ABOUT Shaw-naÉ
Shaw-naé, whom is often referred to by her trade name, (SayGrace) wears many hats; Wife, Mother, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Social Change Agent, but, it’s her anointing of culinary mastery that resonates to the delight of the masses. To be exact, it was at an early age that SayGrace stumbled upon her passion. She proudly attributes her passion and success to the legacy she lives each day being an eighth generation free Black and direct descedant, to Captain John Jackson, who is noted to be the first African American to purchase property in Staten Island, New York, in 1828. Her family history, tells a forgotten, yet rich story of the wealth her family gained, by curating a system to help in the freedom of other slaves traveling through the historical Underground Railroad. Shaw-naé says that her late grandmother, Lois Augusta Henry Mosley, birthed in one of the historic cottages across from her family’s church, Rossville AME Zion is a sacred ground she visits for inspiration to stay closely tied to her rich historic roots and truth of her own presence. Her grandmother, opened Shaw-nae's eyes to see love translated through the preparation and service of food. She, developed her passion for cooking, while bonding with her grandmother in the kitchen at home, church and the local soup kitchen and pantry. Shaw-nae attended her first cooking class at the ripe age of nine, in the fellowship hall at church. In that, a seed was planted and a vision was born.
In 2012, newly married and 10 years into a fulfilling career, Shaw-naé's routine life would be forever changed due to a shakeup that would ultimately lead her to a divine purpose. The Dixon family found itself in the path of Hurricane Sandy. Hurricane Sandy was the deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season causing nearly $75 billion in damage and claiming 233 lives. The storm passed over the Dixon family without physical harm; however, it left the family homeless for thirteen months. It was at this juncture that Shaw-naé made a breakthrough by way of adversity. With a newborn child, it was suggested by her husband Jason, that she stay at home and take care of the children. Shaw-nae began to sell plates out of their home, Shaw-nae’s signature dishes, macaroni and cheese, golden fried chicken, and seafood of all kinds, soon became the talk of the town.
Shaw-naé took a huge leap of faith into full entrepreneurship. She resigned from her career as a special education teacher with inner city at risk youth, and In 2014, she started a small catering business (SayGrace) that flourished into a profitable venture. The success from the SayGrace brand lead to Shaw-naé being asked to debut her holiday savory cupcakes treats on Fox Network in the Philadelphia area. From the Fox Network, SayGrace has gone on to film with the Food Network, catering to the stars, and has become a recurring guest on New York City radio stations. She is a private chef and caterer to Power 105.1FM, Hot 97.1FM, WBLS, Charlamagne tha God, Angie Martinez, Teddy Riley, DJ Self, DJ Clue, Maino, The YouTube Televised Music Mixer Meetings with DJ Enuff and the Heavy Hitters. Shaw-nae has prepared food for some of the biggest names in entertainment such Lil Kim, Cardi B, Lil Duval (Living My Best Life). Joi Starr, Rotimi, Sidra Smith, Leon Robinson, Vanessa Williams, ASAP Rocky, Dave East, Tiffany Haddish, Mack Wilds, Michael Blackson, Rob Stapleton, A-Boogie, Don Q, Lil Baby, Memphi Bleek, Monolo Rose, Steflon Don, Angela Rye and so many more. Shaw-nae has developed a wonderful partnership Capital Records, Sirus XM Radio, Atlantic Records, Cycle Media, Under Armor, Papa Johns, Carol's Daughter, IHeart Media to provide catering for some of the most high profile and epic events. She recently developed a partnership with Sirus XM and WBLS 107.5 On Air Personality Deja Vu by providing catering in her newly launched women’s empowerment events “Ignite Your Hustle.” Her exposure to these kinds of events over the years have sparked a new and inspiring lane of work that bring Shaw-naé to her new passion to become a Motivational Speaker.
March 22, 2019, Shaw-nae self-published her first book, “Between You & I.” This transformational reflection tool has the power to change lives by creating the conversation about one’s self and the journey to healing from a difficult and destructive past with chock full of testimonies, short stories, Q&A and journaling. Shaw-nae challenged herself to step out of her comfort zone to author a piece of work that would display a new and more inspiring gift to speak to the public as a motivational and transformational inspirer.
Shaw-naé tested the waters as a on air personality on her own local radio show and podcast “The Lemonade Stand.” Her fun and outgoing spirit and energy brought filmmakers, authors, health and fitness gurus, real estate owners, musicians and more to the mic to discuss their strides, strifes and success. She has recently begun her journey as public figure and force, speaking in schools across NYC. She has worked closely with NYC politicians helping to develop their campaigns as a life and success coach. All of these empowering moves and moments of growth come preceding her swift and untimely death and resurrection.
On September 11, 2020 Shaw-naé experienced a supernatural exit and entrance, she tells a riveting, true and empowering story of her passing and her triumphant return to life. Post her resurrection, she took another leap of faith and opened her first restaurant, Shaw-naé’s House with her husband and children. This family owned and operated business has become the landing place for many to seek soul filling food and love to last a lifetime. It is a visual witness to the impossible being possible.
Shawnae Dixon the Humanitarian
On February 28th of 2017, Shawnae was presented with a proclamation by The City Council of New York City, and by 49th District of Staten Island Councilwoman Deborah Rose for her contributions in the community. In conjunction, a signed certificate of appreciation by Mayor Bill De Blasio was also given to Shawnae Dixon. She has been assisting families and individuals in crisis, to reestablish security and stability. She has continually worked with her community to discover and share resources for empowerment, education and entrepreneurship. Shaw-naé continues to humbly accept her elevation and growth and received eleven awards and proclamations in February of 2022, from community board leaders and the politicians of every office.
Shaw-naé incorporated “The Lotus Bridge” charity in December 2021. Her non profit looks to cure world hunger and promote world peace through the ministry of food and outreach for those in need. Her efforts to forge partnerships with other leaders, advocates, activist, politicians and the community are to bridge gaps in the community and be the panacea to many social crisis and concerns.
Shawnae Dixon- Cooking Style and Definition
What makes SayGrace a sure shot with celebrity guest and industry elites? Today’s typical celebrity chef /caterer follow a format that results in providing cookery advice and demonstrations via mass media. Although that would hold true for the most part, Shaw-naé takes pride in what has built her clientele from day one! The good old recipe of word of mouth! Since the early 19th century, the demand for chefs with impeccable dishes has been desired by the modest of elites to even perhaps royalty. The misconception that a great meal has to cost an arm and a leg is a strong point Shaw-naé adamantly defends as she drives to provide wholesome food that brings value. Shaw-naé believes in the standard of excellence. She also believes that when you invest in your chef you should note to invest in your health before your wealth. Food is powerful and Shaw-naé believes in her food alchemist power to curate and prepare fresh, organic, flavorful dishes that align with the soul and speak to the life of each person she feeds. It is not blessed if you don’t say give gratitude to the hands who prepare your food, so always Say Grace.