Interview 4

Even though she had little experience in starting a business, she took a leap of faith and started Mama Sassy’s Gourmet Foods.

“Once I decided that I was going to sell the sauce, I knew we needed a name, so another friend, said, ‘You know you fiery and sassy just like this sauce, so what about sassy mama or mama sassy’, and we agreed that we liked Mama Sassy and that’s how the name came about,” she explained.

Cherelle uses all-natural Bahamian fruit such as mangoes, pineapples, papaya and tamarind, and seasonings like thyme and rosemary. She also uses alcohol as an ingredient for her uniquely flavoured sauces, glazes, rubs, jams and jellies. For these, she reaches for the local beer, like Kalik’s Radler, or the dry Irish stout Guinness, as well as various wines for cooking.

Using natural products that are available in the Bahamas was a no-brainer for Cherelle.

“I love experimenting in my kitchen to come up with new ideas and new flavours, and often that is determined by what ingredients are readily available,” she said. Cherelle is also inspired by her travels. One of her favourite places to visit is France. “I love their mulled wine; it’s something I look forward to whenever I travel there. I love to make it in December because that is my birthday month as well as Christmas, and so of course I use it in my products,” she said. It has been three years since she started her company and Cherelle says she has learned many lessons along the way. Her advice to anyone considering launching a food-based business is to ensure that their products meet worldwide standards.

“I would love to see a local entrepreneur strive for a higher standard of excellence. You want your product to be able to be sold anywhere in the world,” she said.

“When I first started, I had basic packaging and simple presentation, but I realised that if I wanted to expand, I had to improve my product.

“That means that the products have to have consistent quality. My products are all tested in the US to ensure that they are at a level approved by the FDA. That comes at a high cost, but you have to invest in your product. You also have to look at your packaging; does it have nutritional labelling and barcodes for easier pricing? That makes it more attractive to the world market,” she said. Customer service is another important component to having a successful business. “You can’t just take the mindset of, ‘Well, if they don’t like it, then just don’t buy it.’ I follow up with “My products are my clients and I ask for their feedback. I love when they share photos of dishes they have made using all tested in the my products.” Cherelle is excited to be expanding her business, US to ensure that both here at home and internationally. As she follows this plan, she has quite a lot to they are at a level keep her busy on the side as well. In addition to her business, she is also a jazz and approved by the R&B singer and used to perform in local hotels like Atlantis. FDA. That comes “When I first started my music career I used to sing reggae,” she said. at a high cost, but And as the president of the St Augustine’s College Alumni Association, she is kept busy by you have to invest highlighting the achievements of former students from the private school as well as raising funds for in your product.” educational grants and projects throughout the community. Another project she is passionate about is promoting women and encouraging them to be strong and independent. “I truly believe in female empowerment and in women supporting women and helping them to achieve their goals,” she said. Cherelle has a background in the aviation industry and has a degree in Law and Criminal Justice. She is an avid reader who loves travelling, history and fishing. She is also the proud mother of two children.