Shaw-naé, a Staten Island native and visionary entrepreneur, carries the legacy of her ancestors—free Black pioneers who built the historic Sandy Ground community. Rooted in a lineage of master oystermen and farmers, her family established one of the first free Black wealthy communities, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Their legacy as business owners and community builders shaped a foundation that still stands today as a historic Underground Railroad stop.

Inspired by this powerful history, Shaw-naé emerged as an empowered leader, founding Shaw-naé’s House, a soul food boutique with a mission to unite people through food. Her six-table restaurant became a culinary sensation, earning her a place on the New York Times Top 100 Best Restaurants list for 2024 and recognition as one of the top 50 restaurants in the U.S. She also made history as the first Staten Island restaurant to receive two stars from the New York Times.

Beyond her culinary success, Shaw-naé is a force for social change, working to combat hunger, promote sustainability, and empower communities through entrepreneurship. A true phenomenon, she honors her ancestors' legacy by building an empire rooted in love, culture, and the belief that we must all "respect soul food."