Today we’d like to introduce you to Shavarr Goodloe.
Hi Shavarr, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
This all started with a Facebook post. I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be a baker. I was always interested in cooking since I was a child making breakfast with my dad on Saturday mornings. So I went to college and got my degrees in culinary and hospitality management. I also always wanted to go into business for myself as well. So it was a perfect storm. A friend of mine shared a Facebook post and asked one question: who can make this cheesecake for me?
The cheesecake was a peach cobbler cheesecake.
Now i didnt know a thing about baking. But I was confident in my abilities. So, I decided to comment and say “I can make it and make it better than anything you’ve had”. He trusted me and that 1 order multiplied to 5 orders.
When I got more orders, it sparked the idea to start up the baking business Shef Lyfe Creations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been as smooth as expected. One of the biggest hurdles i have is building with the demand of the business. While I am happy with the success of my business and how it has gone, I know that in order to take the next step, I have to take a step back from the stove and pick up a pen to build for future success and for a person like me, it is tough to do. So, being able to structure the business for the scale of the demand is something I have to continuously work on.
Also, being able to advertise the business as much as being able to produce the product has been a struggle that I enjoy actually. With every event or order that I receive, im always pleased to be able to create and produce whatever is ordered. But also having to structure baking time around working as a sous chef has been a welcoming challenge
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So, I am a chef/entrepeneur. I currently work as a sous chef at Dad’s Farm in St. Joseph Michigan where I also sell my desserts as well. I also own Shef Lyfe Creations which is known for the best cheesecakes. What makes the cheesecakes so special is that they are custom made baked cheesecakes that are customized to the customer. I do have staple flavors that can be ordered or bought at the store as well. But, if someone would like something that is creative to what theywant and not necessarily something that I offer, i pride myself in making that experience happen. I believe thats what makes my business unique is the creative attention to detail and the wide range of customizable options.
How do you think about happiness?
My original reason for happiness is my family and close knit support system. My family is my world and my reason for being. So, bringing happiness to my daughter and wife is one of the biggest joys i have in life because they give me so much joy just being them and supporting me to reach my goals and dreams as much as I encourage and support them.
Another thing that brings me joy is the fact that people truly enjoy what I create. Whether its a sandwich or dessert, when someone comes to me and says it was very good, it brings me warmth and happiness knowing that I provided them a wonderful and tasty experience. I have always wanted to give joy into the world and I have found that one of the best ways to do that is through cooking. Its always nice to put a smile on someone’s face and something good in their stomach.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sheflyfecreations
- Facebook: @Shef Lyfe Creations
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shavarr-goodloe-376578276
