We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Ramsay and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The idea of creating something from scratch has always excited and motivated me. My goal is to have my own brick and mortar, so I decided to start with the popular popup concept and see if people would love my food. My father taught me not to fear failure, in that failure allows us to grow and improve. I used that mindset to help me start my business. I also love having creative freedom in all aspects of the business.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love feeding people and watching their reactions with every bite. It inspires me.
I’ve worked in all aspects of the restaurant industry since I was a teenager. I come from a family of foodies and entrepreneurs. It was just a matter of time for me. Starting a pop up restaurant was not easy, but practice makes perfect. You stay steady the course and every compliment that you receive inspires you, makes you feel validated that you’re on the right path. Even criticism is motivating and validating.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a coastal girl at heart. So touring all the beach cities and all the great food spots along the way. Is a must
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out is to my late father Robert B Ramsay, and my husband, Timothy Doherty. They are very similar which is probably why I love them both so much.
I have my days when I want to give up, I think about what my father went through during his life as a black man West Point graduate, decorated pilot and yet endured some of the heaviest of times as a black businessman/entrepreneur and yet still persevered.
To my husband, Timothy, When I wanted to take a leap of faith and leave my six figure salary job to start a food business. He asked if it makes me happy, do it!
He will do his best to support our family of nine. He has faith in my dreams, no matter how crazy some are especially in this industry that is so uncertain. In a time of our lives that it didn’t make sense with kids in college, kids in high school, kids in elementary school and all he said was we will make it work as long as this makes me happy. Not only is he emotionally supportive my husband is physically supportive, from hauling tents and loading up heavy cooking equipment in the van. He shows up and never complains. His support is amazing
Website: www.experiencesaudade.com
Instagram: fresh_off_the_yacht_official
Facebook: @freshofftheyacht
Yelp: Fresh Off The Yacht Catering & Events
Image Credits
Lilliana Ramsay