Meet Claude-Marthe D. Cherizard From Le Bon Gout Seasoning

In case you were not aware, there are many Haitian entrepreneurs out there. Moreover, our primary goal at 4better is to introduce you to those men and women making strides in their own industries.

This week we introduce you to Le Bon Goût Seasoning, the all-herb-mix paste used as a seasoning to meat, seafood, and more. Claude-Marthe D. Cherizard, the CEO, gives us some history and details of her business.

Please tell us about Le Bon Goût Seasoning.

Le Bon Goût seasoning is an all organic cooking base paste of mix herbs. The cooking base is used in nearly all Haitian food. Though, different regions from the Caribbean used different recipes; the cooking base mainly consists of onions, bell peppers, garlic, scallions, cloves, and parsley. It is typically used to make rice, beans, soup, chili, and stew. It is also used to marinate various meat and seafood.

I was born in Haiti and raised by a single father. My father worked hard to provide for me, so he had limited time at home as he was always at work. Growing up, I had to learn how to cook at an early age as that is my way of helping him carry the load of being a single father.

I started the business in the Fall of 2016, and what pushed me to start the business is because I always get complimented on my cooking, and people often ask me what seasoning do I use to make my food. Most importantly, moving away from home to be in college, I used to always get sick from the cafeteria food. So I decided to create an alternative where I make a seasoning that does not contain those added extra salt, powdery concentrates and artificial preservatives in my food. My business serves as a platform where other people who have a hard time in the kitchen can have an all-in-one based seasoning that makes it easier for them to cook. All they have to do is just add that seasoning in their cooking, and they’re done! Simple as that.

Have you always wanted to own your business?

Yes. Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and have something that I can call my own. More importantly, I wanted to put out a product out that is useful to all and cuts the cooking time to a fraction.

How has it been for you thus far?

So far there have been many challenges, the same problems that a lot of new businesses face. However, I have decided to use social media as my platform to market my products and get the business name out there, so that people can gain awareness of my products.

Who is in your support system?

Mainly my younger brother, Mike, my Dad and my good friend, Eli who even with his busy schedule, helped me build the company website from the ground up.

How do you handle the hurdles in the business world?

My main thing is to make sure that I have a unique product that always helps me stay on top of my competitors. One thing about my business is that customer satisfaction is my number one priority. Although sometimes I’ve encountered problems with USPS losing my packages and not taking care of my delivered goods, I always ensure that my customers receive their products on time, and ensure that I communicate with them often until their products arrive at their door, safe and sound.

What are some of the products of Le Bon Goût Seasoning? What makes these products unique?

One of the main products that are unique and solely created by me is the Black Mushroom seasoning. This seasoning is unique because I get my herbs straight from Haiti and the reason why I’m so attached to this particular product is that it takes much time to make. Because the Haitian community is known for the black mushroom rice, I always have to make sure that I perfect the recipe accurately.

The second main product that is also unique is the meat marinade because of the level of acidity that it provides to the meat. If you are not patient with meat, the smell can be untasteful, so creating an all-in-one marinade where all you have do is clean your meat and add your marinade and cook, was a major plus! Besides, the meat marinade goes well with any meat, even seafood! Plus, I have customers that told me that they’d used this marinade as a dip for chips because it’s that good and versatile!

What role does your professional experience play in your business?

I am currently getting my Doctoral Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and throughout the program, I have taken several leadership classes and organizational behavior. Consequently, taking these classes have helped develop the right skills to run this business. With my theoretical experience, I have learned about customer satisfaction and the ropes on how to operate a business and maintain its relevancy.

Name three factors you used to build your brand/business.

Social Media.

Home cookout, such as parties, barbecue and more.

Raise awareness of the brand through marketing campaigns, such as social events, flyers, word of mouth, etc.

What should we expect from your business in the next three years?

In the next three years, I hope to have my seasoning in stores and hopefully, have my products sold worldwide. I currently sell and ship to Canada, and the upcoming year, my wish is to be able to serve and ship my products across the globe. Also, I want to establish my presence on social media and build a stronger awareness regarding my products to everyone out there.

Three words that best describe your products.

Unique

Tasty

Convenient.

What would be a special message to young entrepreneurs out there seeking to get their businesses off the ground?

Work on your dream or else you’ll be working for someone else’s dream. When you have an idea, don’t sleep on it. It takes hard work and dedication to run a business. Listen to the negativity, but don’t let it affect you. Apply the negativity to make changes and modifications.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and don’t be ashamed of your dreams and goals. Know your value. Know your worth. Never disregard your value because you’ll be disrespecting yourself.

Never try to confirm. Believe in your ability, your strengths and let that fuel your ambitions. The only time you should stop promoting social changes is when you’re six feet under. Because time is everything. Make sure you leave your mark in this world.