Today we’re highlighting two Women with Vision, who ditched their well-established careers to turn crabs into cash!
The Crabby Shack, founded by Fifi Bell Clanton and Gwendolyn Woods, allows New Yorkers a win-win opportunity to chow down on crabs, lobster, and more while also supporting a Black-owned business.
Bell-Clanton was a fashion stylist, originally from Philadelphia, catering to high-end clients such as Alicia Keys, Wyclef Jean, and the Cheetah Girls. Woods, on the other hand, spent 20 years as an A&R at Bad Boy Entertainment where she worked with artists such as Sean (Diddy) Combs, Biggie, and Janelle Monae.
While both Brooklyn moms grew up on seafood, Fifi growing up in Philadelphia where crab places are popular and Gwen’s father being from the Chesapeake Bay area, it was ultimately Fifi who pitched the idea to Gwen after finding herself constantly unable to find any appealing crab places throughout Brooklyn.
Both moms ready for a change in career and with no experience running a restaurant, used crowdfunding to help them launch The Crabby Shack in the Crown Heights area, a locality they also both admired. With window decals expressing “eat”, “drink”, and “smile”, and sea blue beach like décor The Crabby Shack has become a hit reeling in new customers and regulars daily. Now, with 5 years in business at the Franklin Avenue location, The Crabby Shack has emerged at a second location in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.
In addition, to being featured in the “She Did That” film on Netflix which presents Black female entrepreneurs, The Crabby Shack has been recognized for its amazing food and ambiance by The NY Times, Tasting Table, Grub Street, Business Insider, and even on The Wendy Williams Show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29K3NiMgJsQ
WBLS is proud to highlight, both Fifi and Gwen for truly emulating women with vision as they have taken their own vision and run with it full throttle to successfully share their love of crustaceans with the Crown Heights and Clinton Hill neighborhoods.
https://twitter.com/WendyWilliams/status/796793575069679616