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

Alright, Sharell thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

In 2021, we were knee deep in the Pandemic. Businesses were closing down by the handful. My catering business was getting absolutely no clients. Private dining was a luxury that people simply could not afford. With no revenue from the business, I could not market or even host events with no money. The old saying goes that, ‘it cost money to make money.’ I decided I was just going to close my business and cut my losses. I announced on social media that Sharell Cooks, LLC will be closing. A few days later, I received a mysterious Cash App for $300 saying don’t give up. To this day, I have no idea who send me the money, but it lit a fire under me to continue pushing. 2021 turned out to me the single most successful year my business ever had!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sharell Johnson but to my clients, I am Chef Sharell J. I am a Food Journalist, 2x self-published Cookbook Author, the creator of the social media series Meet me in the Kitchen, member of The National Association of Black Journalist, and the Owner/Executive Chef of Sharell Cooks, LLC. I introduce myself in that way because there was a period in my life that everything that I did just wasn’t enough. It took quite a long time for me to feel confident enough to acknowledge who I am and all that I have accomplished.

But let’s go back in time. I’ve always been a foodie…I grew up cooking! Just like how an athlete has a natural talent for football or a singer has the natural talent of singing. That’s me; I am naturally a great cook. During my struggles as an adult college student and helping my sister raise my now 20-year-old nephew, meals had to be cheap, creative, and quick! So, I started sharing my recipes online and they were a hit!

In 2019, I decided to take my food off line and onto the plates of the people. I blended my education as a journalist, my love of food, and my passion for black culture to create Sharell Cooks, LLC.

I am known for my exclusive Pop-Up Taste Testing. It is not advertised in any form. I send invites through Facebook Messenger. Once an attendee accepts the invite, only then they are instructed to share the invite across their social media. People in today’s society, love exclusivity. They love “Instagram-worthy” experiences. People are lined up in my Inbox just hoping that are up next for this exclusive invite-only event. And I must say, my Test Testings are definitely one for the books!
As a Food Journalist, I also freelance for several online publications. I absolutely love cooking and hosting private events, but for now, my writing is my focal point for 2023-2024.

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

Growing up in a small town in the South, you have to face the reality that you don’t know what you don’t know. All I had to rely on was my dream of becoming a writer. Moving just 4 hours away from home, felt like a new world. I had to unlearn the feeling of not belonging. I had to unlearn materialistic thinking. I had to unlearn the idea that different was bad. I felt like I needed to educate myself all over again, but this time, about life as an educated southern woman of color. I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know until I didn’t know it. I knew nothing about business, food presentation, photography, social media as an advertising tool, SEO, etc. All I knew is that, I had this gift, this skill, and I wanted everyone to see it as it did.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met my business partner and manager about 38 years ago when my parents brought my twin brother and I home from the hospital. To the world, her name is Latrella, but to me, she’s my sister. We literally cannot get any closer; she is my best friend.

I had someone ask me, what is the best qualify that Sharell Cooks have? My response is simple. My business manager and sister. She is one of the key reasons why Sharell Cooks is what it is today. She keeps me grounded and organized. If quality was a person, she is definitely the best of them all!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sharellmjohnson.wixsite.com/portfolio-for-sharel
• Instagram: @therealsharellj
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharellCooks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharell-johnson-03aa6447
• Twitter: @therealsharellj

Image Credits
Ariel Enid Photography Sharell Cooks, LLC