We recently connected with Rayshawn J. Stallings and have shared our conversation below.
Rayshawn J., thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
My name is Rayshawn J. Stallings. I am 34yrs old.
My generosity comes from a deeply personal place shaped by my life experiences, faith, and the belief that everyone deserves kindness. My dad has told a story about the first time he remembers me giving away my birthday money without hesitation to a Salvation Army bell ringer around ten years old. That moment, though small, was a glimpse of how giving makes me feel fulfilled and connected to others. Growing up and experiencing times of living on the street and shelters at 19 has taught me firsthand what it means to be in need, yet still having a posture and willingness to share and give to others. I believe those moments help cultivate my empathy and desire to help.
Today, as a certified chef and owner of F.A.S.T F.E.A.D.S (Feeding All Soles/Souls Together with Food, Encouragement, Anointing, Discernment, and Stewardship), I use my skills and platform to not just market my passion but also give back to the community locally and as far as North Carolina. My work isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about showing them they are seen, valued, and loved. I strive to live out Christ’s example. I believe that God doesn’t always return what we give in the same form, but He always provides what we need despite what it may seem like in moments.
My generosity is not driven by having an abundance but by seeing others as fellow human beings on their journeys, deserving of care and compassion. I’ve learned that generosity isn’t about waiting until we’re doing better but about sharing what we can, right where we are. Whether it’s food, time, love, or even a listening ear, giving feels good because it’s a reflection of God’s heart and a reminder that we’re all in this together.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a traveling personal and private certified chef with a passion for bringing scratch-made, savory, and sweet eats to the table. As mentioned earlier I am the owner of F.A.S.T. F.E.A.D.S, which stands for Feeding All Soles/Souls Together with Food, Encouragement, Anointing, Discernment, and Stewardship. This business was born during a period of prayer and fasting after I was unexpectedly fired over the Christmas holiday after ironically asking my employer for help during a crisis. Although, a difficult experience that ultimately redirected my path toward something deeply meaningful.
F.A.S.T. F.E.A.D.S isn’t just about food; it’s about creating connections and fostering community through nourishment, both physically and spiritually. I’m driven by the belief that food has the power to reach souls, uplift spirits, and bring people together in a way that other things are not able too. The most exciting part of my work is the opportunity to blend my creativity, life experiences, and culinary skills with my faith. Each dish that is created is not just a meal but a moment of comfort, joy, and reflection.
What sets my work apart is the personal touch and intentionality behind every menu that is crafted. I strive to make each dining experience unique, tailored not just to taste but also to resonate with the heart. Many times it is through discernment and as “Auntie Tab”says, “Cooking with the Spirit.” One of the challenges is navigating diagnosed ADHD and being on the spectrum, however it also allows me to see and approach people and food differently. It helps to bring a level of creativity and care that goes beyond the plate.
Professionally, I’m focused on growing F.A.S.T. F.E.A.D.S, reaching more communities, and finding new ways to serve others. I’m also pursuing my education with an Associate’s degree in Culinary Management and a Pastry Certification, set to be completed in 2025. This is an exciting next step that will allow me to expand my skills even further.
Currently, I offer private course and budget friendly meals. I am also a part of platforms like TakeAChef where I offer more tailored dining experiences. I am also in the market to expand via clients that require traveling out of state. I’d love for people to know that whether it’s a private dinner, a community event, or a personalized meal plan, my mission is always the same: to feed soles and reach souls with intention, love, and purpose one meal and experience at a time.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities and skills that were most impactful would-be resilience, adaptability/problem solving, and thriving for empathy and connection.
1. RESILIENCE: Life is full of ups and downs, especially when pursuing something as personal and challenging as a culinary career. Resilience allowed me to bounce back from setbacks, like being kicked out at 19, living on the streets and in shelters, and fired over the holidays. It has taught me to keep moving forward even when things were tough. I’m learning to view setbacks as redirections rather than failures. ADVICE: Cultivate resilience by embracing challenges rather than avoiding them. I contrast it to jumping in a pool or getting on your first rollercoaster or participating in something called resistance training. Your stomach is churning and you’re not sure what is on the other side but it’s exciting and amid what could feel painful you are also becoming stronger. See every setback as a lesson. Practice self-care to maintain your mental and emotional health, surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you, and even if you don’t have community continue to push forward despite what comes your way. One of my self care is fishing.
2. ADAPTABILITY AND PROBLEM SOLVING: My ability to adjust to new situations, whether it’s a change in a client’s menu, business trends, or personal circumstances, has been essential in survival and thriving in rooms that my insecurities or experiences could have hindered. Adaptability has allowed me to thrive in various environments and continue evolving both personally and business. ADVICE: To become more adaptable, put yourself in situations that push you out of your comfort zone. Embrace change and uncertainty as opportunities to grow. Develop a mindset that sees challenges as learning experiences rather than obstacles. Learn to pivot when something isn’t working, and be open to new ideas, techniques, and perspectives. Sometimes you are gifted with the solution, it just hasn’t been matched with the right problem yet.
3. EMPATHY AND CONNECTION: My desire to feed not just the body but also the soul has shaped my approach. It’s not just about the food; it’s about how it makes people feel and the connections it fosters. This has made my work more meaningful and fulfilling. This is a concept that I am currently navigating. Although, I experience lack of connection to a home or community; having the ability to empathize and take a look at the person and not just their actions has helped mold me into the type of man I am today. ADVICE: Remember “why” you do or doing what you do. Engage with people, listen to their stories, and let that guide your craft. I believe the ability to empathize builds in your willingness to visit the places in you that are not always good or happy. Developing empathy takes intention; volunteer, engage in meaningful conversations, and put yourself in others’ shoes. Building connections is just as important as honing technical skills. Remember not everyone will have empathy for you. Unfortunately, that is how life is and it’s not fair, but “they” didn’t give it so don’t let ANYONE take it. Love is the purest form of God before sharing any scripture or prayer. God’s love for us is GREAT because of HIS ability to empathize with us by sending HIS son. It isn’t easy nor will it ever be, and we don’t always get it right. However, I truly believe if we all saw each other as children, we could understand we are human beings navigating a worldly and spiritual experience. Progression over perfection.
“I am a progressing man not a perfect one.”
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest obstacle I’m currently navigating is staying consistent and focused amidst life’s unpredictability’s and personal challenges. Balancing mental health, responsibilities, and growth requires constant effort and self-awareness. I’m working to overcome this by setting small, achievable goals, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining routines that ground me. I continuously remind myself that progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay. I’ve also recently began fishing and looking forward to adding it as a feature as I become more versed in that area. I desire for business to increase and the right bonds to be formed in collaborating with people. However, I hope more than anything that this piece offers some insight and encourages the person that may be reading to continue. It’s ok to be vulnerable, stay resilient, remain adaptable, always be a student in every room and the right people and connections are coming.
And remember the one thing that can’t be bought, is easy to lose, but increases value the longer you have it: YOUR INTEGRITY. Stay solid.
“They may not get the full story, doesn’t mean there aren’t portions still worth sharing.”
Thank You
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastfeads838/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fastfeads/
- Other: fastfeads@gmail.com
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