We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shaquala Swinton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Shaquala with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I get my work ethic from my mom. She had me at a very young age and worked multiple jobs while going to school, raising me and my siblings. Watching her hustle every day instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and resilience. She was determined to build a better life for us, even when it meant making sacrifices.
I remember dealing with issues with landlords growing up, but my mom didn’t let that stop her. She pushed through and used the Dollar Bank program to purchase a home—something that was unheard of for people in our community at the time. That moment showed me the power of persistence and the belief that you can change your circumstances, no matter the odds.
As the oldest of four, I was the first in my family to go to college. I always felt that I needed to set a strong example, not just for my siblings but for my community. I knew education and hard work were the keys to breaking cycles and creating a new path forward.
Her example inspired me to never settle, to always push for more, and to see every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Whether it’s my work with PAIR and SDB Realty or my time at Moody’s, I’ve carried that same commitment and passion into everything I do. For me, it’s never just about achieving goals—it’s about leading by example and living a life that reflects the perseverance, ambition, and dedication my mom taught me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a new mom, a new wife, and an entrepreneur—balancing multiple roles while still working full-time. It’s a challenge, but one I embrace wholeheartedly. Managing my time and being intentional about how I spend it is key. Whether I’m caring for my family, running my businesses, or nurturing personal growth, I’ve learned the importance of finding balance and staying grounded.
At PAIR Charcuterie, a café in downtown Pittsburgh, we’re focused on bringing people together through food. Our mission is all about creating meaningful connections, and we do that by offering unique experiences like our Coffee Chat Series. These events are designed to spark authentic conversations in a cozy, welcoming space, where community members can engage, learn, and grow while enjoying delicious food and drinks. It’s these types of interactions that make our café special and serve as a reminder of how powerful sharing a meal and a conversation can be.
In addition to PAIR, I’m also the founder of SDB Realty, a business that’s allowed me to make a meaningful impact in my hometown through real estate. While real estate has always been a passion, it’s the ability to invest in my community and provide others with opportunities to build wealth that truly excites me. It’s a way to create long-lasting value, not just for myself, but for others who are looking to grow and invest in their futures.
When I’m not working, I love to travel and explore new experiences. Traveling allows me to recharge, stay inspired, and bring fresh perspectives to my work. Whether it’s discovering new places, tasting new foods, or connecting with people from different walks of life, these experiences feed my creativity and drive.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing PAIR Charcuterie and expanding our offerings, especially through more community-focused events. I’m also focused on continuing to nurture SDB Realty as a way to empower others through real estate. The balance I’ve found between business, family, and personal passions is what keeps me motivated and passionate about everything I do.
Ultimately, my journey is about embracing all the roles I play and finding ways to make them work in harmony. Whether it’s being a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur, or simply a person who loves new experiences, I believe that dedication, resilience, and a commitment to growth are key to living a life that’s truly fulfilling.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. The Ability to Pivot
Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and I’ve learned that flexibility is key. When things didn’t work out as expected, I had to be willing to shift and adapt. As a Black woman, I’ve learned that my ability to pivot has been a superpower—whether it’s switching career paths, learning new skills, or adjusting to unexpected challenges.
Advice: Don’t be afraid of change. Stay grounded in your values, and be open to new opportunities. Sometimes the best things happen when you’re willing to step off the beaten path.
2. The Ability to Take Risks
Taking risks is often uncomfortable, but it’s where the growth happens. For me, taking bold steps, even when the outcome wasn’t clear, opened doors I didn’t know existed. As Black women, we’ve been conditioned to play it safe, but we have to push against that and take risks that challenge the status quo.
Advice: Start small, but be intentional. Take risks that align with your values, and don’t let fear of failure hold you back. It’s through those risks that you’ll discover new strengths.
3. The Ability to Connect with People
Building genuine relationships has been key to my journey. It’s not just about networking for opportunities but creating real, meaningful connections with people who inspire, challenge, and support you. These relationships have opened doors and given me the strength to keep going when things got tough.
Advice: Be authentic and invest in your community. Don’t focus on transactional connections; instead, build a network that’s built on trust and mutual respect. Those connections will be there for you when you need them most.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! At PAIR, we’re always looking to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations that share our passion for community, creativity, and connection through food. We’re especially interested in partnering with local artisans, chefs, and makers who want to showcase their products, as well as non-profits and small businesses that align with our mission of fostering community growth and inclusivity.
We’re also open to working with event planners, educators, and wellness advocates to host workshops, pop-ups, and gatherings that bring people together in meaningful ways.
If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to stop by PAIR in downtown Pittsburgh, reach out via email at [email protected], or connect with us on Instagram at @pairpgh. We’d love to hear from you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pairpgh.com
- Instagram: @pairpgh
- Linkedin: shaquala swinton
Image Credits
Rachelle Horning Photography
Ashley Jones Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
