Ada Shaw

Birth in the same bed as conceived in, March 9, 1948, a vanilla baby born in one of the first African American communities in Kansas City, Missouri. The last creation of John and Katherine Oliver and, born into a family of 12 brothers and sisters.

Was taught how to survive on this planet using common sense, being responsible, having initiative, and being positive.

My father was an original entrepreneur - he had to be. He produced a product or service and made money to meet the financial debts to maintain family and household……

My first full fledge job was an elevator operator in Columbia Union National Bank, that started my 20 years banking experience with achievements through the years

I became an entrepreneur with “DSO Wood Products,” selling railroad ties, etc. and received a $50,000 minority contract from the government, but couldn’t get it financed by a bank. That went kaput!

1980 - Jimmy Crack Corn Gourmet Popcorn Inc. was incorporated. It started as a neighborhood popcorn truck selling popcorn and sodas, well that didn’t work during winter. duhhh!!!!!. So we (my two partners) started putting our heads together, and started cooking and delivering food in crockpots, hooked up to the battery in the truck, to businesses with employees (General Motors etc.) in Kansas and Missouri.

The demand for our food and the amount of hungry people to be fed required more trucks (3), employees, and a larger kitchen. In 1994 JCC bought the building on 31st and Troost where the popcorn manufacturing plant was and where the food was prepared for the trucks and the restaurant for the public.                                               

JCC Gourmet Company, Sole Proprietor, Ada Shaw, continued to produce the 25 flavors of popcorn selling in venues like American Royal, Kemper Arena, Bartle Hall, St. Louis Convention Center, fundraising opportunity, festivals, casinos and other venues.  Referred to as “The Popcorn Lady.”

I’m retired now enjoying waking up every morning on my time schedule. Very proud of my children, my daughter - beautiful, dedicated, responsible, and a very creative play writer, has written a poetry book, and is a jewelry designer. My son, handsome, a business owner, scuba dive instructor, and also a master electrician.

I’m proud to have done what I was taught. Thanks Mom and Dad! 

Smile with love in your heart.