Vendor Spotlight: Shellb3ll's Cullinary Creations

For Shelie and Bob Hedrick, food has always been about more than feeding people. It is about creating moments that make someone stop after the first bite and think, I need another one.

After 37 years of marriage, raising two children, welcoming four grandchildren, and spending decades supporting military life while Bob served as a career Army Warrant Officer, the couple finally took a leap toward a dream they had carried for years. Shelie had long imagined owning a business in the food industry. She sharpened her culinary skills through the Culinary Program at Athens Technical College, later earned an Associate degree in Marketing Management from Gwinnett Technical College, and together they launched Shellb3ll's Culinary Creations in 2023.

Even the name tells part of their story. "Shellbell" was Shelie's childhood nickname given to her by her father, while the "3" and double "L" are a tribute to the couple's shared commitment to building the business together, representing their anniversary on March 11.

At the heart of everything they create is one simple goal: crafting what Shelie calls "the perfect bite."

That philosophy came to life in the most unexpected way.

One night in 2022, Shelie dreamed about a bread creation unlike anything she had made before. The next morning, she eagerly described the idea to Bob, but words alone could not quite capture the vision. So she headed straight to the kitchen and started experimenting.

The first version was a simple pepperoni and cheese roll. It looked nothing like the impressive Hurricanes customers know today, but the flavor and concept were already there. Bob noticed the swirl on top reminded him of a hurricane viewed on a weather radar, and the name stuck. The rich layers of flavor only made it feel more fitting.

Since then, Hurricanes have become the signature item at Shellb3ll's Culinary Creations, with flavor combinations that continue to grow. One of Shelie's personal favorites is the Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch because, as she happily admits, she loves a little heat.

While the Hurricanes may draw people in, they are far from the only customer favorite. Their Krazy Korn has developed a loyal following with creative flavors like Queso Fuego Jalapeño Cheddar, and their creamy Smoked Gouda Grits have become a year-round staple for many returning customers.

Quality begins with the ingredients. Whenever possible, they sources locally, partnering with fellow farmers market vendors like Belly Acres Homestead for eggs, Potts Brothers Farms for sausage, Patrick Farms, Struggleville Acres, and SunWoman Farms for seasonal vegetables, along with Homeskillet Provisions for smoked salt that adds another layer of flavor to many of their recipes.

Behind every market day is plenty of preparation. Depending on the week's schedule, Shelie and Bob can spend six or more hours cooking in a commercial kitchen before loading everything up for markets and events. It is demanding work that often stretches into the evening, but they agree there is nothing quite like watching someone enjoy their food for the first time.

Farmers markets have played a major role in helping their business grow. After getting their start selling locally in Jefferson, they quickly realized markets offered more than sales. They created opportunities to meet customers face to face, build relationships, hear feedback, and watch word-of-mouth introduce new people to their products. Those connections eventually helped open doors to local retail stores as well.

One of Shelie's proudest moments came from her own family. Early on, her children quietly wondered

if the business might be a short-lived project. As the business continued to grow through hard work and persistence, they told her how proud they were to see her build something lasting from the ground up. That recognition meant more than any sales milestone.

The same determination has guided Shelie throughout her life. During Bob's military career, she served in numerous Family Readiness Group leadership roles, supporting military families through deployments and challenges. Her service earned her the Georgia Meritorious Service Medal in 2019, reflecting the same dedication she now pours into her business.

Looking ahead, Shelie & Bob hope to make Hurricanes even more accessible by bringing them to freezer sections in brick-and-mortar stores by the end of 2026. Until then, you'll find the couple doing what they love most: sharing fresh, locally inspired creations and welcoming every customer with a sample and a smile.

If you visit their booth, start with a sample, pick the Hurricane that catches your eye, and don't leave without trying the Krazy Korn. You just might discover your own version of the perfect bite.