Meet Chef Shelley

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Chef Shelley Jones came from humbling beginnings. Raised in a single-parent household in Saint Louis, MO, alongside her mother, grandmother, and two siblings, she discovered her love for cooking early on by spending countless hours in the kitchen with her grandmother. From cracking eggs and measuring flour to following and creating recipes, Shelley knew she had what it took to become a chef who could serve people with excellence, care, and creativity.

She became a certified chef in 2012 through North Technical High School, where she honed her skills and competed in national culinary competitions. Shelley later earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Harris-Stowe State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Her passion for entrepreneurship led her to start promoting her catering business in 2014, expanding her menu, clientele, and services to reflect the diverse tastes and cultures of her community.

In 2022, Shelley added another milestone to her journey by earning a Master’s degree in Education with a focus in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling. With a heart for healing and service, she launched Mental Essentials—an initiative designed to support mental wellness through food, faith, and community care. This initiative combines her culinary talents with her mental health expertise to foster conversations around wellness and provide nourishing, therapeutic experiences for individuals and families.

Shelley is a passionate, faith-driven chef who believes in conducting business with integrity and compassion. She has catered over 25 weddings with guest counts exceeding 200 people, in addition to reunions, luncheons, parties, and community events. She regularly hosts “Hot Meal Sunday,” offering free meals to those in need as part of her commitment to give back. Shelley also serves as a Deaconess and Fellowship Leader at Unfailing Love Christian Church, continuing to blend service, spirituality, and hospitality in all she does.