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

Shawn, appreciate you joining us today. Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?

The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career is taking all the transferable skills I’ve acquired from previous employers & taking a chance on myself to become an entrepreneur. It is from my experience that the many skill sets you acquire on your journey in your career, ultimately become the building blocks of your success.

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

My name is Shawn Giles, owner of The Sdot Experience, where I am a private chef and event curator. I am a STL based brand. My focus is optimizing how we experience food and people. My background is quite extensive, but primarily in customer service.I’ve had over a dozen event since the beginning of my entrepreneur journey in 2018 which included a partnership with Microsoft as well as collaborative events with other creatives and entrepreneurs in the community. Im grateful to have been featured in Voyage STL earlier this year, as well as Fox2News and black media outlet Unheard TV. These types of platforms create amazing visibility for creatives like myself, so thank you. I am currently I am working on projects that I am excited to share early next year. Please stay connected and stay tuned.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Visibility and consistency are still the key components in building my reputation within my market. If I am not visible, then I can’t be seen. I think my social media presence has been very impactful as well. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook usage of reels makes it very easy to show my craft and connect with my audience. I love that there is no limit to who has access to you by utilizing these tools. Along with social media I have also maintained my presence in person through hosting events as well as networking and engaging with my peers and other entrepreneurs in my community. Being consistent with my brand, constantly strengthening my social media presence, will continue to help build a rapport and level up in my market.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I quit my job in 2018, I didn’t have a clean plan, other than I wanted to pursue my passions. I quickly realized that entrepreneurship wasn’t for the faint of heart. Although all my previous experiences had so many transferable skills, it was so much I had to unlearn and learn. The biggest part of this transition was trying to create a space that I could thrive in. I began to immerse myself in the entrepreneurship culture by attending networking events and meeting people in that world. More importantly I surrounded myself with people who shared my same interests. I had a passion for cooking so I took advantage of all the free online cooking courses and certifications to educate myself in that area. I also looked on social media and searched locals I could collaborate with on projects. My introverted side was not prepared for all the newness., but it was essential to pivot into this new space. From working for someone to working for myself has been one of the most challenging endeavors as an adult. I will say having a community of peers to support me on this new journey has been so rewarding Having someone who can relate to the highs and lows, the ups and downs, and potential failures makes it easier to get through and keep persevering.

Contact Info:

• Website: thesdotexperience.com
• Instagram: @thesdotexperiencellc
• Facebook: facebok.com/shawn.s.giles
• Twitter: @SdotPodcast
• Yelp: yelp.com/biz/the-sdot-experience-saint-louis
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/shawngiles

Image Credits
Shawn Giles (myself) Porsha Key Wilburt Gilcrease