Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Frederic

Hi Whitney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

As a child who could barely reach the stove, I was drawn to cooking— it allowed me to spend time the beautiful Haitian queens who came before me. Mommy-na (my great grandmother), Momma (my grandmother) and Mama (my mother) taught me how to cook— and each time we prepared meals in the kitchen, stories were told, laughs were exchanged and a whole lot of herbs and spices were involved. Which brings me to where I am today.
My name is Whitney Frederic. I am a full-time Scientist and the CEO/Founder of It’s Seasoned™. So, when I am not running experiments in the lab, I am in the lab of the kitchen curating seasoning blends with my customers health in mind. I have always been passionate about cooking, experimenting, and helping others. I always found joy in the kitchen, since I could experiment with flavors, and make a positive impact on people’s lives. My career path initially led me towards medical school and I was driven by my aspiration to make a difference in people’s lives. I once thought becoming a doctor would be the best way to approach this. While in college and majoring in biology, I discovered a newfound love for research. The scientific process, fascinated me and I was drawn to the pursuit of knowledge and uncovering new discoveries. Instead of applying to medical school, I made the decision to take a gap year after college. That gap year quickly turned into four years, and during this time, I sought opportunities to shadow doctors in various medical settings, hoping to gain firsthand experience and further solidify the best career path for me. It was during this period that I realized that my true passion was in exploring the depths of scientific inquiry rather than pursuing a career as a medical physician.
While working in research, I always found myself being the ‘curious George’ in rooms where some chose to stay silent. I always wanted to know “why”, and through research, sought out ways to tackle many challenging questions. The summer of 2018 was no different. One morning on my daily commute, I learned that the FDA recalled several batches of a drug used to treat hypertension. At the time, my father was taking this medicine, and hearing the news about this recall was startling– he had already faced prostate cancer many years prior, and was in remission. But hearing that the recall was issued because it contained traces of a known carcinogen made me think “why were individuals subjected to taking medicine to treat one illness, then being placed at risk for something just life-threatening as cancer?”Having a family history of hypertension and learning that nearly ½ American adults suffer from hypertension, (a risk factor for heart disease which is a leading cause of death in America) sparked my desire to do something about it. Driven by my curiosity, I immersed myself in researching hypertension. I discovered that dietary choices can play a significant role in managing one’s hypertension and that small lifestyle changes (ie. exercising regularly, eating healthy, not smoking, etc) could help individuals manage their blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. It was at point where I made the decision to combine my love for experimenting to help people.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Absolutely not! I struggled internally for a while choosing research over medical school. I feared that my decision would “let my parents down”. I come from a Haitian household, and growing up the career choices that were valued most were Doctor/Nurse, Engineer, or Lawyer. But once I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in research I just told my parents, and they were very supportive of my decision, and want me to be happy.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

At It’s Seasoned™, it is our mission is to empower individuals to lead heart-healthy lives. As a food and wellness brand, we are dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and hypertension, providing the tools and knowledge necessary for better health outcomes.

Our focus is on providing access to heart-healthy food products, education, and lifestyle modifications tips. We specialize in creating low sodium and salt-free seasoning blends that enhance the flavor of meals without compromising health. Our offerings also include heart-healthy cooking classes, nutrition educational resources, and culturally relevant cooking demonstrations and spice workshops. These services are designed to address the specific needs of hypertensive individuals and anyone looking to improve their heart health.

What set’s It’s Seasoned™ apart is our comprehensive approach to heart health. We go beyond providing products by offering education and practical guidance to support lifestyle changes. Our culturally relevant cooking demos ensure that we respect and incorporate diverse culinary traditions, making heart-healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

The best advice I have is to trust yourself. Be clear on what you are looking for in a mentor before you seek one. Try to find someone who is either where you want to be someday or who has been in your shoes at one point. What has worked well for me is being confident and not being intimidated by another person’s success. Also, it’s important to note that you should have more than one mentor, more like a board trusted advisors who can mentor you in their field of expertise. Make sure that whom ever you are taking advice has your best interest at heart. It’s okay to seek mentorship from someone and realize after a single conversation that they are not the right fit. Continue to ask questions and remember to be always be transparent about where you are at and your goals.

Pricing:

• $9 – single blends
• $26 – seasoning bundle (3 pack)
• $34 – seasoning bundle (4 pack)
• $12.50 – Epis Lakay (8 oz)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itsseasoned.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsseasoned/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsseasoned
• Twitter: https://x.com/itsseasoned
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsseasoned3122

Image Credits

Emma Ashley
CapturedbyRia