Tina Heath-Schuttenberg is an AZ native who moved to Charleston, South Carolina in 2015, eventually co-founding Kwei Fei and Beautiful South, both extremely popular Asian inspired local eateries. Creative Mornings Charleston is proud to have her as the featured speaker for the April 2024 theme: Spicy.

1. What do you love most about what you do?

There’s so much to love, but it’s the people. First of all my Partner, David. We balance each other. The team, we’re incredibly lucky to be able to work with a dedicated group who works with care, humor and creativity. The guests, when you work in a restaurant you’re brought into people’s lives in these really important moments. People leave with a memory, we just hope it’s a good one. The community, our fellow restaurateurs are our lifeline. 

2. What inspired you and how did you become involved in your current career(s)?

It was out of necessity.  We started a pop-up and someone had to work the register. I spent my youth working retail, so I knew I could work the front.  I also knew I wouldn’t be great, but I was working for free. A few months later I was laid off from my full-time gig. That meant that Kwei Fei had to work. There was a point before we opened Kwei Fei at The Pour House where I was able to ask myself if I wanted to continue down this path. There was a talented team who wanted to work with David. I could move along if I wanted. When I thought about it, I knew that I wanted to be on the ride with David. I also really love a challenge and this fills that need.

3. How do you start your day?

I wish I was one of those early birds who jumped out of bed ready to go. I am not. I wake up a bit later, check social media with cat cuddles then move onto coffee. I hope to be a full functioning human who’s tackling the world by 11am. 

4. Tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment.

Other than being a Mom, it’s opening Beautiful South. We opened that space without an investor and with no first hand experience. It was (and continues to be) the hardest thing we’ve ever done. 

5. Do you have a hidden talent?

I wish! 

6. Who or what gives you creative inspiration?

A challenge. I love digging in and seeing how we can create an opportunity. 

7. Coffee fuels our morning events. If you’re a coffee drinker, what’s your go-to order?

Cold Brew. Hot Beverages make me gag, so it has to be cold. Maybe warm. Not hot.

8. What is your favorite place in Charleston?

My back porch. She’s seen weekly Sunday hangs, girls nights, family dinners and lounging in the sun with piles of neglected magazines. 

9. How do you unwind or de-stress?

Read about fashion, dig for archival pieces and sell clothes. I’m not in the industry anymore, but I pretend the restaurant floor is a runway.

Be sure to join Creative Mornings Charleston on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 8 to 9:30 AM at Beautiful South in downtown Charleston to hear more from Tina Heath-Schuttenberg as she speaks on this month’s theme: SPICY.