We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shawntay Gray. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shawntay below.

Alright, Shawntay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I like to say the mission of Stick A Fork In It Culinary Classes for Kids is “Cooking up fun, and building self-esteem one

measurement at a time.” This is meaningful to me because I believe that learning should be fun for children. Cooking is

truly a tasty way to learn! Math, science, and reading are all integral components in cooking and students are not only using those

skills, they are strengthening them. When students come for a cooking class, they are usually shy, very introverted, and

fearful of making mistakes. However, at the end of the class they are more outgoing, wanting to learn more, and sometimes

even giving recommendations on what the next class should entail. During each class session students have to work collaboratively and

have to effectively communicate with one another to make the recipe that was given to them. It’s amazing how they come

alive so to speak. It’s refreshing to see how focused and creative they can be! They encourage, assist, and keep each other

on task. I believe all those things can give one a sense of value and self worth.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Stick A Fork In It Culinary Classes For Kids was created for children ages 8-16 to introduce them to the fun and tasty world of

Culinary arts. Students learn terminology, how to use kitchen appliances, kitchen utensils, and how to follow multi-step

recipes. Students also learn the importance of eating well balanced snacks and meals. This was a way to expand my love

of teaching outside of the traditional classroom. I have the freedom to teach the lessons I want and to give students great

learning experiences that I was not able to do as a former classroom teacher; due to having to follow the pacing guide

and curriculum standards of schools. I combine humor and fun that each participant will enjoy!

When a student takes one of the classes, I want each child to meet new friends, build their confidence as

well as life long skills.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Definitely partnering with the Rufus A. Lewis Library here in Montgomery. They sponsor two class sessions per year.

I attend various community events to build awareness about my organization. Not only that, I have partnered with local

businesses to help me further my vision and visibility in the community. Renfroe’s Market, has been very welcoming and

accommodating in letting me host cooking classes in their community event center space. Brandy Trieu, of Tea Town came

and taught us how to make bao bread and the cultural significance of the dish! I held my first Culinary Camp at the Co-Lab

Collective owned by Daphne Pollard and Ossie Vaughn.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients has been my website! https://stickaforkintmontgomery.org Also, word of mouth from past

clients or those who have just heard of me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stickaforkinitmontgomery.org/
• Facebook: Stick A Fork In It Culinary Classes For Kids