Meet A’Shunti Lash | Chef Shunti (CheffingWithShunti)

We had the good fortune of connecting with A’Shunti Lash and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi A’Shunti, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was basically, thinking about something I love to do. I believe everyone should make a living out of something they love to do, if there’s a way. Even if it isn’t your main source of income, it could be your “side hustle”. Be able to go to work and enjoy it is everything to me. It was times where I’ve had jobs, and I dreaded every time it was time to go to work. I found myself going to work just to get the money, and not genuinely getting the job done.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a chef. I sale plates, and I offer services such as meal prepping, catering, private chef etc. (CheffingWithShuntiLLC) I am most proud of myself for taking the initiative to actually start my business. I pondered and talked about my business for so long, and I didn’t put any action to my thoughts. I’m glad i finally did, it brings so much excitement to my life. That taught me that I am the only person that can hold myself back from success. Believe it or not, I never thought cooking would be a career for myself. I had always said I didn’t have a talent. I had looked for my talent for so long, and I had been doing it the whole time, cooking! Just cooking for everyone, family, friends etc. Everyone was always looking forward to a plate. I change my major in college about 3/4 times, I was very indecisive about what I wanted in life , as far as a career. But, again I’m glad I finally got it together.
Nothings easy about being a business owner, nothings handed to you, and your business is nothing without all of your dedication. There will always be challenges, but the main goal is to overcome all of the obstacles. It makes you stronger, and a better person for the business you want to run.
Along the way I’ve learned a lot about budgeting, profits, supply and demand. Those key terms plays a big role in being a business owner. If you don’t pay attention to those, depending on what you’re doing, your business will fail.
I want the world to know that I am one of the best young chefs in the heart of DFW. I am here to satisfy ones stomach, by prepping an amazing meal.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would probably say deep elluum, or a game room of some sort, and some what of a bar. What’s fun to me is being able to just chill at the bar with family and friends and just have a ball, Also networking, my boyfriend and I always find ourselves sharing one another business while we ‘re out. Telling ones to follow our business pages.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Having the support from family and close friends means a lot to me. I have to say my grandmother is the one to give all thanks to. I grew up in the kitchen with my grandmother. At a young age, maybe 7 or 8 I was making complete meals by alone, just by watching my grandmother. During the holidays I was never to be found playing with all of the cousins or my siblings. I was right in the kitchen, getting down with my grandmother. While everyone was asking “is the food done”, “what time will the food be done”, or ” what are we eating”, I was glad I was in there with her. I just know she got irritated anytime someone asked a question. In addition to myself helping in the kitchen, I also used to sale chocolate cake to my older cousin. That was my little hustle. I was about 10 or 11 years old making chocolate cakes for $20 every other week. I had a few other family members buy cakes as well. All in all I have to thank my grandmother for it all, because I learned everything from her. ALL CREDIT IS GIVEN TO HER.(MY BESTIE) It feels good to have her supporting me, anything I post, you’d definitely see it on her page. My mom and my boyfriend. They’re really like business partners. They open my mind to a lot things as far as looking at things more professionally. Also thinking outside of the box with a professional mindset. We find ourselves not only thinking of ways to better the businesses we’ve already established, but ways to make passive income, more ways to be great. Never just wanting to do the bare minimum. Because, who really wants to work their whole life? Having ones in your life like this pushes you to be better, and encourages you to reach above and beyond your potential.
My sisters and bestfriends, not a day go by without them sending me cooking video or pictures of food that they’ve seen. “Shunti can you make this for me, “Ooooo Shunti you need do a cooking video on this”. Sometimes I complain, but little do they know, I love every bit of it. It shows me that they care, and support me. I like when they suggest videos I should make. I have a whole list of meals, that I need to make a video for, it’s crazy. Having these videos on my page is a way of marketing/advertising for my business. Every time I post, its my girls reposting “don’t play with her”, “go book now”, “she do it every time”. I love it!!!!! I love that type of support, because sometimes all you have to do for someone is simply share. It cost zero dollars to share a post. I know they’re sharing every time.

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