Shea’s Letter: April

April was a busy month. Somewhere between dance drop-offs, product design reviews, photoshoots, and putting the finishing touches on our biggest Studio McGee project yet, I also released my first cookbook, Around the Table. 

It hit me during the Newport Beach signing, looking at a sea of friendly faces in a line wrapped around the store, that it's actually out in the world. A real book, on real shelves, being held by real people who came out to say hello. If you were part of any of those moments, thank you. Seeing you in person was so special. 

The launch dinner at Ladurée—candlelight, pastel walls, and a room full of people I've admired for years. There's a version of me from ten years ago who wouldn't believe that night happened.

New York Images by Rachel Airtime 

Sitting down with Kelly Clarkson in front of a live audience was a first for me. I've done morning shows for years, but never a sit-down conversation paired with a live cooking segment. It's one thing to cook from the book at home. It's another to do it in front of a room full of people, on camera, with Kelly asking questions. I left the studio buzzing.  

It felt really good to be home, even if just for a few days. 

Folklore Bookshop in Midway and The King’s English in Salt Lake were the hometown stops. My mom, brother and sister-in-law, and our kids—everyone was able to come, which made it all feel even more meaningful. They’ve been part of this whole process in ways big and small, from childcare to recipe testing to cheering me on, so having them there was the best part. 

A morning at Ralph’s Coffee at Fashion Island with so many of the women whose work I’ve followed for years—drinks in hand, sun on the patio, and my voice completely gone by the end. 

This month reminded me of something simple: a book about gathering only really comes to life when people are actually gathered. The launch isn't the dinners and the signings—it's what happens after. When you take it home, cook from it, dog-ear the page with the coconut cake, and invite a friend over on a random Tuesday that doesn't need a reason. 

That part belongs to you now, and I can't wait to see where you take it. 

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to finally unpack a suitcase that's been half-packed since New York. 

xo, Shea