In this exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, we dive into the world of Emilie Lafortune, a trailblazer in Caribbean gastronomy who’s redefining what it means to be a woman in the kitchen. As CEO of Le Goût de Ça and the author of Le Goût des Caraïbes, Emilie has captivated over a million followers with her authentic blend of food, femininity, and culture. Based in Montréal, Emilie combines her Haitian roots with modern creativity, bringing bold Caribbean flavors to the global stage while challenging stereotypes about women in the culinary world. Join us as we explore her journey, her vision, and how she’s making waves in the world of food.
Emilie Lafortune shines a spotlight on Caribbean cuisine with bold flavours and a fresh perspective. Based in Montréal, she’s built a following of over a million by blending food, femininity, and culture authentically. As CEO of Le Goût de Ça and author of Le Goût des Caraïbes, she breaks stereotypes and redefines women in the kitchen, combining tradition with modern creativity to bring Haitian and Caribbean gastronomy to global audiences.
How do you incorporate your Haitian heritage and experiences from Argentina into your Caribbean-inspired recipes, and what role does cultural diversity play in your culinary creations?
From the use of spices to the techniques that define my dishes, Haitian flavors are always at the heart of my cooking. I love reinterpreting global recipes by incorporating Haitian ingredients to create bold and unique fusion dishes.
Cultural diversity is the essence of my cuisine. Each culture carries its own flavors and culinary traditions, and blending them creates something truly special. My time in Argentina exposed me to new textures and ingredients that broadened my culinary perspective. That experience taught me to see food differently, integrating Latin American influences with my Haitian roots to craft even more daring and flavorful creations.
Your journey began with social media platforms like TikTok. How did you leverage your online presence to build a community and eventually transition into a successful business?
TikTok gave me a platform where I could be myself and share my passion for food and cooking. One viral video introduced my content to thousands of people in just a few days, and I quickly realized the potential of the platform and how incredibly beneficial it can be for me as a small business owner and a social media creator.
I quickly realized authenticity works best to become successful on TikTok and just as a creator in general. I focused on engaging with and listening to my audience, sharing meaningful recipes, and creating content that resonates with them. By building a strong connection, I was able to transform my visibility into opportunity — launching my brand Le Goût de Ça and publishing my cookbook are testaments to that. TikTok isn’t just a social network; it’s a gateway to limitless opportunities.
You faced financial challenges when starting Le Goût de Ça. What strategies did you use to overcome these obstacles, and what advice would you give to small business owners facing similar hurdles?
I started with very little, but with a big vision. Instead of waiting for the perfect financial situation, I used what I had and capitalized on my social media visibility to generate my first sales.
My advice: don’t be afraid to take risks. Start with what you have, even if it’s small. Seek opportunities, knock on doors, and most importantly, believe in your project. Success isn’t instant, but with persistence, creativity, and smart use of available resources, growth will follow.
Your product line has expanded to include new hot sauces like Timanman and Cheta. What inspired these new flavors, and how do you balance innovation with maintaining the authenticity of your brand?
The Timanman sauce holds a deep personal meaning for me. It was the nickname my grandmother gave me as a child. She loved making her own homemade hot sauce with Scotch Bonnet peppers, and its strong aroma filled our home. That memory stayed with me, and now, with Timanman, I proudly bring that nostalgic flavor to life.
Cheta comes from Argentina, where the word is used to describe something refined and exclusive. There, I discovered Mexican green sauce and fell in love with it. I decided to recreate that flavor with a Haitian twist, blending both cultures into one unique sauce.
For me, innovation is about respecting the essence of each ingredient and tradition while adding my personal touch. Every product I create tells a story, staying true to my brand’s authenticity.
As a successful entrepreneur and content creator, what final advice or insights would you share with small and medium-sized businesses looking to grow their brand and connect with their audience?
Be authentic. People don’t just connect with a product; they connect with a story, a vision, and a personality.
Build your brand around something you’re truly passionate about, and don’t be afraid to start without expecting immediate results. Consistency and engagement are key. Every small action builds your brand and strengthens your connection with your audience.
Create content that reflects who you are, share your journey, and most importantly, stay true to your vision. Success will come naturally.
