Online dating has already been increasingly popular since 2010, but according to PBS, since COVID-19 hit the U.S. hard in March 2020, dating app usage has shot up 10-15% and singles are having to get creative to find romance. Chef Shay has taken a unique approach to finding love during this time by joining Will Packer's 'Ready to Love' Season 3 featuring Houston-based singles. The reality show follows the dating interactions of successful black men and women in their 30s and 40s attempting to find lasting love.

In January 2018, Celebrity Chef Shay had her first bout of reality T.V. as a cast member on Bravo's hit reality television series, 'To Rome for Love'. While Shay didn’t find love on “To Rome for Love.” Shay gave it another shot on OWN’s latest reality show 'Ready to Love' Last Resort. The show premiered on October 23, 2020 and documents Shay search for love, giving women hope that you can find love over 40 even in the midst of a global pandemic.

Chef Shay is vivacious, witty, full of personality and there is know doubt she knows exactly what she wants in a man. "If I come in drippin' he gotta come in drippin', Chef Shay stated in a brief interview. She mentioned that there as to be a sanction of the relationship and that they have to be "Equally Yoked." As a woman who secures her own bags and provides for her family, her next man has to understand that, together, they have to be a power couple. She made it very clear, she doesn't want a knucklehead.

When asked why does she think women ignore the signs of a potentially toxic relationship, she replied, "It's the hope factor. We be hoping that they are going to treat us well and ignore the red flags. So much hoping and not letting things manifest." Chef Shay spoke about being able to gel with her next guy, but for now, she plans to be still and wait for God to bring someone her way.

If you have been following Season 3, you will definitely notice that there are a few people hitting things off. We asked her if there will be some matches made and she definitely agreed. "Absolutely, I know it! There is some energy happening." Chef Shay stated. She also mentioned that the show has "a great group of people and that it's been a great experience filled with moments that might have you laughing, crying and your typical reality show drama. There is going to be some fire brewing. It's real sexy and there are some beautiful people on the show."

The Chicago native had some advice for single mompreneurs who are 'Ready to Love'. She stated, "Do not settle. You have to have standards and if you don't hold them up, nobody else will respect them. Also, you don't have to like everybody that likes you. The energy you give is what you will attract. Don't seem thirsty, stick to your standards. Keep your heels, head and standards high. Be at peace with yourself and love yourself so much you won't compromise."

Chef Shay's inspiration to be in the culinary world stems from knowing there is a ceiling in Corporate America, especially from an investment standpoint. She has always enjoyed cooking, entertainment, engulfing herself into traveling and creating unique flavor profiles.

She calls herself the "Turkey Queen" and rightfully so because when it comes to Thanksgiving for the past years, she has been frying countless turkeys in multiple flavors and giving back to those in need. Chef Shay recently launched her House Seasonings and she has a story behind it. Her experience from managing a restaurant, creating menu recipes, consult for restaurants and even dabbling in the popular food truck industry in Chicago has lead to this. From Chi-Town in the summer time to Houston's diverse food scene, you know her taste buds are explosive. Chef Shay Speciality Seasoning is a low-sodium blend created for some of your favorite dishes. Be sure to stay tuned to her website for more products to come!

Chef Shay is urging everyone to keep black owned businesses in mind for the holidays. Traffic is heavier on the freeway, malls are crowding and Christmas is almost here! Be sure to take a browse on Chef Shay's website to try some of her mouth-watering holiday delicacies.

About Chef Shay Atkins

Starting a business while reaching back into the community

After winning the Black Enterprise's Elevator Pitch Competition, Chef Shay launched her first business 'Creative Turkey Cuisine'. The company was the first exclusive, all turkey and vegetarian catering company and restaurant. 'Creative Turkey Cuisine' was a vision that has been made a reality. Healthy food is a fabulous form of happiness and during the holidays, happiness and food are not things that everyone can take for granted. Because of the vision for the organization, Chef Shay launched her first Annual 'Creative Turkey Cuisine' Fundraiser with the goal of feeding 5000 families. Through the assistance of amazing partners, Chef Shay met the goal of feeding 5000 families. Chef Shay later relocated to Houston, Texas in which she launched Chef Shay, LLC. a full-service catering company that offers private chef services, catering from small and large events & healthy meal prep options. While in Houston, Chef Shay has worked with HBCU Texas Southern University and many other large organizations.

Follow Chef Shay @therealchefshay on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

For products, bookings and more, please visit:

www.chefshay.com