Chef Ashley “Dimples” Shannon: A Life Served with Love, Loss, and Legacy By: Fab945TheHitz.com | Written by Gerry P

From stirring pots in her grandmother’s kitchen as a child to launching celebrated businesses and publishing a memoir that touches the soul, Chef Ashley Shannon—affectionately known as “Dimples”—is a force reshaping how Chicago experiences food, healing, and community.

With a warm spirit and peaceful energy, Ashley Shannon is more than a chef—she is a storyteller, a caregiver, and an advocate for nourishment in every form. Her journey from personal grief to entrepreneurial triumph is now etched not only in the meals she prepares but also in the pages of her newly released memoir, “Close My Door: A Memoir About Grief, Growth, and Becoming.”

A Memoir of Healing: 

Close My Door

Ashley’s debut book, Close My Door, is not just a memoir—it’s a mirror into the soul of a woman who turned heartbreak into healing. In these deeply personal pages, she guides readers through the emotional landscape of grief and how it fueled her growth. The book sheds light on life’s quiet moments: the ones that often feel the heaviest, and the ones where transformation silently begins.

Grief, for Ashley, wasn’t the end—it became the garden where her greatest accomplishments would bloom. Readers are given an unfiltered account of her struggles and triumphs, reminding us that the human spirit, when fed with purpose and passion, can overcome anything.

Building an Empire: Ashley Eats Chicago

Established in June 2016, Ashley Eats Chicago started with one goal in mind: to create unforgettable food experiences rooted in authenticity and care. With her love for cooking first sparked at age 9, Ashley built a brand that blends the professionalism of fine dining with the warmth of a home-cooked meal.

Whether preparing comfort classics or elevated cuisine, Ashley has remained grounded in her mission: to bring people together around the table. Her catering company is known for its versatility—serving everything from vegan jackfruit BBQ sliders to creamy chicken Alfredo, all while accommodating dietary restrictions and honoring client preferences.

Through Ashley Eats Chicago, she has catered everything from private dinners to major corporate events, including large-scale community functions and national conferences. She has been especially praised for her work with the Montessori for Social Justice Conference, where guests raved about her ability to serve hundreds while maintaining exceptional taste and quality.

Feeding the People: Purpose-Driven Food Services

Ashley’s commitment to food extends beyond business. In March 2019, she launched Home by Five Meal Prep, a service designed for individuals and families juggling hectic schedules. With a curated selection of healthy and comforting dishes, Home by Five quickly gained traction among busy professionals, caregivers, and creatives seeking meals that nourish both body and soul.

That same month, Ashley Eats LLC became affiliated with Causing A Stir, a Chicago-based initiative that uplifts women and people of color in the culinary space. Through this partnership, Ashley’s culinary voice reached new heights, further cementing her as a leader in food, empowerment, and entrepreneurship.

In January 2018, she also founded Gold Plated Entertainment, a venture that combines her culinary talents with event production and media, drawing on her background in communications to craft experiences that are not only delicious but unforgettable.

A Heart for Community

The COVID-19 pandemic was a test for many entrepreneurs, but Ashley showed up when it mattered most. Partnering with One Fair Wage and various nonprofit organizations, she prepared and delivered meals to over 200 hospitality workers, many of whom were unemployed or struggling to make ends meet during lockdown.

But Ashley’s compassion didn’t stop there. She has continually donated leftover food from catered events to community programs like the Love Fridge initiative, making sure that her kitchen never goes to waste—and neither does her heart.

The Woman Behind the Brand

Ashley Shannon, born on August 5, is a proud Chicago native and a graduate of Lincoln Park High School (Class of 2007). She went on to study Media Communication at Roosevelt University, a field that gave her the tools to articulate her story through every meal, event, and now, through the written word.

Despite her growing list of accomplishments, Ashley remains deeply grounded. Nicknamed “Dimples” for her signature smile and infectious energy, she radiates calm and care. Those who know her best describe her as laid back, peaceful, and someone who lives life to the fullest while giving everything she can to others.

Whether she’s behind the stove, curating a private dinner, mentoring young chefs, or promoting her book, Ashley brings the same gentle intensity to everything she touches.

A Cultural Pillar in Chicago

Ashley Shannon isn’t just feeding stomachs—she’s feeding souls. Her work is a celebration of culture, resilience, and Black excellence. Her culinary talents, community outreach, and now, her authorship, make her an essential figure in the city’s evolving food scene.

As a woman of vision, purpose, and flavor, she is redefining what it means to be a chef in today’s world. Through her businesses, memoir, and philanthropic initiatives, Ashley reminds us that the kitchen is a sacred space—a place where stories unfold, communities heal, and dreams are plated with gold.

Follow Chef Ashley Shannon’s journey:

• Website: ashleyeatschicago.com
• Instagram: @AshleyEatsChicago
• Book: Close My Door: A Memoir About Grief, Growth, and Becoming
• Meal Prep & Catering Inquiries: Via Ashley Eats LLC
• Community Initiatives: Stay tuned through Causing A Stir and local event features

Written with admiration and respect by Gerry P @ FAB 94.5 The Hitz

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