We were lucky to catch up with LaShonda Gibson recently and have shared our conversation below.

LaShonda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Lovie’s Ice Cream and Eatery is a seafood, soul food, and ice cream eatery located in the Baden neighborhood of St. Louis. We specialize in homemade, cooked-to-order food that is made with love. We are known for our seafood platters and Soulful Sunday meal deals.

We want customers to know that we are different from other restaurants in that we aim to uplift and support our neighborhood, Through partnerships with the City of Baden, the Baden Market Center Special Business District, and several colleges and universities, we holistically support our customers and community members.

LaShonda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Food has always been an important part of my life and my family. Since, I was a child in Wellston and North St. Louis, I’ve always had an affinity for the secrets of the kitchen. My aunts and grandmothers were my first teachers and most dishes, whether, it’s collard greens, Jack salmon, hot water cornbread, or butter pecan ice cream on a waffle cone, most of the food I make is in the spirit of something they originally made.

It inspired me to lead once I had my own children as I became the family cook, providing most of the food for birthdays, baby showers, and holidays, no matter the event, you could always count on me and my four to show up with the food and everything needed to serve it. As my kids got older, I became the host of family gatherings, cooking for the neighborhood, their sports teams, and school events. Once, my kids went to college, I started catering events for different communities around the city and St. Louis county. No matter the event, everybody would always ask me, “when are you opening a restaurant?”, so I finally did it. And, I always promised myself, whenever I open my restaurant, I have to honor my grandmother so seven months later, Lovie’s is open and we are flourishing.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Besides good food, social media is the best marketing tool for a restaurant. The way a meal looks on a plate as it’s being filmed is a huge motivator for my younger customers and their audiences. Luckily for me, my son, Ray and his best friend, Chelsey, specialize and even recieved college degrees in marketing and building community across various mediums and have been able to position as the newest and hottest restaurant in St. Louis. Thank you, Chelsey!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I’ve learned in my journey is to never expect you in another person, situation, or environment. Nobody can do what you do and if they could, who would you be? I’ve learned to stick with my strengths and lean on the people who I know support me and my positive development.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lovieseatery.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lovies.corner?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083351916468

Image Credits
ShaRon Pate