Meet Jessica Matthews | Da Real Creole Queen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Matthews and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own catering business was a culmination of years of hands-on experience, passion for cooking, and a deep-rooted desire to share the culinary heritage passed down by my grandmother. My early years spent in the kitchen with my grandmother were invaluable. She taught me traditional recipes, techniques, and the importance of cooking with love and precision. The joy I found in creating delicious meals and seeing others enjoy them was a driving force. Cooking was more than a hobby; it was a way to connect with people and share a part of myself. Throughout family functions, bookings for small gatherings, catered events, vendors markets, hosting private parties and local community events and activities . I realized there was a demand even more so here in the Upstate of South Carolina for Authentic Louisiana Creole cuisine that isn’t readily available within the market without a franchise attachment. I observed that many competitors lacked the authenticity and personal touch that Louisiana Creole cooking embodies. I knew then , this was a unique selling point I could leverage. My extensive experience in cooking and hosting events gave me the confidence to handle large-scale catering. I learned not just the culinary aspects but also the logistics, planning, and customer service needed to offer a successful product and service at the same time. I am committed to maintaining high standards in every dish, while reflecting the quality and care my grandmother instilled in me. I know that running a successful business would require ongoing learning, adaptation, improvement and even pivoting at some point in this economy.
Starting my own business was a way to honor my grandmother’s legacy and offer a unique cuisine that others often mock by the inspiration of the original recipes of Louisiana Creole and Cajun cuisine. I wanted to introduce others to authentic rich flavors and traditions of my heritage, creating a bridge between cultures through catering services. I developed a comprehensive business plan, considering factors like initial investment, target market, competition, and marketing analytics and strategies.I ensured I had the necessary resources, from reliable suppliers to a moving forward with a dedicated team, to deliver high-quality service. I saw starting the business as an opportunity to challenge myself, grow as an entrepreneur, and achieve personal fulfillment.While it requires hard work and dedication, I was prepared to balance the demands of the business with my personal life, knowing the rewards would be worth it.
In summary, starting C’est Si Bon was a blend of passion, experience, market insight, and a deep commitment to quality and cultural heritage. It was a way to transform my lifelong love for cooking into a thriving business that brings joy to others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career in the catering business is deeply rooted in the rich culinary traditions passed down from my grandmother. From a young age, I was immersed in the kitchen, learning the art of cooking with passion and precision. This early experience not only shaped my skills but also instilled in me a love for creating delicious, authentic meals that bring people together.

What sets me apart from others is the blend of tradition and innovation I bring to my catering services. I pride myself on using authentic Louisiana Creole recipes that have been perfected over generations, while also incorporating modern techniques and flavors to cater to diverse tastes. My commitment to quality and authenticity ensures that every dish tells a story and provides a memorable experience for my clients.

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is starting my own catering business and seeing it flourish. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my vision come to life and to receive positive feedback from satisfied customers as well. This journey has not been easy, but it has been immensely fulfilling.

The path to where I am today was paved with great challenges as I have a long road ahead . Starting a business as a woman-owned minority entrepreneur in Greenville, SC came with its own set of obstacles, from securing funding to breaking into a competitive market. However, with resilience, hard work, and the support of my mentors I was able to overcome some hurdles. My guidance was invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of the business world and stay focused on my goals.

Through these experiences, I’ve learned several important lessons:

Persistence is key: Success doesn’t come overnight. It requires consistent effort and determination.

Know your worth: Always value your skills and ensure your pricing reflects the quality and effort you put into your work as everyone will NOT be your customer.

Build a support network: Surround yourself with peers and mentors who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement. Actively network with like-minded business owners who prioritize collaboration over competition. If my success can complement yours financially, I believe we could make a formidable business relationship.

Adapt and innovate: Stay open to new ideas and continuously seek ways to improve and expand your offerings.

What I want the world to know about C’est Si Bon, is that it’s built on a foundation of love, tradition, and excellence. Every dish we create is a testament of authentic Louisiana Creole heritage and hard work that defines our story and a testament of our offerings through our customers experience. We are more than just a catering service; we are a bridge between cultures and a source of joy and connection for our customers and clients.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story. I am excited about the future and look forward to continuing to grow and delight customers with our culinary creations.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Arrival and Welcome
Morning: Arrival in Greenville. Check into a luxury hotel like The Westin Poinsett or The Peace Center Hotel, AC Hotel.
Afternoon: Lunch at Kitchen Sync, a local restaurant supporting sustainability and community.
Evening: Enjoy live jazz at Blues Boulevard Jazz, a cozy venue with a vibrant atmosphere.

Art and Culture
Morning: Breakfast at The Village Grind, a trendy coffee shop.
Afternoon: Visit the Greenville County Museum of Art, featuring Southern art and exhibitions.
Evening: Dinner at Ji-Roz, offering Mediterranean cuisine and occasional live music.

Music and Culinary Delights
Morning: Explore the Swamp Rabbit Trail or take a scenic drive to Paris Mountain State Park.
Afternoon: Lunch at The Anchorage, known for its farm-to-table offerings.
Evening: Attend a jazz performance at Smiley’s Acoustic Café, a local hotspot for live music.

Downtown Exploration
Morning: Brunch at Nose Dive, a gastropub with a relaxed vibe.
Afternoon: Stroll through Falls Park on the Reedy River and shop at local boutiques.
Evening: Dinner at Jianna, an upscale Italian restaurant with stunning views of the city.

Wine Tasting and Relaxation
Morning: Visit nearby vineyards such as Victoria Valley Vineyards for wine tasting.
Afternoon: Return to Greenville for a spa day at The Spa at West End.
Evening: Dinner at Stella’s Southern Brasserie, combining French and Southern cuisine.

Cultural Exploration
Morning: Breakfast at Biscuit Head, known for its creative biscuit dishes.
Afternoon: Explore the Village of West Greenville, known for its art galleries and studios.
Evening: Dinner at Asada, a Latin street food restaurant offering a vibrant culinary experience.

Farewell and Departure
Morning: Brunch at Southern Culture Kitchen and Bar, known for its Southern comfort food.
Afternoon: Visit the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum to learn about baseball history.
Evening: Farewell dinner at The Lazy Goat, offering Mediterranean cuisine with a view of the river.

In my view, Greenville offers a unique blend of Southern charm, vibrant culinary scenes, and beautiful natural landscapes. The people are warm and somewhat welcoming, and there’s always something new to discover. Whether we plan to enjoy a meal at a high-end restaurant, exploring the arts, or simply taking in the scenic beauty, Greenville is a place that will leave a lasting impression.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Jeanette Brewster, Former Director of Village Launch, has been instrumental in supporting and guiding women-owned minority entrepreneurs like myself through numerous challenges. Her dedication to fostering business growth and development is truly inspiring. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Jeanette for her unwavering support and for creating opportunities that empower us to achieve our full potential.

Ms. Angie Anderson-Moton, who works closely with local chambers of commerce, has been an invaluable source of guidance and support in my business journey. Her expertise and mentorship have provided me with valuable insights and strategies that have significantly contributed to my growth. I am grateful for her dedication and commitment to helping entrepreneurs like myself navigate the complexities of business with confidence and clarity.

Website: https://www.darealcreolequeen.com

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Image Credits
All photos captured by “The Image Queen”, “The Culinary Encourager” and my team. Thank you for showcasing the magic and essence of the Da Real Creole Queen.