Community Highlights: Meet Cleveland Shearls of The Lost Spoon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Cleveland Shearls the owner of The Lost Spoon. As he shares how he started in the culinary world and the story of The Lost Spoon with us below:

Chef Cleveland Shearls has become a renowned Chef in the Southeast region. Born and raised in Mobile, AL he took interest in cooking at an early age. He would always shadow his grandmother Mildred and Mother Lannie in the kitchen ever since he was a little child.

He did not accept his calling until his senior year at The University of Alabama A&M in Huntsville, AL. After hosting several parties and simply making a full meal from a little of nothing for friends and himself, Cleveland could not deny that God was calling him to his purpose in the culinary arts world. He enrolled at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute Nashville, TN, and begin his journey into understanding all aspects of food.

Upon graduating Cleveland became known for being one of very few to enter the industry straight out of culinary school as a Sous Chef. He has worked under some well-known chefs in Nashville at the Heritage at Brentwood, The Fontanel Mansion, and he helped to set the foundation for City Winery as they broke ground in Nashville, TN.

Cleveland had already started catering small events during his time at The City Winery when he realized it was time for him to step out on faith. The Lost Spoon launched in 2014.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I wish could say that it was a smooth road but honestly it’s been a journey. When I graduated from the Art Institute of Nashville, I was blessed to graduate and instantly hired as a sous chef at the old Cafe Fontanel. I know that doesn’t always happen for everyone. I went on to help City Winey as a sous chef when it 1st arrived in Nashville.

Both of those jobs gave me so much knowledge and experience in the kitchen with food, managing staff, planning events, and more. I decided in 2014 that I wanted to step out on faith and start my own business as I had already started catering and personal chef services of my own while working as an employee at both locations.

With that, I would say one of the hardest struggles was becoming a business owner without a mentor in the beginning stages. I knew the food, kitchen management, and catering aspect of the business but there is also a lot of logistic work that goes on behind the scene that I had to learn.

The internet became my best friend. I researched and found the necessary information that I needed. It has been such a learning process that I am very proud of. The trials and errors have not all felt good but I am certain they have built me into the well-known Chef that I am today in the Nashville area.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Lost Spoon is a personal chef service where we provide in-home meal prep, catering, & cooking classes. We also have a line of spices that we sell on our website.

Every week is different for us at The Lost Spoon. Monday through Friday is when we handle all of our in-home personal chef services. We also cater events throughout the week and the weekends. We specialize in providing our clients with exemplary services in all areas.

We are known for our in-home personal chef services. It has always been the force of our business. This service provides busy families and professionals with healthy meals of their liking on a daily basis. We manage all dietary restrictions and planning for our clients so they have one less thing to worry about. Our personable service experience sets us apart from others.

Some of our clients have been with us since the beginning and they always point out how they value the experience that we provide. That is what we value and are most proud of as a business and a brand that has grown mainly due to word of mouth.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I would definitely advise finding a mentor whether you are looking to work in a specific position or start your own business. When I initially started out I didn’t know anyone doing what I wanted to do locally but, I did know some business owners.

One of my mentors to this day owned a Barbershop. I have learned so much from him and he has connected me with a lot of influential people that have helped mold me and my business.

Today’s world makes finding a mentor extremely easy. You have people at your fingertips when it comes to social media. Don’t be afraid to reach out and go to networking events in the city.

Join the chambers of commerce in your area and if you are working somewhere and you know there is someone in a current position that you would like to move up to one day ask them to mentor you.

To find a mentor you have to be willing to put yourself out there to get the guidance you need. There are some really good people that are willing to help if you just ask.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thelostspoon.com
• Instagram: @thelostspoon
• Facebook: @thelostspoon
• Twitter: @thelostspoonLLC
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCovIKFZyV3OZPuA3kkX-URQ/videos
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-lost-spoon-nashville

Image Credits
Elle Danielle, Media Messiah, Donzaleigh’s Photography, and Chef Cleveland