As I am from the lowcountry of South Carolina, I grew up on staples such as rice, seafood, okra and of course shrimp and grits. Kardea Brown, made my heart flutter when I found her Instagram page and I knew we had to cover her and beautiful work. A daughter of Charleston, SC, Kardea is the founder of The New Gullah Supper Club and a culinary force to be reckoned, she specializes in lowcountry cuisine and culture and we are honored to share her love of food, culture and of course, the South! Check out this creative entrepreneurs journey today.
Your Name:
Kardea Brown
Business Name:
Kardea’s Kuisine DBA The New Gullah Supper Club
Alma Mater:
Oglethorpe University
Hometown:
Charleston, SC
Current location:
Atlanta, GA
Website Link:
www.kardeaskuisine.com
What services do you provide?
I host supper club events in various states.
Why did you decide to start a business?
I honestly never saw myself working for someone else for the rest of my life. So I turned my passion into a business.
What is the most interesting client request you have had?
I was asked to make macaroni and cheese without cheese. Is that even possible? lol
What is the most important thing you have done to build your business?
Believed in myself.
Who are some of your business idols?
Oprah Winfrey and Iyanla Vanzant they are my biggest business and personal idols.
Do you have any mentors?
My mother and grandmother.
What is your favorite thing about being southern?
The Food! “Ain’t no food like Southern food!”
What are your favorite southern dishes to cook for your family?
I am of Gullah Geechee decent so my favorite dish to make is Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits.. I also enjoy making salmon patties, southern pimento cheese, and sweet potato pone.
What inspired the Gullah Dinner Series?
My love for food and travel. I thought it would be an awesome way to meet fellow food enthusiast.
What are key ingredients for Gullah Cuisines?
Rice (Carolina White), Seafood, and lots of love!
What inspires you to cook?
My biggest inspiration is the preservation of my culture.
Who influenced your cooking style?
The elders in my family and my Gullah ancestors. My heritage is unique and that style of coming comes naturally.
What do you love about low country food culture?
The freshness and incorporation of seafood. We are a very unique group of people and not to mention the beautiful land in which the food comes from.
Name some of your go to southern restaurants:
The Busy Bee Cafe in Atlanta, GA their food is absolutely phenomenal. Fleet Landing in Charleston, SC I love the scenery and fresh seafood. My go to breakfast restaurant is Narobia’s Grits and Gravy in Savannah Georgia, their omelettes and grits are insane! ( and I don’t eat everyone’s grits!)
What southern dessert must you always have during holiday season?
My Grandma’s Sweet Potato Pie!
What is your favorite item or piece of clothing to wear/use while doing business?
I wear a custom made apron made with African Mud Cloth.
Comments
Awesome! Proud of you girl!