By looking at her beautiful website, you can catch a glimpse of Shannon Smith in her element – shopping at a farmer’s market, preparing authentic dishes and perusing markets for unique pieces to design and make jewelry. She clearly has a passion for creating.

Her cooking career began nineteen years ago, rather suddenly, following a divorce. She had to find a job and happened into a position working for a local non-profit, teaching basic cooking skills to underprivileged kids and previously incarcerated women. The ironic part, at the time she did not have any formal training in what she was doing and had to figure it out. She was thrown into the sink-or-swim situation and she decided to embrace her opportunity. 

Making that decision proved successful. She quickly realized that she was making a significant and positive difference in the lives of many women and their children – including hers and her children’s. Over time, her joy and passion for cooking turned into what it is today – leading cooking classes and teaching private lessons in Tulsa and beyond. But she hasn’t forgotten where it all started and continually gives back by teaching classes to local women released from incarceration how to cook healthy and budget-friendly dishes for their children.  

Check out Chef Shannon’s website to learn more about cooking classes, recipes and sign up for her newsletter to receive a complimentary copy of her e-cookbook at chefshannon.com or on Instagram @chefshannonsmith.