LaunchU Grad is Paying It Forward

My name is Sharla J. Webb. I am the owner of Shar J’s Catering & Delicious Home Cooked Meals

Shar J’s Catering, a sole proprietorship in Kansas City, MO., provides a supply of various foods to assist those that request our services. We offer catering for all occasions and events. We provide professional service and a wide variety of delicious freshly prepared foods in a casual setting and affordably priced. Shar J’s Catering has been in business since 2003. We also provide meal prep and delicious home cooked frozen meals that saves you time and takes all the work out of cooking.

I started my business once I figured out, I was a good cook, I kept going and began to enjoy it, a lot. After entertaining my friends and family, I learned within my passions there was a business opportunity. I began selling dinners and was asked to cater a wedding reception. I was shocked and honored at the same time, but before I knew it, “yes” had come out of my mouth. I said to myself, “What did I just get myself into? I don't know how to cater.” I immediately called my mother, gave her the news, and the menu. My mother said, “Sharla, you can do it.” I said, “I don't know how to make chicken salad!” My mother said, “Sure you do.” She then rattled off how to make chicken salad and that's how Shar J's Original Gourmet Chicken Salad came to be.

One day, while sitting at my computer, I knew I had to come up with a name for my new business. I tried all kinds of names, twisting them around several times, etc. After spending hours of getting nowhere, I couldn't take anymore. I called one of my sisters and my sweet sister simply said, “Shar J's.” I almost fell out of my chair and thought “why didn't I think of that.” We laughed and laughed. Soon after, I tweaked a few things on the flier and began distributing them. Then I needed cards . . . OMG! A good friend came up with the slogan, “Let us Cater to You.” I had cards made, passed them out. Starting my catering business, I made a lot of mistakes. I took classes, went online and researched and through trial and error got to this point. I couldn't believe it I had a business. Later, life had thrown me a few blows, but I AM AN OVERCOMER! I took those blows and kept moving. Though my business fell slightly to the wayside, I never gave up on my dream. NEVER!

WEN/WBC was the assistance I needed because at the time my kids were young, and I needed a job. My job skills and sense of direction was lacking. I was also tired of being on public assistance. I didn’t have a plan for my life, and I knew I needed something to enhance what little skills I did have. I wanted to make a better life for myself and my children.

I accomplished everything I needed to become successful in my career path. The only thing I couldn’t accomplish being in that program was, self-esteem. However, I did learn job skills, resume writing, interviewing techniques and more. I really enjoyed “Dress for Success” because it afforded me the opportunity while interviewing for jobs, a sense of confidence knowing I was dressed properly. Then combining the skills, I learned boosted my confidence to interview, knowing I had a great chance at getting the job sought after.

Every skill I learned I am still using today and have been able to help others on their career paths and in my businesses. Without the skills and programs, I’m not sure what path I would have taken. Thank God for WEN/WBC.

Aside from Catering, I’m in the process of recording my Cooking Show “The Christian Cook – Cooking Show” I’m an Author, I’ve written 3 books, two cookbooks – Cooking with Jesus & Pizza Any Way You Want It, and one self-help book “Translucent – Getting a deeper relationship with God” also, I have a line of seasonings and a really delicious Chicken Salad that I must get into stores, soon.

I’m working on becoming a Life Coach & Speaker to help women find who they truly are and help them gain the necessary tools and confidence in themselves. I want them to know and understand they matter in life and deserve to be celebrated.

My desire to help others is my motivation. I really enjoy giving back and helping people in ways that others have helped me find my way. I guess you can say “paying it forward” motivates me.

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