times I did not think the company would form. I have had many adversities in life that tried to block the vision that was placed in me to bring something different to the catering industry. From a stroke, to seizures, and a car accident, I really thought I would have to let go of the vision. But deep down I knew that I was meant to do this. The ultimate goal for me is not profit, it is experience. What can I learn from each event? How can Trinity Sourced LLC continue to grow beyond food service? What do people really need rather than want? These are the questions that keep the company growing even when we are in a season of dormancy.
Because of my car accident, I cannot cater large events the way I used to. But I still enjoy being able to bring an experience to someone’s home for a private event. I also really love creating custom sweet treats. Although I am limited, my artistic side still gets to shine. I am very excited for this holiday season, I am creating beautiful charcuterie boards for my customers. I get to paint a board with food! I am always looking forward to the next level for the company and I am excited to say that a cookbook is in the works along with online classes to teach some of my recipes. Also be on the lookout for my personal self help book that I also am currently working on. I am so very excited for this new chapter.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
That is such an amazing question. Honestly? My relationship with God. Before Him, I don’t think that I truly valued myself and believed in my purpose in life. I have had a very hard life. If you knew my whole story, you would probably be asking yourself ” how is she still standing?” I started my relationship with Him as a child, but did not really gain the intimacy until my mid 20’s. When I gave my life to Christ everything shifted. I realized that I was not seeing myself for who God created me to be. I don’t think that I saw myself very positively 40% of the time before I gained my relationship with God. He showed me what true love looks like and how to love myself rather than look for that love in people and things.
It is through my relationship with Him that my passion for preparing meals for other came to fruition. I have always enjoyed cooking, but He ignited the passion in me. I can say now and know that I am smart, loving, driven, ambitious, passionate, faithful, gracious, fun, spontaneous, and so much more. There is so much love and goodness in me that I MUST share. To know me is a gift, because God gifted me to my calling.
I cannot forget to mention that I have amazing family and friends who have helped shape me to be who I am today. My mother inspired me to never give up. My Aunt ignited a fire in me to serve the Lord. My children are the reason I am strong. My amazing friends Christina, Paige, and Kalyn showed me what it means to have secure friendship. I love each and every one of them with all my heart.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
This is such a tough question on so many levels, but a necessary question to be answered. Success is wonderful. It gives you this high that makes you feel untouchable. You are always able to see the positives without questioning them. Being able to see the fruit of your labors AND enjoy them will drive you to want more. I cannot say that success actually taught me anything other than the feeling of winning.
Suffering on the other hand, that is where the true lessons are learned. Sometimes I feel like my life was all about suffering. It is through my suffering that I gained endurance. No person on this earth wants to suffer, but I am grateful that it helped me build strength. There were so many seasons in my life that I did not know how much longer I would be able to withstand what kept coming at me. But through the grace of God I made it through. It taught me how to pivot in any areas that were blocking my way. I had to learn how to redirect my negative thoughts to focus on my vision.
Suffering taught me how to be patient. Success itself is not where patience is learned. It is through the hard times, pushing to continue to see the positives no matter what. I had to learn how to respond rather than react. Reacting can cause so many things to go wrong. Responding to circumstances and situations requires a level of patience for critical thinking in order to process the moments. My seasons of suffering taught me how to turn to God. I still look to him through successful seasons, but I think that I lean towards him more through suffering. Not that He wants me to suffer, But I can still see goodness through Him in my seasons of suffering.
Lastly, suffering taught me how to enjoy my success. I am not saying that success should always come from a period of suffrage, only that I myself have more gratitude for what I have accomplished because it was not easy. But suffering taught me that coming out of it IS success. Even though I am currently at a level of success, growth is always needed. There will always be a season of pressure to create pleasure. Grapes are crushed through pressure before they become fine wine to enjoy.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I love this question. I think the major difference between a fad and a real foundational shifts comes down to purpose. Fads are more like quick sparks that grab attention, create a moment, and then fade when the next new thing comes along. Foundational shifts however, come from a much deeper place. They are born out of conviction, calling, and a genuine desire create a lasting impact.
For me, anything that is rooted in my true calling naturally has a staying power because it’s aligned with my purpose and not my need for popularity. I feel it transforms systems, how people think, feel, live, and connect. It is so much more than what is noticed for a season. I’m drawn to that type of work. Because I feel foundational shifts are driven by conviction rather than hype, I don’t want to just catch attention but build something that resonates, heals, and transforms long after the spotlight moves on.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
What am I doing today that probably wont pay off for 7-10 year? Hmmm. I would have to say it would be writing my spiritually guided self help book. It is centered on healing through betrayal, transforming because of it, and not just surviving it. I’m taking my time with it because I don’t want it to be just another inspirational book to read. It needs to have substance, the kind of truth that sits with people and helps heal deep wounds.
This process requires patience, reflection, and a lot of growth within myself. I know it may take years before it close to publishing, and more years before it reaches it’s full audience. But, that’s okay. Some things aren’t meant to be rushed. I believe that when something is birthed from purpose and authenticity, it’s impact will come at the right time. When it does, it will be lasting.
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