Meet Shawn McCullough Vickers: Celebrity/Personal Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shawn McCullough Vickers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shawn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I think my thought process in starting my business was the fact that I believe that I have a great talent which is cooking and that it needs to be shared with the world. My cultural heritage (being both Jamaican and American), is key in my cooking because I try to fuse both cultures with each other. And I feel like I have that “thing”, that niche that just makes my food different. And from this, it’ll open up opportunities for people to come together, put differences aside and just enjoy good food.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is called Simply Delish Kitchen LLC and I’m the Owner/Executive Chef. I believe what sets me apart is my love for food and my personality that sets me apart. I don’t try to be anything other than who I am. I try to give to my clients what I would want for myself. That means, presentation, flavors and ambience. I’m most proud of the reputation that I’m gaining as it relates to my business and my food. It has taken a long time to get to this place because for a long time I shied away from cooking because I felt like everyone nowadays is a “chef” or cook. But I realized that I too, have something to offer.

It surely hasn’t been easy. Some days, I feel like giving up especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. However, I have to keep pushing through. I want the world to know me for my authenticity, my dishes and my personality. I am my brand and my brand is me. I can’t separate the two.

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.
Well my bestfriend has been wanting to go the Georgia Aquarium for the longest. So I guess at some point I’d take him. We’re both chefs so most times we’d be cooking, eating in and watching tv. I’m more of a homebody but we do like Joe’s On Juniper in Midtown, Atlanta. I’d get a Midtown Tea and he’d get a large Sprite. We’d visit The King Center, Skyview and he may not want to go but we’re going to The Trap Museum.

Atlanta is filled with so many awesome places and things to do. Of course now during the pandemic, a lot of places might be closed or somewhat limited. But one event I have never been to but want to go to, The Dogwood Festival. I hear it’s amazing but I’ve never been. Time to change that! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It would take me days to thank everyone for their support and to give credit. But I certainly want to shoutout my tribe. Certainly, my mother, Pastor D. Lucille Vickers is my greatest inspiration. She is like the greatest cook there is. She not only teach recipes but she teaches techniques and the science behind cooking. I think next is my bestfriend, Chef Brandon Williams who keeps me on my toes. We could talk about food and our undying love for chicken wings for hours. But seriously, he keeps me motivated. And then my favorite celebrity client, Jhonnie Blaze (@imjhonnieblaze). She keeps me working and has become more than a client, she’s become a friend. She believes in me, she supports me and uses every opportunity to promote me and my business. Thank you!

Instagram: @simplydelishkitchen

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/simply-delish-kitchen-atlanta

Image Credits
@marvelousmedia @rawdvpe_phtos