Tiara speaking at her graduation ceremony in July 2022

For Tiara Shelton, “life has been a whirlwind since CJT!” 

Immediately after graduating with Culinary Job Training Class 150 in 2022, Tiara went to work at Circle City Sweets, located inside The AMP at 16 Tech. There, she has honed her baking skills, producing a variety of beautiful, delicious pastries, breads, and desserts. 

Tiara is a natural learner. As a Culinary Job Training student at Second Helpings, she won awards for the highest score on the ServSafe exam, the Ralph Comstock Soup Award, and perfect attendance. 

It’s not surprising then, that she’s eager to learn more as she moves towards launching her own business, “Royal Treats,” someday. 

Second Helpings continues to support graduates like Tiara. When Circle City Sweets owner Chef Cindy Hawkins introduced Tiara to The French Pastry School’s online Bread Arts program, Tiara was able to apply for a scholarship through our Ken Honeywell Continuing Education Fund. 

“That fund paid for the entire program, so I didn’t have to spend anything out of pocket to pursue this education,” Tiara said. “It was a difficult program – but your support made it possible.” 

The Ken Honeywell Continuing Education Fund was created in 2021 to honor and further the legacy of Ken Honeywell, a long-time volunteer and relentless supporter of Second Helpings. Ken is also the founder of Tonic Ball, Second Helpings’ biggest annual fundraiser.

Tiara started this self-paced program in May 2023, and graduated in December. 

But Tiara’s not done yet. She’s now working through Indy Chamber’s ReEntry Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDi) program, a six-week, free training course that “creates opportunities for current and formerly incarcerated individuals to explore small business ownership as a means of self-sufficiency.” 

“I tell everyone at REDi about Second Helpings and the Culinary Job Training program,” Tiara said. “I tell them you’re the reason I’m here today!” 

“It’s refreshing to know that there’s an organization out there that’s committed to supporting people who are serious about people entering the culinary industry.” 

Thanks to the Ken Honeywell Continuing Education Fund, Second Helpings can continue supporting education past the initial 7-week program, as our 1,000+ graduates move their careers forward. 

“I push myself because I know I’m capable of more, so I have to sit myself down sometimes and really reflect on how far I’ve come…I’ve faced times that I thought about giving up, but now I feel like everything is at my fingertips!”

Tiara was featured in this video, produced by the talented digital team at Pacers Sports & Entertainment for Corks & Forks 2023, presented by Kroger.