Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Henderson.
Shelby, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I spent the majority of my life wanting to be a chef and restaurateur. I started cooking when I was about 5 or 6 years of age. I graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship. Later, I graduated from culinary school in Dallas at Le Cordon Bleu. Then, pursued my Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership. I started O’Glory Catering in February 2012 after conquering my fears of starting a business. A couple of years later, I became discouraged and left to move to Melbourne, Victoria, Australia in August 2014 for a year. After returning, I decided to pick up where I left off with my catering. Shortly after returning from overseas, I desired to learn more about nutrition. I became a certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and just recently started FitKitch Camp- a meal prep/nutritional coaching company.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road to becoming a chef has not been as smooth as I hoped. There’s a LOT of competition in the industry. Everyone wants to become famous for something. One of my biggest struggles was proving to chefs that I could handle the heat. I don’t look my age; therefore, others would see me as this little girl fresh out of high school or college.
For years, I struggled with low self esteem-low confidence in myself. I remember one of my culinary instructors shared with me that I am smarter than what I thought I was. He told me that all I had to do was to believe in myself. I really didn’t have a mentor in the industry until about four years ago, who is now one of my best friends. I literally had to prove myself and to fellow chefs that I can handle my own. At one point, I had managers try to sabotage me because I didn’t want to be a part of their cliche. However; in the end, I still win. God has blessed me tremendously! He’s given me peace on my end, pursuing my dreams as a business owner.
O’Glory Catering Company/FitKitch Camp – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
O’Glory Catering Company is a faith-based business, established in February 2012. We specialize in southern cuisine infused with flavors and influences from other regions such as Western Africa, Australia, Mauritius, and the Caribbean. FitKitch Camp was established in April 2019. It is a meal prep service proving our community and surrounding areas with gourmet meals provided by our chef. We are dedicated to providing you with the proper tools to intentionally get you back to better health and wellness. With proper nutrition and a dedicated fitness lifestyle, you are GUARANTEED results.
I am most proud of the standards I have for my businesses. Not only do I want my clients to eat good, but I also want them to feel good afterwards as well. I believe that what sets me apart from others is the bond I share with my clients. I try to get to know them as individuals and I want them to know who I am.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career thus far is being able to interview with Voyage Dallas honestly. I have never been chosen to do something like this. I didn’t even know what it felt like being a part of something like this. Nevertheless, I am indeed grateful to God for this opportunity and I am thankful to be able to share a little about myself with you.
Pricing:
- Catering prices range from $400 and up
- Meal prep pricing starting at $85 and up
- Cooking classes [single or group]: $20 and up
- Nutrition coaching: $60 per session
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamchefshelbs.org
- Phone: 9723385881
- Email: iamchefshelbs@gmail.com
- Instagram: @chefshelbs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamChefShelbs/
- Twitter: @chefshelbs
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
