Shelton comes from a line of entrepreneurs. Her grandfather owned his own landscaping business, and her grandmother was a cosmetologist with her own shop. These early role models allowed Shelton to see what it takes to start and maintain a business. However, she wanted to go a step further, and at Southwestern University, Shelton figured out what that step was. “I saw the Mabee Foundation and the Cullens and these families who were able to not only give back [monetarily] but also have something that was perpetually there and would always be something that their children, and their children’s children could look to and build on,” she explains. Shelton wanted to leave a similar legacy, but in her case, instead of a building, she chose to build a business. 

Alamo Kitchens, currently based in San Antonio, is a 24/7 culinary co-working space and incubator, reducing barriers for other entrepreneurs to test, develop, and prepare food and beverage for public consumption. Looking ahead, Shelton seeks to implement numerous other ideas. For example, she is planning a Roots to Table program, which will include growing and preparing their own produce, as well as visiting school classrooms to talk about what comes out of the ground. Additionally, by early next year, she plans to offer consulting services for other businesses, including hosting classes on topics such as accounting and marketing. By 2023, Shelton and her team plan to buy their own building that includes “a garden in the back, classrooms, formal kitchen, [and] a private kitchen”. 

What started off as a quest to find a missing puzzle piece has grown into a wonderful business venture with no sign of stopping. Inspired by her grandparents and leveraging what she learned at Southwestern University, Shelton is working to create a legacy to leave behind for the next generation of her family. 

Hear more about Shelton’s story on Friday, Nov. 12, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. during her Curious Conversation.