We recently connected with Mercedes Wilson and have shared our conversation below.
Mercedes, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Mission: Bringing families together one meal at a time.
As a child, I sat on my grandmothers lap while she would scooped up her collard greens with her homemade cornbread and fed me. One bite for her, one bite for me. She and my grandfather had 11 children together and in their backyard was a massive garden. This is how they sustained the family. From that garden she made this accoutrement she called “cha cha”. This was one of many that she made. My grandmother cooked all day and I walked her take joy in it.
Fast forward some years and I am doing food segments for the Buffalo ABC Affiliate station, Channel 7 WKBW called “Recipes for Life” where guests cook a dish with me that has a story behind it. My first guest is of course my dad and what does he bring up? My grandmothers “cha cha”. I had never heard of it, so my dad described it to the best of his remembrance. I made for the segment and afterwards my friends and family went nuts. Everyone kept saying that it needed to be on the shelves in grocery stores.
I took it to the local grocer and asked them to try the relish. I also asked if they liked it, if it was good enough to sell. Within 48 hours, I heard back from them with a yes, they would absolutely sell it. I set out to start the process of getting my relish on the shelves.
After taking courses, getting the correct approvals and securing a certified kitchen I began making the relish out of the kitchen of the local YWCA in Lockport NY. It quickly grew and I got picked up by 39 Tops Supermarket stores after finding a co packer to keep up with product. That number grew to 66 and is now up to over 100 grocery stores.
It is also in suites at the Highmark stadium where our beloved Buffalo Bills play.
A dish that my grandmother started out making to give her greens a little kick and to supply for her family, is now something her grand-daughter is able to use to bring flavor and families tighter.
I hope and pray she is so proud of me!
Mercedes, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a wife, mother of 4, author of 3 books, breast cancer survivor(diagnosed at 28 years old), executive director of a non profit, tv personality, producer and foodpreneur. I am the most proud of my family. They mean the most!
The main thing I want people to know about me is that people matter, how you treat them, helping others, being genuine and connecting is what makes the world go round. Without each other, what is it all for?
I am attaching some links that show you some of me!
https://www.wkbw.com/mercedes-wilson
https://www.wkbw.com/am-buffalo/marsha-mcwilsons-corn-pudding-on-recipes-for-life
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-wilson-777a9666/
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 28. When my doctor asked me about my family history, I didn’t know much and that was a big moment for me. I asked the question, if I didn’t know my family history, how many other young women didn’t. After I went through the journey of chemo, surgery and semi got back on my feet, I founded a non profit called For Our Daughters Inc. For the last 11 years, we have helped young women learn how to advocate for their own health and wellness.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
This may seem super simple, but it is be honest and be genuine. I served the community with the board and we did it with our heart. We still do. When people need help, even if you can’t personally help, help them find someone that can.
Integrity matters!
Contact Info:
- Website: sadiesfoods.com. mercedesewilson.com. forourdaughtersinc.org
- Instagram: mercedesewilson
- Facebook: Mercedes E Wilson
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-wilson-777a9666/
- Youtube: @mercedeswilson8652
Image Credits
The buffalo bills one, credit Jason Belous The jars, credit-Crowley Webb The one with blue background credit Mustafa Hussain