My name is Sheena Benton. I am a daughter of an American father from Charlotte, North Carolina and Japanese mother from Tokyo, Japan. I grew up in the Philippines and Japan. I lived overseas until the age of fifteen. I’ve lived my adult life in the Carolinas. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communications from UNC Charlotte and went on to earn a Master of Human Resources Development degree from Clemson University. Over the past decade I’ve spent time working in the non-profit sector. I’m motivated and inspired to educate, train, and develop people to help them reach their fullest potential and overall wellbeing.
While working in the non-profit sector, as a member of the senior leadership team, I obtained the skillsets which enabled me with the confidence to tackle my own business. I enjoyed helping people gain employment, providing others with a safe and engaging workplace, and meeting new people. During my encounters with others, I enjoyed getting to know others and their interests beyond the work that they did. My shared moments seem to center around my favorite foods or the love of food. In fact, when I decided to leave my employer, many people were not surprised that I ventured into the food industry.
My partner took me on my first trip to Los Angeles, CA a couple years ago. During our time there, we came upon a restaurant, Mr. Fries Man. I was excited and satisfied by what I had experienced. This urban, underground foodie concept was something I had not yet experienced in the South. Most importantly, the food was delicious. Several months later, I had an “aha moment.” I wanted to share the Mr. Fries Man experience with the community here in Greenville. As a known comfort food, I thought others will surely enjoy eating gourmet fries with irresistible toppings. In April 2022, I pursued a new venture as a business owner and purchased a Mr. Fries Man franchise. I plan to open the first Mr. Fries Man in the state of South Carolina by the end of 2022.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am a daughter, sister, aunt, partner and parent to fur babies. My father was from Charlotte, NC and my mother is from Tokyo, Japan. My father is deceased. I miss him dearly. I am a middle child. I have two sisters. I’m an aunt to one niece and two nephews. I have two brother-in-laws. I’m a pet mom to three fur babies.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I was the Director of Human Resources for Goodwill Industries. It is a not-for profit organization offering career services, job training, certifications, and programs that help people become independent. I embraced the opportunity to advocate for and empower others. My happiest moments were listening to employees read self-reflection papers after completing a professional development opportunity. I’ve always had a passion for food. I think food makes people happy, brings them together, and says a lot about a group of people or culture. I find comfort in sitting down to eat a meal or snack. I’m now a business owner for a fast-food restaurant that sells gourmet french fries. My restaurant is called Mr. Fries Man located at 95 Halton Road in Greenville, South Carolina.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love food so this is a difficult question for me. I frequent Miyabi’s, Adams Bistro, and anywhere that sells seafood. Specifically in the Mauldin or Simpsonville area, I frequent Wholy Smoke, Truth Grill n Chill, Silver Bay, and Baskin Robbins.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I left Greenville in 2001. I moved back to the Upstate in 2013 and bought a home in Mauldin.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I’ve met a lot of interesting people in the community. Working in the non-profit industry I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of business leaders, politicians, educators, business owners, and many more. In my personal life, particularly growing up in a military household, I’m intrigued by people who are different than me or can teach me about a different culture. This has opened my natural curiosity to meet a lot of people from all walks of life.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Any country that I’ve never traveled too. I think Dubai would be a fantastic place to travel for the contemporary attractions. I’m also interested in traveling to countries in Africa and Europe.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Everything Happens for a Reason. When an event happens, whether positive or negative, you can use it as a learning moment. Allow yourself to take credit or be accountable for what happens to you. This mindset has allowed me to remain humble and grateful for positive impact in my life and push through difficult situations to focus on understanding the reason but also the importance of moving forward.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I don’t have a bucket list. I want to continue to have the ability to travel to different places. If I thought of a bucket list now, I would start with traveling to a Caribbean Island.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I love Baskin Robbins in Simpsonville. I grew up eating Baskin Robbins in Tokyo so it’s something I can eat here that reminds me of a favorite childhood memory.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’m a fan of Oprah Winfrey. Her connection with people and what appears to be a genuine regard for others inspires me. I’m spiritually driven and continuously strive to practice mindfulness. I would love to sit down with Deepak Chopra to talk more about the spiritual journey and a higher level of consciousness. If Mr. Fries Man were open – well there of course! However, a favorite brunch spot of mine is Stax Omega off Orchard Park Drive.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the small business opportunities in the community. As a resident of Mauldin, I think we have a variety of small businesses that I enjoy supporting. I look forward to the Bridgewater Station project opening in Mauldin/Simpsonville area. As a pet-parent, I love the dog-friendly options that we have locally.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’m hopeful my first business opportunity has proven to be successful enough for me to acquire more franchises and real estate investments. I will have a diversified portfolio that provides me the opportunity to travel the world and have different business ownership.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
When something happens to me, I always think of a conversation I would have with my Dad. I like to think he is still walking with me in spirit and so I share my joys of happiness and not so happy moments with him in mind.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Japan will always be a beautiful place to me. I took a trip to Tulum Mexico in 2021 and had one of the best times of my life. I was amazed at the cenotes and beautiful beaches.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Family, friends, and colleagues. They all see me in different ways. I appreciate their words of encouragement, support, and confidence that they have shared with me.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
Someone who is friendly, respects your privacy but also shares a sense of public safety.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, Peace, Happiness
