Culinary Entrepreneur Sheree Akers Shares Her Story with EPIC

Culinary entrepreneur Sheree Akers visited EPIC students Thursday afternoon to share her expertise on starting a small business for the school’s Dress4Success initiative. Akers is the owner of Sheree’s Home Cooking and Catering, based out of Philadelphia, as well as co-owner of Sister’s Gym Cafe in Horsham. 

Akers didn’t have a traditional trajectory to starting her own business. She was a mom at 15, struggled to stay in school, and needed to find a way to pave her own path to success. 

“Being an entrepreneur can bring so much success to people from unconventional backgrounds,” said Akers. “I would not be where I am today without experiencing the hardships I did.”

Akers graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in business administration. Since she always had a passion for cooking, she decided to start her catering business shortly after graduating. 

She recommended obtaining a degree in business administration and networking with those who have similar businesses to provide guidance for navigating the business world. “If you want to start a business, plant your feet in a community. They will support you through it all,” said Akers. 

Students asked questions about overcoming obstacles, getting started after rejection, regrets and managing tough times as a business owner. Akers shared her insider tips like keeping prices low, protecting yourself from people who don’t have your best interests at heart, and using doubts about being successful as motivation to keep going. 

Sheree’s Home Cooking and Catering will be at Pleasant Playground in Mount Airy on November 24 feeding the community. All are welcome to attend, enjoy a warm meal, and build community. 

EPIC’s Dress4Success program is organized by Special Education teacher Keith Freeman. If you or someone you know is interested in speaking with CHS students, please contact Keith Freeman (kfreeman@cheltenham.org).