Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi-Ann Brown.
Jodi-Ann, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We started out looking for food from our culture and being that we were new to the city. Upon realizing it was not much to choose from we wanted to start something of our own. We started small, selling out of our home kitchen and gradually we grew a customer base.
Within no time we went ahead and purchased a food truck and then we eventually moved into our own restaurant.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This journey has definitely come with its own share of struggles along the way. We opened the brick & mortar restaurant during the pandemic. That alone brought on its own share of issues. For example, staffing capacity was very limited and since we were new we didn’t jump on board with delivery immediately.
Now that was a big thing during the pandemic because eating out was no longer a thing. But nevertheless, we navigated our way through all the struggles and we are still going strong.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a cook and owner along with my business partner at our restaurant Real Real Jamaica. We specialize in Jamaican cuisine. We are known for preparing some of the best Oxtails, Jerk Chicken, Curried Goat, ackee, and saltfish dishes in the city.
I’m really proud of our journey thus far in the industry. We started at ground zero and worked our way up to where we are at this point in time. What sets us apart from others, is the authenticity of the food, the love, and the passion that we pride ourselves on when cooking.
We both have a passion for cooking and as a result of that, we always put our best into whatever dish it is that we prepare.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When choosing a mentor, take the time out to ensure that the individual has characteristics and values that align with what you are aspiring for.
Make sure that that person listens to you and has the willpower to guide you along the way. Networking is very good and I would tell anyone who has the time to be involved in networking, liming or socials. It’s a good way to meet people from different industries.
At the moment unfortunately I don’t get to do a lot of networking because I’m always in the kitchen. What I do is that every opportunity that I get to meet someone new I definitely strike up a conversation and see where we are from there.
Whether it be at the grocery store, at the restaurant, or even at the kid’s school. You just might never know who you might end up building a relationship with.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @realrealjamaica
- Facebook: RealRealJamaica
- Yelp: Real Real Jamaica
