Lessons in Entrepreneurship from My Grandmother

In recognition of Women’s History Month, I’d like to share a bit about an amazing woman who instilled so much in me. Through her kindness, compassion, and tenacity, she inspired me to be the person that I am today. So inspired in fact, that I turned that inspiration into action.

Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, I was blessed to have witnessed my grandmother peddle her homemade goods at the local town market. She would walk to the market with basket in hand, filled to the brim with goodies that both she and my aunt had prepared. Once at the market she would walk around and sell to other vendors and market patrons alike. One of my greatest joys was seeing her interact with other children and hand them something special from her basket. I could see the anticipation in their faces. Of course, with me also being a child at the time, I knew they were in for a treat!

I didn’t know it back then, but what I was witnessing was entrepreneurship in action. She instilled those lessons of entrepreneurship not just in myself, but in my mother as well. My grandmother knew that she could, and she did. She vended at the market for many years and became a force of her own.

It’s taken some time, but I’m proud to announce that my mom and I are finally taking steps to implement what we’ve learned. So, in honor of my grandmother, and in honor of our inner entrepreneurs, I am proud to announce that we have launched Camella’s Kitchen.

Camella’s Kitchen is an online destination for gourmet Caribbean treats – all made by my mom and I. We will be selling our signature sauces, chutneys, cakes and more. Not only are we continuing the legacy started by my grandmother, but we are making herstory in the process. Now that’s progress!

Written by Nyana Quashie

This post originally appeared on LinkedIn. See the original post here.

Camella’s Kitchen is run by two ladies from Trinidad and Tobago. Based out of Prince George’s County, Maryland, we’re living our sauciest lives by bringing our bold Caribbean flavors to you! How will you #BeCamellaSaucy? Tell us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or YouTube!