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Sed ut perspiciatis unde.
SubscribeWe recently connected with Chanée Dowdie and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chanée , thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
I want my legacy to be that she did it, “I can do it too”. There will be many versions of legacy, many journeys and many connections along the way. In the end, inspiring the next generation of women who look like me, is everything I stand for, my goal is to end generational poverty. Watch and join as it comes to fruition!
Chanée , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hey! I’m Chanée, founder and operator of Honey Soul Food located out in Mississauga! And my mission is to further the work of ending generational poverty through ways of business.
I have always been in the hospitality industry where I began as a host and eventually worked my way into management. My restaurant was birthed from the lack of creativity and initiative I was able to take in the role I was in prior. I had hit what felt like a cap in the business and I knew I just had to do it on my own. So from that, Honey was born. She blew up because of all of you though. I put my idea and dreams out there and the GTA loved it and ran with it.
We’re in the industry of making food for your soul with a Southern flair. We make food such as Mac and cheese, Cajun shrimp, collard greens, candied yams, brisket, and fried chicken. And we are most known for our cornbread – yes it is the best in the city.
I am most proud of seeing my mission of breaking chains within generational poverty be fruitful. I saw members of my team move from taking the bus to get to the store to owning their own car. I saw members of my team move from living at home to owning their own homes. It’s the little steps that create the bigger movement. Allow me to the pedestal so that you can climb above. That is what I’m most proud of.
We’d love to hear about you met your business partner.
His name is Devon Jason Martelly-McLean, Vice President of Operations here at Honey Soul Food. I have known Mr. VP since we were in high school. We went to different schools however, life brought us together at lunchtime at our school’s crossroad storefront we used to just hang out and vibe at a local restaurant called Blue Sky. I was the weird girl with a Mohawk, and he was the lanky kid from Montreal. As years went on we eventually reconnected back in 2020 when I was starting the journey of Honey. He has been on this journey with me near and far from the very beginning.
Having a business partner is amazing – but only if they’re the right one. Mr. VP is the right portion of my left brain. he is the crutch that I can rely on when my left leg gives out. Mr. VP is 80% when I can only give 20%. The best business decision our company ever made.
Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?
Here’s a topic that is too taboo to talk about. There have been many close calls in this business. You would imagine a company being successful means they have hundreds of thousands of dollars in the bank and vacations on deck – back to back. I wish. Doing high numbers means also paying high numbers. Instead of having $2000 for payroll now you have $6000. Instead of spending $1000 on taxes now you have $8000. And those are all things that have to be paid. In the end, sacrifices have to be made in other places so that you can succeed in others. Also, never feel too much pride, to be honest, or ask for help. Trust me, been there. There is no shame in asking for help.
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