Meet Ida J. & Company: Catering For All Events And Offering The Best Haitian Gourmet Products
You would be hard-pressed to not know that many people never forget their roots or where they come from. My people, my Haitians, many don’t. Meet Idanoise, a native of Haiti who has been living in the U.S for quite some years, but has always clinched to her Haitian roots. This has led her to start her own catering and gourmet business upon retirement. Her business is recognized as Ida J. & Company.
This past winter, she has traveled to the Haitian Embassy in Washington DC and served as a vendor for a special event. The company started 3 years ago. At that time, she was well-known for making delicious food, and family and friends started inviting her to cater to common events. , From then, she began to make epis (Haitian seasoning) and tablets (Haitian sweets). It didn’t take long for the word to spread, and more people start placing special orders.
The business was born out of the idea to help kids in Haiti in some capacity. Thus, Ida (for short) was uncertain where and how to start. She also refused to ask folks for donation. She wanted to find a way to fund her financial support to kids from her hometown in Haiti.
Ida J. & Company was incorporated as a legal entity on December 2017. Thus far, she has catered several events such as business and professional brunch and served as a vendor where she markets her gourmet products including confiture (marmalade), epis (Haitian seasoning), and pikliz (pickled cabbage). The company’s products include jar items and food catering.
The definitive goal is to have a restaurant. In the mid-time, the focus is on growing the clientele and more catering. Currently, you can find the products at Le Bon Pain in Queens as well as La Baguette in Spring Valley, NY. Ordering is also available by sending a direct message on Instagram or emailing idajoseph.n.co@gmail.com. The website will be up soon!
Ida hopes to find a credible organization or church in the South side of Haiti to start helping, particularly children in dire needs.
The three words that best describe the business are authentic, cultural, and delicious.
Some uplifting words from Ida, “You have to start with whatever you have to achieve whatever you want. Do not get discouraged regardless of the challenges until the Lord blesses and grows your business”.
Michael, Ida’s son (who was also present during the interview) concludes with this message: “If someone has a talent, explore it and see what comes out of it. Be persistent and God will see you through.”