We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dawn Skeete. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dawn below.
Hi Dawn, thanks for joining us today. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?
One of the most surprising experiences I had as a business owner was when a fellow business owner, a white woman from my community, walked into my restaurant and said, “Dawn, how can I, a white businesswoman, help you, a Black businesswoman?”
Here’s the backstory: I own a small restaurant and catering business in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Growing up in Brooklyn, we knew not to venture into Red Hook. However, over the years, Red Hook has transformed significantly. Five years ago, I opened my restaurant in this revitalized community. I was soon invited to attend a business meeting focused on forming a Business Alliance for the community. At the end of the meeting, the facilitator encouraged us to both offer something and take something. I took this opportunity to ask one of the women in the group to be my mentor.
One day during the pandemic, I was sitting in the restaurant, waiting for customers. Instead, the woman I had asked to be my mentor came in and asked me how she, a white businesswoman, could help me, a Black businesswoman. I was so taken aback by the question that I didn’t know how to respond. I stood there, stunned. She then said to think about it and let her know, and she left with the same spirit she had when she arrived.
Two days later, she called and asked if I could prepare 100 plates per day, every day. Not knowing if I could, but needing the business, I said YES! She cautioned me not to agree if I couldn’t deliver, but I assured her I would figure it out. This encounter led to a contract with WCK to cook, package, and deliver 200 plates per day for about five months.
This unexpected question became the catalyst for our pivot during COVID-19, and the lesson we learned has been incorporated into our catering business model. The experience was a whirlwind of emotions. There was the exhilaration of seeing our product enjoyed by our neighbors, the stress of managing a sudden and overwhelming demand, and the deep satisfaction of overcoming the challenges that came with it. In the end, we not only met the demand but also gained a significant number of loyal customers who continued to support us long after the initial hype died down.
Looking back, it was one of the most challenging yet rewarding moments of my entrepreneurial journey. It taught me the importance of being prepared for the unexpected and reinforced my belief in the potential of our product. The sudden exposure was both a test and a testament to our resilience as a team.
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 back background and context?
Certainly! I’m, the proud owner of a small restaurant and catering business located in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Growing up in Brooklyn, I witnessed the transformation of Red Hook from an area to avoid to a vibrant community, and it inspired me to become a part of its revitalization. My journey into the food industry began with a passion for cooking and a desire to create a space where people could come together over delicious meals.
Our restaurant offers a variety of dishes that showcase the rich culinary traditions of Brooklyn, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. In addition to our restaurant services, we provide catering for events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions. Our menu is diverse, catering to different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can find something they love.
One of the key problems we solve for our clients is providing high-quality, reliable catering services that they can trust. We understand the importance of having a seamless event where food is a highlight, not a worry. Our team is dedicated to delivering not just food, but an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
What sets us apart from others is our deep commitment to our community and our adaptability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we faced unprecedented challenges, but we pivoted quickly, forming partnerships that allowed us to provide meals for those in need and keep our business running. This resilience and community focus are at the heart of everything we do.
I am most proud of our ability to rise to the occasion during tough times. When a mentor challenged me with a significant order during the pandemic, we didn’t back down. Instead, we scaled our operations, ensuring we could meet the demand while maintaining our high standards. This not only kept us afloat but also strengthened our ties with the community.
For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that our brand stands for more than just great food. It’s about community, resilience, and a commitment to making every meal memorable. Whether you’re dining in our restaurant or hiring us to cater your event, you can expect exceptional service, delicious food, and a team that genuinely cares about your experience.
In summary, our restaurant and catering business is built on passion, community, and adaptability. We provide a wide range of culinary services, solve catering challenges with ease, and stand out through our commitment to excellence and community engagement. We invite you to join us on this journey and experience the difference that passion and dedication can make.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to do everything myself to ensure it was done correctly.
Growing up, I was always taught that hard work and self-reliance were the keys to success. This belief carried over into my professional life, especially when I started my restaurant and catering business in Red Hook, Brooklyn. I felt that to maintain the quality and standards I envisioned, I needed to oversee every detail personally. While this hands-on approach initially helped establish a strong foundation for my business, it quickly became overwhelming as the business grew.
The turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic. We received an unexpectedly large order from World Central Kitchen (WCK) to prepare, package, and deliver 200 plates per day for about five months. Faced with this daunting task, I realized that I couldn’t handle everything alone. I had to trust my team and delegate responsibilities, which was a significant shift from my usual approach.
At first, I was nervous about letting go of control. However, as I began to delegate more tasks and empower my team, I saw incredible results. Not only did we successfully meet the demand, but my team also brought their own skills and creativity to the table, enhancing our operations in ways I hadn’t anticipated. This experience taught me the value of collaboration and the importance of trusting others to share the workload.
Unlearning the need to do everything myself was challenging, but it was essential for the growth and sustainability of my business. It allowed me to focus on strategic planning and innovation, while my capable team handled day-to-day operations. This lesson in delegation and trust ultimately strengthened our business, enabling us to better serve our community and adapt to new challenges.
In summary, the lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I had to do everything myself to ensure quality and success. The backstory involves the rapid growth of my business during the pandemic, which forced me to rely on my team and embrace collaboration. This shift not only alleviated my stress but also enhanced our overall performance, proving that trusting others and working together can lead to even greater achievements.
Have you ever had to pivot?
While working on my bachelor’s degree, I took a job at a pension fund company. Originally, I had planned to become a doctor, but becoming a teenage mom led me to change my career path.
As I worked in corporate America, I grew within the company for 17 years. However, when the company decided to open an office in another state, they offered staff the opportunity to relocate. I chose not to move, and as a result, I was laid off.
It was at this point that I decided to pivot and become an entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jamitbistrony.com
- Instagram: jamitbistro
- Facebook: @jamitbistro1
- Linkedin: dawn Skeete
- Yelp: Jamit Bistro
Image Credits
David Gallardo