published on in Celeb

What Happened to Brooklyn NY Business Owner?

Shauna Hinkson was a beloved chef, entrepreneur, and community leader who touched the lives of many people with her passion for food and culture. She co-founded a successful catering business that served authentic Nigerian cuisine to locals and celebrities alike. She also mentored young aspiring chefs and supported various social causes.

Sadly, she passed away unexpectedly on December 13, 2023, at the age of 42. Her death has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and customers, who remember her as a warm, generous, and inspiring person.

Who was Shauna Hinkson? From Home Cook to Business Owner

Shauna Hinkson was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to a Nigerian father and an American mother. She grew up in a multicultural household, where she learned to appreciate different cuisines and cultures. She developed a love for cooking from a young age, helping her mother prepare meals for the family. She also learned to make traditional Nigerian dishes from her father, who taught her the secrets of his native cuisine.

After graduating from high school, Shauna enrolled in a culinary school, where she honed her skills and creativity. She dreamed of opening her own restaurant someday, but she faced many challenges and obstacles along the way. She worked as a waitress, a cook, and a manager in various restaurants, but she never felt satisfied or fulfilled. She wanted to share her passion for Nigerian food with the world, but she felt that there was not enough demand or appreciation for it.

She decided to take matters into her own hands and start her own catering business from her apartment. She teamed up with her husband, David Hinkson, who supported her vision and helped her with the logistics and marketing. They named their business “Naija Bites”, which means “Nigerian Bites” in pidgin English. They started by selling homemade Nigerian food to their neighbors, friends, and co-workers, using social media and word-of-mouth to spread the word. They soon gained a loyal following and a reputation for delivering delicious, authentic, and affordable food.

A Taste of Nigeria in New York

In 2010, Shauna and David opened their first storefront and main kitchen on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. They expanded their menu and their staff, hiring young aspiring chefs from the local community. They also invested in equipment and ingredients, ensuring that they maintained the quality and freshness of their food. They offered a variety of dishes, such as jollof rice, egusi soup, suya, puff-puff, and plantain, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. They also catered for events, such as weddings, birthdays, corporate functions, and festivals, serving up to 500 people at a time.

Shauna’s food was not only tasty, but also educational. She wanted to introduce people to the rich and diverse culture of Nigeria, which is often misunderstood or stereotyped. She used her food as a medium to tell stories, share traditions, and celebrate diversity. She also incorporated elements of other African and Caribbean cuisines, creating fusion dishes that reflected her own identity and heritage. She was proud of her roots and wanted to honor them through her food.

Shauna’s food also attracted the attention of celebrities, such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Oprah Winfrey, who became fans and customers of Naija Bites. Shauna was featured in several magazines, newspapers, and TV shows, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Food Network, and CNN. She was recognized as one of the most influential and successful chefs and entrepreneurs in New York. She also received several awards and honors, such as the James Beard Award, the Eater Award, and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Award.

A Legacy of Love and Service

Shauna Hinkson was not only a business owner, but also a community leader. She was passionate about giving back and making a difference. She mentored young aspiring chefs, especially women and minorities, who wanted to pursue their dreams in the culinary industry. She also supported various social causes, such as hunger relief, education, health, and women’s empowerment. She donated food, money, and time to various organizations, such as Feeding America, UNICEF, Girls Who Code, and Planned Parenthood. She also organized and participated in fundraisers, events, and campaigns, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, the Me Too movement, and the COVID-19 relief efforts.

Shauna was a role model and an inspiration to many people, especially to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She had two children, a son and a daughter, who inherited her passion for food and culture. She also had a large extended family, who supported and admired her. She was known for her kindness, generosity, humor, and spirit. She always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She loved to travel, read, listen to music, and dance. She enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest.

Shauna Hinkson’s death was a shock and a tragedy to everyone who knew her. She died of a heart attack on December 13, 2023, while preparing for a catering event. She was rushed to the hospital, but it was too late to save her. She left behind a legacy of love and service, as well as a thriving business that continues to operate under the management of her husband and staff. Her family, friends, and customers mourn her loss and celebrate her life. They remember her as a cherished business owner from Brooklyn NY, who brought a taste of Nigeria to New York.

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