We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Matthews recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The idea for my business stemmed from my heritage and early experiences in the kitchen. As a young girl, I was taught to cook at the age of nine years old. I quickly became captivated by the taste, culture, and warmth of the people coming together within my family my community, especially through the concept of good eats. Growing up, I savored every bite of gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, shrimp and crawfish étouffée, red beans and rice on Mondays , crab cakes and more while realizing that this unique culinary experience I honed at an early age was something I wanted to share with the world.
The concept began to take shape as my grandmother grew older and entrusted me with the responsibility of cooking her cherished recipes for family and friends. I often reminisce about our times together before she passing and how she taught me that food has a magical way of bringing people together. It was in those moments, surrounded by laughter and stories, that I knew this idea had potential. The emotions were a mix of excitement and a sense of purpose. I wanted to recreate that same sense of community and joy through food for the world.
From a logical standpoint, I saw a gap in the market. Here in South Carolina, there is a noticeable lack of authentic Creole cuisine. While there are plenty of restaurants, none offer the genuine flavors and rich history of Louisiana Creole cooking. I believed that introducing this unique culinary tradition would not only stand out but also fulfill a craving that many didn’t even know they had.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hello, I’m Jessica Matthews, but in the realm of business and branding, I go by Da Real Creole Queen. I proudly hail from Louisiana. and I have a deep-rooted passion for Creole cuisine, which has been a part of my life since childhood. I was taught to cook at the age of nine years old and from then on, I was captivated by the flavors, culture, and community spirit that Creole cooking embodies throughout my family lineage. My journey into this industry began with many traditions passed down from my grandmother, who instilled in me the importance of food as a means of bringing people together especially on Sundays.
I founded C’est Si Bon to share the authentic taste of Louisiana Creole cuisine with a broader audience. Our offerings include a wide range of traditional dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, shrimp and crawfish étouffée , po-boys and much more all prepared with the genuine flavors and techniques that make Creole food so special. We cater to a wide range of events including corporate gatherings, social functions, private parties, and more, ensuring we meet a diverse need, we provide takeout (pans to-go ) for pickup at our kitchen located just minutes from downtown Greenville. You can also find us as a food vendor at local markets and festivals on dedicated Saturdays. Currently, our private chef services are not available as they have been exclusively contracted by private clients. As a small business, we’ve had to temporarily pause this service to the public. One of the key problems we solve for our clients is the lack of authentic Creole cuisine in South Carolina. Many people have heard of or tasted Creole dishes, but few have experienced the real thing. We bridge that gap by delivering a truly authentic culinary experience that transports our customers straight to the heart of Louisiana.
What sets us apart is our dedication to authenticity and community. Our recipes have been handed down through generations, and we take pride in preserving the traditional methods and ingredients that define Creole cooking. Moreover, we strive to create a sense of community through our food, much like how my grandmother did for our family and friends.
I am most proud of the impact our food has on people. Seeing the joy and satisfaction on our customers faces when they take their first bite is incredibly rewarding. It reaffirms my belief that food is more than just sustenance it’s a way to connect with others and celebrate culture.
The main things I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about us are our commitment to authenticity, our passion for Creole cuisine, and our dedication to bringing people together through food. At C’est Si Bon, we don’t just serve meals; we offer an experience steeped in tradition, flavor, and love by yours truly Da Real Creole Queen.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story that stands out in my journey and illustrates my resilience in business occurred during a major vendor event in 2023 serving over 680 customers within in a four hour period. We were excited to introduce our offerings of Authentic Creole cuisine to a wider audience. We had meticulously planned every detail, from the menu to the setup, and were eager to showcase our dishes.
However, a week before the event, our main supplier called to inform us that a critical shipment of fresh ingredients had been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. Panic set in as I realized that without those ingredients, many of our signature dishes would be incomplete. Cancelling was not an option, and the reputation of my business was on the line.
I quickly gathered my team and explained the situation. We brainstormed alternative solutions, and I decided to personally drive hours away to a local market and specialty store to source the necessary ingredients. It was a race against time, but I was determined to make it work. My team and I worked tirelessly, adjusting recipes and preparing the dishes with the new ingredients.
When we arrived at the event, we were exhausted but hopeful. To our relief and delight, the guests loved the food. They had no idea of the challenges we had faced earlier on. . The positive feedback and seeing people enjoy our dishes made all the effort worthwhile.
This experience taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure, thinking creatively, and relying on the strength of my team. It reinforced my belief in our mission and showed me that no matter the obstacles, we could overcome them with determination and resourcefulness.
That day, we not only served delicious Authentic Creole cuisine but also solidified our reputation for reliability and quality. It was a defining moment that demonstrated our resilience and commitment to our craft, and it’s a story I carry with me as a reminder that perseverance pays off.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been actively participating in local markets and vendor events. Starting a business in an unfamiliar place meant that we needed to build our presence and reputation from the ground up. These events provided us with the perfect platform to introduce the authenticity of Creole cuisine to the community.
By setting up stalls at various markets and vendor events, we were able to directly engage with potential customers, offer them samples of our dishes, and share our story. This face-to-face interaction helped us create a personal connection with people, which is crucial for building trust and loyalty. Additionally, the high foot traffic at these events allowed us to reach a large and diverse audience who might not have ever discovered us otherwise.
Word-of-mouth referrals from these initial interactions have been invaluable. Customers who enjoyed our food would often tell their friends and family, leading to a steady stream of new patrons. Social media also played a role; we made sure to post updates, photos, and event details to keep our followers informed and excited about where we’d be next.
Participating in these local events not only boosted our visibility but also provided us with immediate feedback, helping us refine our offerings to better meet the tastes and preferences of our new community. This strategy has been instrumental in growing our clientele, with approximately 90% of our customers coming from these efforts.
Overall, the combination of direct engagement, high visibility, and positive word-of-mouth has been the cornerstone of our success in building a strong and loyal customer base.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.darealcreolequeen.com
- Instagram: Darealcreolequeen
- Facebook: Darealcreolequeen
- Other: https://dot.cards/darealcreolequeen_
Image Credits
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