Today we’d like to introduce you to Rae Dove
Hi Rae, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story begins in the beautiful Caribbean twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, then over to the “BIG APPLE” New York City which then lead to my next big chapter was to Dallas TX back in 2013, due to a promotional position that moved me from JFK International Airport with American Airlines to their headquarters in Fort Worth TX, where I then departed the company in 2023 after 15ys of glorious service.
I am married and a proud mom of one. My passions are cooking, dancing, traveling the globe and attending Trinidad Carnival in various locations, working with the elderly and I have a deep and extreme love for animals. I developed my passion for cooking from my mother’s side of the family where she and her sisters and mother would always get together for all the holidays or weekends to make many local dishes and sauces. I always remember them saying using only the finest quality of products to create foods with exceptional flavor to serve people was of utmost importance and of course the savory dishes were delightfully prepared with a variety of hot sauces on the side and therein lies where my love for hot sauce began and at a very young age I might add, as well as the knack for great flavors of food.
The experience of living in NY has made me into somewhat of a food connoisseur as it’s known for being the melting pot of the world where you can find any type of authentic cuisines and many options of restaurants that served local dishes from Trinidad and Tobago. Unfortunately, I haven’t been unable to find the flavors of Trinidadian cuisine in my local city of Grand Prairie and that made me think of the next chapter of my life and in bringing this unique flavor of foods to this wonderful community and our surrounding areas.
Hot and flavored sauces have always been a specialty of mine and what best way to segway into one’s dream business. Caribbean Heat LLC came to fruition in January of 2024, but didn’t start selling any products until joining the local Grand Prairie Farmers Market during their weekend openings over the summer. Our clientele has grown since being there and feedback is nothing but positive so far. I have also taken the opportunity to become a member of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce, as well as being proud to have been invited and to participate in the City2Business Lunch & Learn sessions by the Business Diversity dept. of the city of Grand Prairie. I’ve also been in contact with the Economic Development team for assistance with finding a location for a unique business such as mine and have asked that they keep minority and women owned small businesses in mind as they set new plans for expansion of this great city. As a minority woman owned small business, I would love to be able to find an affordable kitchen space to work out of such as a commissary or shared space and it is of utmost importance to me to grow roots right here in my local town. My offerings would be my three flavors of Caribbean hot sauces 1. HOT SOCA, 2. MARACAS MUSTARD, 3. TRINBAGO TAMARIND (the flavors are all designed with nomenclature reflective of Trinidad and Tobago), I will also be adding a line
of holiday flavors in the future. My plan is also to introduce a gourmet version of some of Trinidad’s famous street foods such as doubles, pholourie, aloo (potato) pies, soups, bakes and other famous items as we grow the business.
I truly look forward to serving my community and introducing these new flavors of the twin Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago to Grand Prairie, and other surrounding areas…
Find us via the options below:
Website: www.caribbean-heat.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555707811636&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caribbeanheat_products?igsh=Z3FrYndpcWIxNnJ1
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with any business there are challenges, I think finding better resources with direct guidelines are definitely my number 1 challenge.
It’s definitely been a struggle with financial resources as grant options are at a cost for each application and not guaranteed.
The need for a better segway for getting my products into local supermarkets, restaurants, food trucks or any other avenue available.
Finding an affordable local kitchen space (commissary or shared kitchen) to start up a more permanent location in Grand Prairie.
Affordable marketing and advertising strategies.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I produce Hand-made Hot Sauces from wholesome produce purchased right here in TX, with exquisite Caribbean flavors that you will not find on local neighborhood store shelves today, there’s no chemical additives and it’s also a vegan product. I will also be making as the famous Trinidad Caribbean Street Foods – “Doubles” with a gourmet twist, with all its authentic sauce options.
I am proud of the quality of the product as well as the progress I have made thus far as a minority woman owned business doing it all as one single individual, and knowing I have a steady, satisfied and growing clientele is what’s driving me to push forward.
What sets me apart from other are my unique selling propositions of superior quality, exceptional customer service to ensure 100% satisfaction, driving innovative concepts, developing sustainable practices and having a niche focus that stands out above the rest.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Starting a business is extremely costly and time consuming but the thing is you have to love what you do, and I absolutely do!! With that being said, I plan to push through to become fully established in my great community.
Embracing failure, in the many times of hearing “No” as a learning opportunity and believing in myself, my products and my vision is an absolute must, even with the many sleepless night, hundreds of fallen tears and the consistent feeling of being overwhelmed. Thanks to my many years of experience in the aviation industry I have a full understanding of customer satisfaction and service so ensuring that I go above and beyond to exceed expectations is utmost priority and also provided me the ability to adapt to change and manage my time wisely and effectively. I’ve also learned that you cannot please everyone as my vision, products and flavors might not be for everyone and I just have to focus on what I can control within my operations, working diligently and consistently to ensure it becomes known as the best in quality that’s sorted after by everyone and aspire in getting it into all local towns, entire domestic USA and international countries.
Pricing:
- Hot Soca $10
- Maracas Mustard $10
- Trinbago Tamarind $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caribbean-heat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caribbeanheat_products?igsh=Z3FrYndpcWIxNnJ1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555707811636&mibextid=ZbWKwL
