Today we’d like to introduce you to Shay Simmons
Hi Shay, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I remember the moment I was invited to live in the church by a Pastor and his wife 10 years ago. At that time, I had no job, no money, no place to live, and no way to pay for college. I was nervous, and my heart was heavy.
For the past 10 years, I’ve lived and volunteered in the church, which became a refuge for me during the challenges of losing both my parents and navigating a difficult past. It was there that I discovered a profound belief in the sacrifice of One man, freeing me from the weight of sin.
I learned to embrace grace—a grace that surpasses understanding. I came to value giving over receiving, offering without expectation. Through the guidance of my Pastor, I gained a strong heart and a renewed sense of purpose. Over time, I was blessed with a stable job, a new place to live, and even the means to invest in a car.
Three years ago, I had the joy of surprising my Pastor’s wife, who has been like a mother to me, with a baby shower. It was my way of giving back for all that had been poured into my life. The joy it brought her inspired me to host similar events for other mothers who couldn’t afford to celebrate those special moments themselves.
This passion eventually grew into Bountiful Bites, a business dedicated to creating charcuterie, décor, and catering services for meaningful occasions. I truly believe that even the smallest acts of kindness can bring joy and leave a lasting impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m in the early stages of building my business, and one of the biggest challenges I face is finances—food costs are definitely not cheap these days! But through it all, I’m incredibly grateful that I’m never alone in this journey. I have the unwavering support of my friends, clients, church community, and, most importantly, God. His grace is the reason I’ve made it this far.
When I encounter roadblocks, I’m able to overcome them, often with the help of those around me. This business is about more than just me or what I can offer to others—it’s also about building a strong community. I’ve seen how it inspires others as they witness my journey. Many have been with me from the very beginning, and their love and support have not only uplifted me but also encouraged them to believe they, too, can overcome challenges and achieve great things.
As you know, we’re big fans of Shay’s Bountiful Bites. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Shay’s Bountiful Bites, we’re all about bringing people together. We create handcrafted, custom charcuterie boards designed to make every gathering special. Whether it’s a small family get-together, a wedding, or a corporate event, our boards are made to nourish both the body and soul.
What sets us apart is the heart behind what we do. We believe in giving our absolute best to create something meaningful for every client. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the moments shared around it. We take the time to handpick fresh, high-quality ingredients and craft boards that are not only beautiful but also perfectly tailored to what you’re looking for.
What We’re Most Proud Of
We’re proud of how Shay’s Bountiful Bites has become more than just a business. It’s a way to connect with others and bring a little more joy and generosity into the world. Seeing people light up when they see their board for the first time, or hearing how it made their event feel extra special, makes it all worth it.
From charcuterie boxes to grazing tables, we offer a range of options to fit your needs. We’re happy to accommodate dietary preferences or themes to make sure it’s exactly what you envisioned. Every detail, down to the eco-friendly packaging, reflects our commitment to quality and care. At the end of the day, Shay’s Bountiful Bites is all about creating something you can share, enjoy, and remember.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Family gatherings were everything! Growing up, there were 13 of us under one roof, so you can imagine how lively and fun our home always was.
Before my parents passed, we made it a point to celebrate every holiday and birthday together. We planned trips to the beach, took bike rides to the park, and braved the roller coasters at Six Flags. Our home was always open to neighbors and friends—we’d play football in the street, ride motorbikes, and even host backyard boxing tournaments.
Those moments with my family taught me just how special it is to come together, share, and celebrate. That’s the heart and soul of what we do in our business. I feel truly blessed to have family in every aspect of my life, and that spirit is something we carry into everything we create.
Pricing:
- Charcuterie cups: Starting at $12.00 each. Bulk discounts available!
- Charcuterie boxes: Starting at $55.00. Special discount for first time clients!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shaysbountifulbite.wixsite.com/shays
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaysbountifulbites/
Image Credits
April Cho
Nancy Lu
Chan Kim
Grace Lee
