Temple University SBDC – Chef Shon Emanuel, affectionately known as Chef Sunflower, is a self-taught vegan chef with a passion for creating plant-based proteins that are simple, nutritious, and delicious. Operating from her family’s restaurant in West Philadelphia, she developed “Thaw-Heat-and-Eat” vegan offerings to make healthy eating more accessible.
Shondia’s entrepreneurial journey began when her family restaurant saw increased demand for health options during the pandemic, but she noticed their food suppliers only offered vegan burgers and nuggets. Determined to meet their customer’s demand at her family’s high standards, Chef Sunflower decided to focus on plant-based food innovation.
At one point, structural issues with their building forced the family to close their restaurant, leaving Shondia searching for a way to keep her culinary dreams alive. While the restaurant was closed, she dove into a completely new venture: consumer packaged goods. Without prior business experience, she faced obstacles in creating a business plan, getting her production processed properly licensed, securing funding, and crafting a compelling pitch to attract investment.
In May 2024, Shon reached out to the Temple University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for help. She worked closely with consultant Isabel Krome to refine her vision. Over the summer, the SBDC guided her in completing a business plan and preparing for Drexel University’s B Smart program, where participants develop financial projections and pitches. Shondia practiced her pitch with SBDC consultants and gained critical insights into presenting her business idea confidently and effectively.
“Working with the Temple SBDC has been an incredible experience. I was perfectly matched with my advisor, who has been instrumental in guiding me through the challenges of launching a new food business venture.”
With SBDC support, Chef Sunflower achieved key milestones, including completing her business plan and perfecting her pitch. Her hard work paid off at the B Smart pitch day, where she secured a $5,000 grant from Citizens Bank. This funding has positioned her to officially launch her business in January 2025, turning her dream into reality.
Chef Sunflower’s resilience and determination, combined with the Temple University SBDC’s resources and expertise, have set heron a path to success. Her story is an inspiring example of overcoming adversity, leveraging community resources, and building abusiness that not only supports her but promotes healthy eating in her community.
Learn more about BTW, It’s Vegan on their website and Instagram.
To learn more about Pennsylvania SBDC, visit: https://www.pasbdc.org/
