Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Cross.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Prior to starting my business, I was in corporate America. I had a good job, and I was slowly moving up the corporate ladder. I had received several promotions and achievements; however, I was still left unfulfilled. The job I had required me to constantly pour into others and the “needs of the business,” but there was a neglect from myself and them pouring back into me. I felt like I wasn’t able to be myself, like I was in a box, and there was a ceiling on growth. Things started to get really cloudy in something that I once thought I wanted to do as a career, and I started to dread my job. For several years I put all of my time and efforts into my job and would put whatever I had left into myself, my passion, and the things that mattered most to me.
I saw the potential and even knew what I wanted to do, but also knew that I would need to have more time to invest and to fully bring the visions to life. So, July of 2022 I took the leap of faith and quit my corporate job to become a full-time entrepreneur and get back to the things that brought me joy; I took back my time!
Comfort cravings experience started as simply a talent of cooking good food and a passion for doing for and serving others. I started just cooking for friends and family, selling plates in my community, and doing party packages for football and basketball games throughout the year. Now, it has turned into a mission to create memories that linger on the palate and in the heart; food for the body, mind, and spirit. Our goal is to define and deliver what a true food experience is to the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey has been far from smooth. However, just like with anything in life, you grow through what you go through. Running a business is hard enough, running a successful business and doing it right is even harder.
A lot of people have this idea that you’re your own boss, so life just gets good. It does eventually, but you have to put in the time and work to get to that point. One of the biggest obstacles that I’ve faced are the sacrifices for long-term success. When you first start off, it’s all in or nothing. You eat last, literally. Everything is an investment from your time to your resources and finances. This is not a journey for someone who wants instant gratification or isn’t willing to be patient and see it through.
Another obstacle that I have faced is the battle within the mind. You’re basically delusional, when you choose to walk by faith and not by sight. There are many times that reality looks different than what you’re believing for, but you still have to choose to believe what you believe and walk forward. I’ve learned to give myself grace throughout this journey. I choose to show up my best every day, whatever my “best” looks like for that day. I’m being patient through the process, continuing to pray, preparing for what’s ahead, and praising him in advance for what he’s already done but I’m waiting to see the physical manifestations of here in time.
Lastly, an obstacle that I’ve faced is going back to the drawing board. You can plan as much as you want, strategize, and everything else, but life will life, and things don’t always go as planned. I used to feel like I “failed,” but I had to shift my mind to it’s not “starting over” but simply refocusing and taking a different approach to still reach the set goals. You only fail when you choose to give up. And what’s better is that the next time around, you have experience.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We don’t just cater and provide food services; we create experiences! We are known for our style of cooking, which is comfort food, but we add an upscale twist without compromising on authenticity of classic southern recipes. We also host our own private events with elevated and interactive experiences. We might rent out a nice venue or space and host private dinners with a sommelier for a couple’s date night, party-style cooking classes, themed private brunch and dinner parties, retreats, and more! Hosting food events allows us to be creative on the food side with our dishes but also to use our network to help other businesses shine as well as come together and create a community while serving our communities.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like most about Houston is that it’s a big city and very diverse. I have yet to explore all of Houston. There’s new places and ideas introduced all the time for any mood that you’re in to get out and explore.
One of the things that I least like about the city is that we don’t build each other up. People don’t show love like that, majority of people are in competition with each other. If more of us would come together and put all of our talents and resources together, we can do some major things, and everyone can win!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://comfortcravingsexperience.durable.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfortcravingsexperience?igsh=MXZlZ2djZWF3c3JvMw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbycocravings?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelbyncross/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Shelbycocravings?si=u1wB2ehaUgKOt52_
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/QLKorwM1M7
Image Credits
Farryn Cortes Photography
