Black History Month - Keenya Cain -Wiggins

Every February, we honor and pay tribute to the generations of African Americans whose contributions and sacrifices over the decades have shaped our nation. In honor of Black History Month, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is proud to shine a light and show our gratitude to the black business owners that play a vital role in our local business community and help our organization drive business forward in Delaware County.

Today we would like you to get to know Keenya Cain -Wiggins. Continue reading Keenya's answers to learn more about her. 

Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your business: 
Hi. I am Keenya Cain -Wiggins aka Chef Shug. My love of cooking came from my love off eating great meals growing up. My grandmother and grandfather especially were gourmet chefs in my eyes and many others. Since I was a teenager sending cookies to WDAS and receiving enough orders to have a staff the love affair began. I have cooked in many establishments, outdoor events and from home all while dreaming to own my very own restaurant. I have had the honor to team up with some of the tri-state area's best buisness owners and provided meals for some great celebrities and loyal clientele. Shugar Shack can also be found at some of the staple event in Delco like Chester's Riverfront Ramble every summer along with various other festivals and events in the tri-state area. Shugar Shack loves to serve the people and wants the chance to feed your heart, mind, and soul. Let us fulfill your food fantasy. We, at Shugar Shack, promise to put food and service first.
 

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Shugar Shack Soul Food is a family-owned take out restaurant in Delco focusing on savory soul food with Southern and Caribbean roots. We strive to create a unique walk down memory lane from parents, grandparents or a family member's favorite dish that makes you think of home - while inviting you to our family friendly dining experience. Our food is always fresh because we prepare our meals around the clock with great love and soul.
 
In honor of February being Black History Month, can you identify a leader in history that has inspired you most and explain why?
We have so many people who have paved the way to pick one would not feel fair. Anyone who was before me and made it possible for people like me to be able to live there dream and get a pay for it, I owe a huge THANK YOU. 
 
Having a mom who had you as a teenager and was a single mom finishing college and having her own business all while raising you is an example of a TRUE BLACK QUEEN . Thank you mom for leading the way. 

What motivated you to open your own business?
Time and money freedom played a part but after working for people I realized I need to make my own dreams come true and leave a legacy for my family. However the look on the faces of people to see someone who looks like them from there community make it is a very rewarding and to give back is always a plus. 
 

What is one area where you are particularly excited to see the Black community driving culture and innovation? To be honest every area we are very creative innovative people who now have a chance to be recognized for all the hard work and innovative things we have contributed to this world. I want to see that grow beyond my years on earth.   

What advice would you give to other aspiring Black entrepreneurs?
It’s never to late to start. But more importantly it’s no dream to big to achieve.  You can do it if you put your mind to it.
   
What impacts do you want your work to have on future generations? 
I want them to see my best recipe a 1/3 cup of hard work 1/3 cup of love 1/2 of cup of generosity 1 cup of passion and a dash of willingness mix that with a knowledge spoon and open mind and you will come out with a perfect recipe for a community meal. If we can’t feed the community in which we are fortunate enough to thrive in then we are only taking away and not adding value.   
 
Is there anything special you do to celebrate Black History Month either personally or at your place of business? 
For me I celebrate my culture daily and being a black women in a thriving business with the ability to hire youth and teach them is a celebration in itself.