Meet Shawntia Griffin

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shawntia Griffin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Shawntia, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

“How I Found My Purpose” – By Chef Griffin

I’ve always been someone who naturally connects with people. Whether it’s lending a listening ear, offering a word of encouragement, or just sharing a laugh, I’ve been blessed with the kind of energy that draws others in. I used to think it was just a personality trait—being a people person—but over time, I realized it was a gift.

People have always come to me for advice, not just because I talk, but because I listen. I know how to meet people where they are, and I’ve learned how to relate to folks from all walks of life. Whether someone is up or down, I’ve found that offering kindness, understanding, and a sense of hope can go a long way.

But it wasn’t until I became a mother that things truly started to shift. Holding my children in my arms awakened something deeper in me—a new layer of love, responsibility, and clarity. I realized that my purpose was more than just helping people—I was meant to nurture, guide, and uplift both children and adults.

That’s when I began walking in purpose—not just talking about change but being the change. Whether I’m teaching kids how to cook, mentoring young girls in the community, or preparing a meal that brings a smile to someone’s face, I now understand that food is just the vehicle—my real purpose is to serve people with love, empowerment, and connection.

Every pot I stir, every class I lead, and every conversation I share is all part of a bigger calling. I didn’t just find my purpose. My purpose found me—in my natural gifts, in my motherhood, and in the love I pour into everything I do.

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?

Cooking has always been more than a job for me—it’s my way of connecting with people, showing love, and bringing joy to the table. Through Griff’s Grub, I create soulful meals that nourish the body and spirit—whether it’s through personal chef experiences, meal preps for busy families, or catering for community events. But one of the things I’m most proud of is teaching cooking classes to kids. I believe every child should know how to make a good meal, and more importantly, feel confident in the kitchen. In each class, I mix fun, learning, and life skills to empower the next generation with tools they’ll use for a lifetime.

To keep the learning going beyond class, I created the Griff’s Grub Coloring & Activity Book with Recipes—a hands-on, interactive tool that lets kids color, explore food groups, try simple recipes, and get inspired to cook at home with their families. It’s all about planting seeds of creativity, health, and confidence in our youth. When kids flip through those pages and light up while making something they’re proud of—it’s a reminder that I’m living in my purpose.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Consistency is Key

My Journey: Staying consistent—even when I was tired, uncertain, or overwhelmed—was one of the most powerful tools in building Griff’s Grub. Showing up with the same heart, hustle, and high standards kept me moving forward, even when progress felt slow.

Advice: Start small, but stay steady. Pick one thing to be consistent in—whether it’s your schedule, communication, or content—and commit to it. The results may not come overnight, but over time, consistency builds trust, skills, and momentum.

2. Being Personable is Not Optional—It’s a Superpower

My Journey: Working with people—whether customers, kids, or community leaders—has been the heart of my business. It’s not just about food, it’s about connection. I learned that being kind, understanding, and genuinely caring opens doors and hearts.

Advice: Work on your people skills as much as your product. Practice active listening, smile more, and show up as your authentic self. Take time to learn about others. Relationships are the root of every thriving business and community.

3. Give Yourself Grace to Start Over

My Journey: Not everything worked out the first time. I’ve had to pivot, re-plan, and start from scratch more than once. But each restart brought clarity, strength, and direction. I realized that every detour was preparing me for my next level.

Advice: Don’t fear failure—use it as fuel. Give yourself permission to try again. Each attempt teaches you something valuable. Starting over isn’t a setback—it’s a setup for a stronger comeback.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My parents and my grandparents I would say. They taught me so much early in my younger years and throughout my journey, those skills have been helpful when it came time to unpack and be the best that I could possibly be. Also I would say my kids gave me the push to give grace to myself when I felt overwhelmed and felt like giving up. I knew that giving up was not an option because I have little ones looking up to me and they depend on me to make the right decisions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.griffsgrub.com
• Instagram: griffs_grub82
• Facebook: Shawntia Griffin
• Other: My Griff’s Grub Coloring & Activity Book with Recipes can be found on Amazon.

Image Credits

Shawntia Griffin