Today we’d like to introduce you to Shandon Benjamin.
Hi Shandon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story began in my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays. As a child, that kitchen was the heart of everything—a place where my grandmother and mother created unforgettable meals for our entire family. Being the youngest, I was assigned the “grudge work”: chopping onions, stirring batters, and of course, the highly important job of licking the bowl. At the time, I didn’t realize I was learning skills that would stay with me for life.
Cooking became a part of who I am. Even after graduating from Edward Waters University and starting my career as a teacher, I carried that passion with me. I became known as the teacher who always brought homemade “experiments” to share. Outside the classroom, I found joy in entertaining—continuing the traditions passed down from my grandmother and mother.
As more people began requesting dishes for their own events, I realized this passion could become something more. While teaching full-time, I started offering prepared meals focusing on busy professionals—especially educators—who needed quality, home-cooked food.
That idea quickly grew into something bigger. I transitioned into catering and founded 1FoxyLadyCafe and Catering. I made a promise to myself: once my business earned as much as or more than my teaching salary, I would take a leap of faith.
Eleven years ago, I kept that promise and left the school system. The rest is history.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s a poem by Langston Hughes, “Mother to Son,” where he writes, “My life ain’t been no crystal stair.” I can truly say the same about my business journey.
I stepped out on faith with what felt like a brilliant idea—to open a café and catering company—with no formal culinary background and very little experience. I had more questions than answers and only limited resources to rely on.
Along the way, I made plenty of mistakes—some small, some major—but I wouldn’t change any of it. Each one became a lesson that helped shape me into the business owner I am today.
As a new entrepreneur, I faced challenge after challenge: figuring out how to start a business, how to keep it afloat, how to market and advertise, navigating social media, surviving slow seasons, managing growth, handling paperwork and regulations, and even pushing through a global pandemic.
“I’ve had the support of the community, the 1Foxy Lady Family, and institutions such as LISC, Wells Fargo, JPEG, and Blue Zones Jacksonville, just to name a few. Their continued support has helped me navigate and overcome many challenges.”
Through it all, I learned resilience. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth every step.
We’ve been impressed with 1FoxyLadyCafe and Catering , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a catering company specializing in non-traditional Southern comfort food, blending classic flavors with a modern twist. Our services include charcuterie displays, corporate catering, and full-service catering for large events and private parties.
As we continue to grow, we are proud to introduce an educational component to our business. Through this initiative, we support aspiring culinary and hospitality professionals by providing guidance and training to help them become state-certified in food safety through ServSafe certification.
Our mission is not only to serve exceptional food, but also to educate and empower the next generation of industry professionals.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
One of my most treasured verses is found in the Bible, Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Faith is the most important characteristic I possess. It has carried me through every stage of my journey. The growth of 1FLC&C—from where it began to where it is headed—has required countless leaps of faith, trusting that God is truly in control.
I’ve learned to trust His plan for my life while persevering through every valley and every mountain that comes my way. It is through that faith that I continue to move forward with purpose, vision, and determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1foxyladycafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1foxyladycatering/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1FoxyLadyCafe/about
