For many, home is where the heart is. For Shaai Ferguson, home is also where business, family, and resilience converge. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, she charted a path through military service, motherhood, and entrepreneurship, eventually settling in Peterson, Minnesota, where she’s making an indelible impact through her passion for food and community-building.
A Journey of Service, Family, and Business
Shaai’s journey began when she joined the Navy, where she met her husband, a native of Southeastern Minnesota. Their shared dedication to service and discipline laid the foundation for the life they would build together. After completing their service, the couple moved to Byron, later settling in Peterson to be closer to family farmland, reinforcing their values of hard work and self-sufficiency. While transitioning into civilian life, Shaai pursued a degree in business marketing, a decision that would fuel her entrepreneurial ambitions.
A mother of four, Shaai skillfully balances family life with the demands of business ownership, a challenge she embraces wholeheartedly. “It’s actually my older kids that keep me the busiest,” she shares with a laugh. “The younger ones are easier; they stay on schedule. But when the older kids are around, it’s constant energy and activity.” Her ability to navigate these roles with determination and grace speaks to her resilience and deep commitment to both family and business.
Building Rustic Ridge Catering: A Vision Born from Passion
Entrepreneurship has always been in Shaai’s blood. Inspired by parents who both ran their own businesses, her father balancing military service with side ventures and her mother managing a boutique, she always envisioned working for herself. During the COVID-19 pandemic, that vision became reality when she launched a boutique specializing in handmade baby clothes and children’s apparel. What started as a creative outlet soon blossomed into a thriving business, proving her ability to adapt and innovate even in uncertain times.
But Shaai’s entrepreneurial aspirations didn’t stop there. Fueled by her love for cooking and entertaining, she founded Rustic Ridge Catering, which quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality, handcrafted baked goods and gourmet catering services. Specializing in everything from sweet treats to savory, slow-smoked brisket, Rustic Ridge Catering has drawn customers from across the region, with many traveling from Rochester, Wisconsin, and Iowa just to experience her food. “My strawberry crunch cupcakes and smoked brisket are definitely customer favorites,” she shares. “It’s so rewarding to see people enjoy what I create.”
A Legacy in the Making: The Future of Rustic Ridge Catering
Looking ahead, Shaai is taking Rustic Ridge Catering to new heights. On their expansive 26.5-acre property in Peterson, she is in the planning stages of constructing a patisserie, bakery, and event center. Expected to open by 2026, this ambitious project will not only expand her business but also serve as a hub for community gatherings, weddings, and special events. “I was considering a building in Rushford, but the process was challenging. That’s when I decided to build on my own land, it just made more sense,” she explains.
This endeavor is more than just a business expansion; it’s a statement of independence and perseverance. By building on her own terms, Shaai is creating a lasting legacy, one that not only provides for her family but also advances economic growth in her community.
Overcoming Barriers: Entrepreneurship as a Black Woman in Rural America
Being a Black entrepreneur in a predominantly white rural community presents unique challenges. Shaai is no stranger to microaggressions and cultural isolation. “There are moments when I walk into places and get stared at. It’s something you just learn to brush off,” she says. “I teach my kids that not everyone will like them because of their skin color, but what matters is how we respond and carry ourselves.”
Despite these obstacles, she remains steadfast in her mission. Rather than allowing these challenges to deter her, she uses them as motivation to work even harder, proving that success is possible through resilience and determination. She has found allies and support in neighboring communities, often expanding her reach into Wisconsin and Iowa, where small business communities have been more receptive and supportive of her work.
Strengthening Community Through Food and Business
Beyond Rustic Ridge Catering, Shaai is deeply committed to cultivating community and supporting other entrepreneurs. She believes that entrepreneurship is not just about personal success but about lifting others along the way. Her goal is to create a business that serves as a beacon of inspiration for other women and People of Color looking to build something of their own.
As she prepares to open Rustic Ridge Catering’s bakery and event center, Shaai remains focused on her ultimate mission: creating something meaningful, building a legacy for her family, and providing her community with high-quality food made with love.
How to Support Rustic Ridge Catering
For those eager to support Rustic Ridge Catering or learn more about Shaai’s offerings, visit https://bakesy.shop/b/rustic-ridge-catering or follow her on social media for updates on her upcoming grand opening. Whether it’s ordering her famous brisket, indulging in her desserts, or simply spreading the word, every bit of support contributes to her vision of success. ::
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Do you know a woman making an impact in business and community? Nominate her for a feature in Rochester Women’s Magazine by emailing tawonda@rwmagazine.com.
