Success Recipes for
Having the entrepreneur gene is both a blessing and a curse. I hear my sweet Mama’s voice in my head often, when she looked at me once years ago, during the middle of a crazy catered event, elbow deep in soap suds washing chafing pans. She said: “Just what makes you want to do this right here!?” Bless her sweet soul. “Mama,” I said, “I just don’t know, and can’t help myself! I got it from Daddy.” There are scores of food artisans around North Carolina who “just can’t help themselves,” bringing the best of the best into the marketplace. Here’s the story of four, and their recipes for success. 22 | carolinacountry.com
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Little Black Dressing Company High Point littleblackdressing.com
Strolling through your grocery store produce section, if you’ve not found it yet, take a closer look and see if you find some Little Black Dressing Co. salad dressings. Winning both NC and national awards and accolades, LBD is one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets. These delicious dressings are tucked on the chilled produce shelf since they are made fresh, refrigerated and shipped that way right into the store. You won’t find a lot of “stuff” in them either (no preservatives, additives, and they’re gluten-free).
How NC entrepreneurs are making small food brands big business Story and photos by Wendy Perry
Creator and “head salad dressing maker” Kissie Stroup knows a thing or two about taking a family recipe from home to market from her days growing up with her Grandma Nana’s delicious vinaigrette on fresh-fromthe-garden salads. Nana made her dressing for school and church gatherings, and Kissie wanted to share it with others. She started making the dressing and selling in small batches in 2008. In 2013, her husband said: “Instead of selling dressing to friends from our porch, let’s do this thing.” “I was fortunate my husband was supportive, and I had this opportunity to make dressing, contribute to my family and give back to my community,” Kissie adds. Her first dressing was a tweak of Nana’s, Dreamy Creamy Vinaigrette. From there, she added others and her company was born. Little Black Dressing Co. has grown, is sold across America, and offers private
10/12/20 12:18 PM
