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Shell art sessions are great for a girl's or guy's day out, and they also offer specialty sessions such as date nights, Sip and Shells, Mom and Me, birthday parties, memorial or therapeutic shell sessions, and even special engagement shellabrations! They make every day special and their services and offerings are growing daily.
Contact them to discuss your ideas and plans today. They are happy to work with you to design the perfect piece and the perfect party. They also offer some virtual options, so no matter where you are, a shellabration isn't too far for She Shells, LLC!
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Carlin Duncan has been cooking since she was in diapers. She learned at an early age just how important food was to people. Gathered around a kitchen table is where her family laughed, cried, fought, made-up, found out shocking news, gave advice - etc., etc., - all while eating. Carlin says, "It's funny how a simple taste of food can cause the tears to dry up and a smile to appear."
After realizing food had so much power to change a mood, she knew she wanted to be a part of that world. To hear people enjoying something she created and to see the smiles on their faces is worth the hours in the kitchen to her.
Today, Carlin is a food blogger and owner of Girl Meets Kitchen, a boutique catering service along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Her Philosophy On Customer Service
When asked about her philoscopy on customer service, Carlin said, "I support my customers by always being available to them. My customers need to know that they are not just a number or money to me. They are humans and they deserve respect no matter what. They need to know that I am here for any question or shoulder they need. Any one I have ever worked with/for knows to this day, that they can still reach out to me even if its not food related.
Its important to me that I learn each person. That they feel comfortable enough to let their true self show. It's also important that people realize I have “old school values” - which means people, as well as the little things, matter most to me. I'm not some huge business or corporation where people are easily replaced. Each person, whether a client or a person walking by, deserves my time if they want it. And whether we talk food or you need to vent, I am here. I'm a girl in the South, I still say yes ma'am and no sir when speaking. I was raised that way and I will run my business the same as the morals and values I was taught."
"To be honest, everyone who is living their truth and doing what they love! I mean how cool is that, that in today's craziness, there are people who are living out loud! Like OMG, I respect those types of people so much. They are so bold to say, “I dont care what people say or think, I'm going to do me regardless." It takes so much strength to be honest with yourself and just be you. Those types of people need to be cherished and loved on even more. Their life is free from all the chaotic mess of the world," she says.
Carlin believes that you are the only one who can change your surroundings. "Life is short; start doing what you were called to do! If you don't like your job, find one you love. Don't like your circle of friends? Find some who will treat you the way friends should."
HER GREATEST SUCCESS AT WORK...THUS FAR!
When asked about her greatest professional success thus far, she remarked, "That's an interesting question, but some would say that when I was contacted by a major cooking show that I had 'made it.' To think that a prime time show wanted me to audition was HUGE!! And yes that was an amazing opportunity. I did the audition and went through months of jumping through hoops. I even made it to the final stage of auditioning...but then was cut. And that's OK. That was an amazing time of my life and the people were super nice. But I think my greatest success is knowing that I'm doing this my way and not conforming and changing who I am."
"I'm not saying the show wanted me to change, I am saying alot of people do not stay true sometimes and I don't want that to be me. When I “make it,” I want it to be because I am Carlin. The same Carlin I was from a child to now. The same Carlin who is goofy, shy , silly, watching SVU and Chicago PD on repeat. The same person who will literary give you my last $20 knowing my light bill is due by 5 p.m. That is how I was raised, and that is how I want to stay. No matter how many clients I have, or where this journey takes me. I want to be true to my family’s name and be someone that when my mother and grandmother look down on me they are pleased with what they left behind." she said.
Food For Thought
When asked about advice she would give to anyone entering her profession, she told us, "My advice to anyone entering into this industry… cut yourself some slack. This industry is not for the weak. You are going to get frustrated, angry, you are going to go crazy and cry at times. There will be times where you will doubt yourself, mess up, and straight out fail. But you must get back up!! Never accept defeat. Tune out everyone else and listen to you heart and gut. It's easier said than done but trust me, it's so rewarding. Love yourself enough to wipe your tears and speak positive to your inner child. Love yourself enough to not give up on yourself. The world is full of people who don't care about you, so you owe it to yourself to be the one who cares. And if you can't give yourself that, then contact me and let's fight your self-doubt together!'
Keep Watching For More
Keep watching for more of our conversation with Carlin over the next couple of months. We'll be sharing interesting facts about some of her biggest challenges while working as a caterer, her biggest blessings, and what motivates her to get up and be the best in her business every single day.
She will also be sharing monthly recipes with us, along with her business insights, and we are excited to bring those to you. This month, she's sharing her Coast-famous green beans and potatoes with us, so check out the recipe on the following page.
If you have a question for Carlin - or maybe a request for a special recipe, reach out to us here at Best in Business Magazine, and we'll be sure to let her know.
