Toronto-based Caterer Shaunna Marto never thought she could have a career doing what she loves. Trained in culinary arts, Shaunna founded Party’s By Shaunna in 2006; a full service catering and party business.
Born in Georgetown, Guyana to a middle class family, Shaunna started cooking at the of 11; much to the horror of her parents who were concerned that she would hurt herself at the stove. They soon realize she had a talent for cooking and Shaunna has never stopped.
Shaunna and her family migrated from Guyana to New York in 1986, but she later relocated to Toronto, Canada with her brother. There she attended the University of Toronto and earned a BA degree in Business Administration. After years of working in Finance, including 12 years in Municipal Government as a Finance Analyst, Shaunna decided to follow her passion and enrolled in culinary school. With the encouragement from family and friends, Shaunna started her catering business in 2006, while she still maintained her full-time job. In 2011, Shaunna left that full time job to focus on Party’s By Shaunna.
Catering with a personal touch is how Shaunna describes her business. “Big or small, we cater them all; let us take the pressure out of planning. We’re passionate about food and it shows!” Party’s by Shaunna works with each client individually to make their event a success and bringing their vision to life. This includes catering for parties, showers, romantic dinner for two, pantry assessments, cooking classes, meals to go, meals for the week, meals for the elderly, busy parents, picky eater and many other culinary services.
This busy 43 year old business woman also finds the time to give back to her community. Shaunna has been involved with various charities for over 10 years such as United Way, Canadian Mental Health Association, mentoring at-risk youth, food banks etc. She has dedicated part of her business for fundraising in helping charities by donating dinners as prizes for auctions etc. She is also involved in community events such as Caribana, Carabram; an annual 3-day multicultural festival, run by volunteers in promoting various cultures.
Shaunna’s goal is to provide happiness and joy through food. “My favourite quote that summarizes me and my business is “Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all” by Harriet Van Horne, she shared. Shaunna credit her 18 year old son, whom she raised as a single mom, for inspiring her to fulfill her dreams.
To contact Shaunna, visit her facebook page: www.facebook.com/partysbyshaunna or call 416.419.3371416.419.3371.
