Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlette Lopez

Hi Charlette, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Starting Jikonikwenu is an opportunity for me to earn a living in a way that involves something I love and have passion for, which is food. Working in the food industry, I get to be immersed in food creativity and I get to continually produce things that represent my Kenyan and Mexican heritage.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

It has not been a smooth journey.

JIKONIKWENU is three years old. We started as an e-commerce enterprise, then went into direct services, and started taking on retail contracts.

One of the biggest struggles was making inroads into retail. We put so much capital into shelf space and did not see a return on that investment, which was frustrating. We had to make major cuts and decided to forgo retail store relationships on the east coast as we refocused our strategy for growth. Since then we have endeavored to have a hyperlocal strategy here in New York, where our company is based and have seen our relationships with clients, partners and potential investors grow exponentially.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

Through operating Jikonikwenu, I am able to use my culinary expertise to craft exceptional and authentic cuisine that embodies the rich flavors of Mexico and Kenya.

The spirit and values of Jikonikwenu come directly from my mother and my paternal grandmother. My mother a Kenyan, who used to do training workshops with farmers and teach them how to make organic fruit jams as well as hot sauces. My paternal grandmother, a Mexican who taught me how to make hot sauces using Oaxacan ingredients. I decided to create unique blended Mexican and Kenyan flavors to distinguish myself in the market. My competitors use additives and sugar; however, my ingredients do not have additives.

Our company has created exclusive jam flavors such as: Mango Strawberry Mirasol Jam, Mango Chutney Jam, Jalapeño Pepper Jam, Pineapple Coconut Jam, Kiwi Avocado Jam, Pineapple Habanero Jam, Blood Orange Pilipili Jam, Strawberry Tomato Jam, Blackberry Pitaya Roja Jam, Mango Mirasol Jam, Persimmon Pitaya Roja Jam, Pineapple Margarita Jam, Mango Papaya Jam and Cactus Jam.

Our one-of-a-kind savory sauce flavors are: Ubuntu Sauce, Nyamachoma BBQ Sauce, Pilau Masala Sauce, Kachumbari Sauce, Peppery Whispery Daiquiri Sauce, Masaba Sauce, Papaya Chutney Sauce, Salsa Verde Sauce, Zawadi Tamu Sauce and Jalapeño Sauce.

A cornerstone value of Jikonikwenu is a strong and unwavering belief in the power of education. We are in the planning phase of establishing a school and foundation in Uyoma, Kenya, as a tribute to my beloved mother, Elizabeth Odhiambo. Therefore, 10% of our proceeds goes toward the developing infrastructure of the foundation. We will not rest until we fulfill this deep commitment to be part of important work of uplifting underserved communities through improving education.

How do you think about luck?

I do not considered anything as luck rather than hard work. There is nothing that came easy for me in life. Hard work and preparation, has been very important in my business. I have been able to make wiser business decisions in order to move from poor to good business. For example, knowing when to walk away from business ventures that wasn’t progressing my business.

Pricing:

• $2o pricing per savory jam.
• $15 pricing per savory sauces.
• Pricing on catering services available upon request.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.charlettelopez.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jikonikwenu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jikonikwenu

Image Credits

Image credits for the first four jam pictures were taken by photographer Debbie L. The next 4 savory sauce pictures were taken by Chef Charlette Lopez