Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Akasia Lee-Nicholas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Akasia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

They said it couldn’t be done! Returning Mardi Gras to the Westbank of unincorporated Jefferson Parish for the first time in 30 years….. they said it couldn’t be done AND WE DID IT! Defied the odds, pushed through and made Carnival history on 2-22-22!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

Akasia Lee-Nicholas is born and raised on the Westbank. A native of Marrero. She is The Krewe Captain of TCQNO (The Culinary Queens of New Orleans) and made  history as Greater New Orleans’ first and only carnival krewe to honor women in the food and beverage industry. Krewe Captain and Founder Akasia Lee-Nicholas is also the owner of Let Us Cater for You and Akasia’s Cafe she is also a published Author (Out Of Bounds) ! She founded the krewe to be a platform that unites and supports businesses owned by women of all food and beverage backgrounds. The Culinary Queens of New Orleans provides collective business support services for its members while celebrating the time-honored traditions of Greater New Orleans’ Mardi Gras culture. Women 20 years old and older who own food and/or beverage brands are eligible to become members of the new parade krewe. Visit www.theculinaryqueensofnola.com

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I hired the best doggone brand manager! I suggest everyone else do the same. Lol! There is no way my schedule will allow me to keep up with social media posts. I hired Kim “@gawdmotherofnola” Dilosa. Her company FION Productions combines branding with community advocacy to create platforms for community friendly entities.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I did time in federal prison and buried my first born 3 years ago (epilepsy). When everyone counted me out and thought that would kill me…. I am prevailing and thriving!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theculinaryqueensofnola.com
• Instagram: @theculinaryqueensofnola
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/theculinaryqueensofnola

Image Credits
John Dilosa, Jr. @asolidphotography Is our photographer!