05/12/2026
I just finished reading Carving Out a Culinary Career by Chef Evelyn Shelton, MPA and owner of Evelyn's Food Love— and whew…THIS. BOOK. IS. A. MUST-READ.
And not just for those pursuing restaurant entrepreneurship. Honestly? This book is for anyone navigating the journey of building something meaningful from the ground up.
Transparent.
Comical.
Raw.
Resourceful.
Genuine.
What I appreciated most was how relatable and practical this book is. From the notable quotables and powerful chapter segue quotes to the real-life lessons woven throughout each page, this isn’t just a book you read — it’s a guide you can reference again and again.
It serves as:
• a tool guide
• a reference guide
• an encouragement guide
• and an easy-to-follow roadmap for entrepreneurs in any industry — from restaurant ownership to real estate and beyond.
Golden nuggets are scattered throughout every chapter. Here are one of many of my favorite notable quotables:
“...opening a restaurant is not an easy task. However, it is also not an impossible task, as evidenced by my journey. You will encounter plenty of naysayers, so try your hardest not to be distracted, dismayed, or deterred by them - no matter how loud-and trust me, they will be loud...Find your village or create one, and there will be enough supporters to come together-hopefully, with ample encouragement to drown out the negativity and to give you the confidence you will need to be successful…”
This is the kind of wisdom you will receive throughout this entire book.
Chef Evelyn Shelton is truly a gem to the restaurant industry, to our community, to minority-owned businesses, and to the entrepreneurial space as a whole. In this book, you'll find that Chef fully embraces that she is beautifully flawed AND if you know her, you'll agree that she is also exceptionally gifted, and undeniably talented in the culinary arts and hospitality industry.
She is someone you should know. Take a seat at her table and I promise you’ll eat well — figuratively and literally.
Thank you, Chef Evelyn, for your incredible contribution to entrepreneurs, dreamers, and the restaurant industry.
Your transparency, wisdom, and authenticity matter more than you know.
Please support this phenomenal Black woman, chef, restaurateur, mentor, and entrepreneurial educator and get this book for yourself and gift it to a current or aspiring entrepreneur.
Purchase your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FTT1XQ6P/ref=sw_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
