Shanel has always been creative and she especially loves to bake. When she was a young child, Shanel spent many hours in the kitchen with her grandmother. She says, “I used to bake with her when I was little. I was more into decorating dessert. I was maybe six or seven when I started”. After high school, Shanel enrolled in a local arts education school to pursue training in baking and pastry arts. Shanel now works at a bakery. Though she’s been there for a while, she can easily recall her unique interview process. While preparing for her initial interview, Shanel took to heart advice she had received from a mentor years before; “If you’re going in on an interview, show up as if they will hire you right now, like you’re ready to work”.  And that is exactly what she did. Shanel arrived at the bakery for a part-time baker role in her chef’s clothes and ready to bake.  She was offered an interview on the spot and was asked to demonstrate her baking ability. Shanel chose to make brownies from the house menu. Despite her nerves, she focused on the task, asked questions every step of the way, and impressed her interviewer with the quality of her brownies. Shanel believes her calm demeanor and ease in the kitchen helped her to secure the role.

The bakery where Shanel works employs veterans, military spouses and caregivers, with a mission of teaching entrepreneurship and wellness while creating a supportive community.  Shanel quickly realized this was a place she would like to grow her career.  When she observed turnover among front of house staff, Shanel proposed a new position that incorporated job responsibilities from several roles. The bakery’s management approved the position and Shanel stepped into it. Shanel is now General Bakery Manager, managing catering, baking and teaching others the skills of the trade.