Meet Shayla McDaniel | Caterer

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

Hi Shayla, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand are my clients. I truly thank God that my clients took a chance with trusting me to cook for them, come into their homes and give them a great home cooked, restaurant quality meal and they  continuously coming back. They also spread the word fast to bring in more clientele and I thank them for trusting in my brand. I make sure I put love in what I do because I love cooking and making people smile. I make sure that I am always professional and that I have great customer service skills as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the owner of Pecan Tan Sweet Pecans and More, LLC. I specialize in making different flavored candied pecans such as Cinnamon, Sweet and Salty, Sweet and Spicy, Candied, Bourbon Maple Bacon, and Fireball.  I also cater and specialize in private dinners as well.  My stuffed Salmon and Garlic Parmesan Roasted potatoes have gotten me very far. I also have created two special sauces which are the Hot Shayaki Sauce (a teriyaki and hot sauce base) and the Honey Shaylemon Pepper Sauce

I got to where I am professionally because of prayer, hard work, dedication and support. It definitely was not easy, I definitely had a time where I threw in the towel and said “I’m done, this is not working”. I had people in my corner telling me don’t give up, you got this, you have that “it” factor. I gave my brand a second chance, looked at the areas I needed improvement, revised my products, added new flavors and it’s truly been a blessing with how far things have come along.

Something I would want the world to know about my brand is that it’s different, it’s unique and I promise you will not be disappointed. It’s “Divinely Delicious” with a lot of love in every bite.

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 currently reside in Columbia, SC so if my friend was visiting me, I would be doing most of the cooking because that is what I love to do. Some places we probably go to for good food and drinks is Hendrix, Bakers Bar and Grill, Colas, The Vet and Hall’s Chophouse.  We would go to Soda City to support the local vendors in the Columbia area.  I don’t get out much but when I do these are places that I like to go to. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There are a few people that I would love to shout out for the love and encouragement and motivation.

I would like to shout out my family for giving me the support and love I needed. They were in the test kitchen giving feedback and motivation.  Dana, she is my role model. She played a major part into me even starting my business and has ran with every crazy idea that I have thrown to her. Latoya and Janiah for not sugar coating anything, pushing me consistently and just being there for any ideas I throw at them.  KJ for helping me build my clientele, being in the test kitchen for a lot of the items that are on the menu. Darnelle and The Black & Unfiltered Crew for truly believing in my brand and giving me my first interview and supporting and purchasing from my business. All my customers that purchase, share and just support with love and consistency. I love and appreciate y’all.  

Website: pecantansweetpecans.com

Instagram: pecantansweetpecans

Facebook: Pecan Tan Sweet Pecans and More, LLC

Image Credits
Jamiah Lester