Since its inception in 2014, De’Lish Cafe has been a leading sponsor and supporter of Last Poet Standing. Owner Jasmine Brown gives an inside look at her current life experiences as a female entrepreneur of color and supporter of the arts. As a longtime supporter of TCE, we sat down to chat about how live has been post Spring of 2016.
Q: How did it all start for you?
A: DeLish was a concept from my husband and myself. The menu is compiled of dishes we’ve had from restaurants we’ve visited in other states. My husband loved spicy foods so that’s why our menu has a somewhat New Orleans style to it.
Q: Tell me about a time that it was hard to be a business owner . How did you handle it?”
A: The hardest time I had being a business owner was when my husband passed. Things were really rough in the first few months. The strength of my children, a lot of prayers and hard work was what helped me get through that rough time. The hardest time I had being a business owner was when my husband passed. Things were really rough in the first few months. The strength of my children, a lot of prayers and hard work was what helped me get through that rough time.
Q: Why do you love the ARTS, Specifically Spoken Word and self-expression?
A: I’ve always had a LOVE for the arts. I feel like someone that is able to get up on the microphone in front of people and share their most intimate thoughts and feelings to an audience is AMAZING! Its a beautiful gift. I love watching someone on stage pour out their life in words. It’s really unexplainable sometimes!
Q: What is a normal day like for you?
A: A normal day for me would consist of checking emails and returning phone calls in the morning. Running errands for the restaurant and making sure my kids are good. Taking calls throughout the day.. maybe a quick meeting with a friend. Trying to find something to eat in between time. Eventually making my way back to the restaurant to make sure my guests are getting taken care of. Depending on what day it is I may not get home until after midnight.
Q: What is something that people do not know about you?
A: I really wish I could take ballet classes. I love the way dancers move so gracefully and how their bodies are in tune with the music that is being played. Dance is just a beautiful form of art to me!
Q: Currently, what are two joys and two challenges about being a entrepreneur?
A: Not having to answer to anyone…. you are your own boss.
Knowing that I’ve created jobs that’s helping people take care of their family is one of the greatest feelings in the world! 2) You are your own boss, if you don’t do it, sometimes it will not get done. Learning that you can’t please everyone can be such a terrible thing to battle with. Especially when you’re a people pleaser!
Q: What is your favorite movie; last three years?
A: My favorite movie… of all times would be Carlitos Way! It’s such a beautiful love story played throughout the movie. The last three years… 12 Years A Slave! Epic movie!
Q: Why is supporting Local – State important to here?
A: Being a entrepreneur myself, I know the cliche blood, the sweat, the tears that’s put into owning a business. I know that when I support a local business I support my community a family that I can interact with. A voice and a face that most of the time I can touch and see. It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m helping provide the means to someone’s dream!
Tripple Croxx Entertainment 