Daiquan Smith

Culinary Arts Graduate, Class of 2025

Daiquan Smith, a native of Hampton, South Carolina, graduated with honors in the Class of 2025 from SCC’s Culinary Arts program. Now living in Spartanburg with his wife, Dr. Janell Smith, Daiquan is focused on growing his catering business—Betty’s Boi Kitchen LLC—inspired by his late grandmother and grounded in a passion for food and family legacy.

Before finding his path at SCC, Daiquan’s academic journey was marked by uncertainty. “I attended several schools thinking I’d become a teacher, but I eventually questioned if college was even for me,” he shared. It was his grandmother’s resilience and support that gave him the strength to try again—and SCC’s Live to Chase Initiative that made it possible. “I chose SCC because it didn’t just offer a degree; it gave me the opportunity to dream big.”

Balancing work, financial hardship, and transportation issues, Daiquan faced significant challenges on his road to success. “I was working multiple jobs. At one point, I didn’t have a car or enough money to make ends meet. There were changes in my health and finances—but I kept going,” he said.

SCC helped him turn that persistence into progress. “With the Live to Chase Initiative, I earned a degree in a field I’ve always had a passion for. SCC gave me the tools to honor my grandmother by building a business where I can share good food with the world.”

Daiquan’s journey through SCC was filled with milestones: launching Betty’s Boi Kitchen LLC, marrying the love of his life, graduating with honors, and serving as the 2025 student speaker. Looking ahead, Daiquan plans to expand his catering company, continue investing in his family’s future, and potentially pursue another degree to complement his culinary education. “SCC prepared me to face challenges head-on and reminded me that it’s not about age—it’s about the drive to be better.”

To future students, his advice is bold and sincere: “Go for it. Dream big. Live out loud. Trust the process. Choosing SCC isn’t just a smart move—it’s a chance to live while chasing your dreams.”

Learn More About SCC's Culinary Arts Program: https://www.sccsc.edu/academics/cet/culinary/