We had the good fortune of connecting with Lashonda Burton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lashonda, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Go To College, Get Good Grades, and Climb the Corporate Ladder This is still such a common platitude that I feel compelled. Look… If you want to be a doctor, engineer, lawyer, or scientist, a college degree is necessary and this point is NOT for you. But if you’re going to college to “figure yourself out” or “have something to fall back on”, you’re making a VERY costly mistake that won’t serve you in the long run. The average college tuition is between $40,000 and $100,000. With that amount of money you could…. Start your own business and learn entrepreneurship firsthand Travel the world for 2–3 years and engross yourself in other cultures and ways of life Become a MASTER at some sort of creative pursuit until you’re good enough that you can make 6-figures with nothing but a keyboard or a guitar Work for your dream company for FREE (so that you can rise through the ranks) while still having the money to live on your own Put a down payment on (or completely buy) a home so that you can live mortgage free for life College doesn’t prepare you for success in the real world. It’s a cash making machine just like any other business and you’ve been told you “need” to go to college the same way that you “need” a brand name suit, expensive car, and over priced watch. College isn’t necessary for success. Self education is.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Shonda’s Shave Ice are made with fine delicate snow like ice, that’s never crunchy. Most commonly called Hawaiian Shave Ice throughout the United States. My smooth Shave Ice is far superior to the hard crunchy snow cones. It consist of smooth fine ice that holds syrup, rather than settling in the bottom. All my syrups are sweet and handmade with cane sugar and filtered water. Shonda’s Shave Ice is a Mobile Business that uses the bestselling, battery operated, NSF Certified, Shave Ice Machine, period! I come to you, catering to all size events. Some include, Birth parties, Pool parties, Employee Appreciation, Family Reunions, YMCA, School/Daycare Events, Adult Parties, Weddings and many more. Shonda’s Shave Ice offer a variety of popular flavors and 9 specialties all create by my son, nieces and nephews. I will customize a Shave Ice Package for any event, big or small. Color changing reusable cups are my specialties which is an add on to any package. My disposable cups includes 4, 8 and 12 oz. flower cups. All cups are topped with a gummy bear and a magical color changing spoon and straw to eat with. I also deliver fresh pineapple cup Shave Ice all around Collin County.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
You’re going to love the time you spend in this warm-hearted Texas town. It boasts one of America’s best dining scenes and a commitment to the arts that rivals some. Good food is abundant here. Most of the venues, districts, and centers listed offer their own great places to eat or are situated near excellent and plentiful food and drink options. Day 1 Dallas Arts District Nasher Sculpture Center Bishop Arts District Fearing’s Restaurant Restaurants Day 2 Wild Bill’s Western Store The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District Pioneer Plaza Dallas Farmers Market Day 3 Galleria Dallas Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens NorthPark Center Highland Park Village

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In general, I’m always looking for my partner to be supportive who is secure and able to be alone when times call for him to be alone.I tend to keep excessively long hours, especially in the building and expansion phases of the business. Shout out to my fiancee for giving me the peace of mind knowing he can handle life without me when I’m busy. Love you Shawn

Website: www.shondasshaveice.com
Instagram: Shondas_Shave Ice
Facebook: Shonda’s Shave Ice