Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olga Benoit. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Olga with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is passed on from my mother. She single-handedly raised all of her children, never allowing life’s challenges to deter her. No matter how tough things got, she always found a way to provide for us. If it meant walking miles to buy produce to sell at the market, she did it without hesitation. If she had to catch a ride with strangers to make it home before dark, she made it happen. Tired and sore, she pushed through, driven by a singular goal: ensuring her children never went without. Her unwavering determination is the foundation of everything I do.”
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Cooking up special meals for my family has been a passion since childhood, but my dream of opening a restaurant to share my love for food started even earlier. I decided to take a leap and turned our cozy little 4-burner stove into a bustling catering business with my family. Fast forward 15 years, and we’re now the proud owners of both a thriving catering company and a restaurant.
What truly sets Chez Olga apart is the heart we pour into everything we do. We strive to make sure everyone who steps through our doors feels the warmth and love that goes into every dish. Sure, everyone has a bad day now and then, but after 14 years of serving up joy at Chez Olga, I’ve learned that food is powerful medicine. The thing I’m most proud of is seeing how our food can turn someone’s tough day around, bringing smiles where there were none before. That, to me, is pure magic.
We want the world to know that we are the embodiment of a hardworking Haitian immigrant family, with one simple goal: to add a little more flavor to life and, hopefully, a few more smiles. The world just needs a little more love and seasoning lol
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most impactful qualities or skills for me are:
1. Patience
2. Having a Backbone
3. Communication & Understanding
Effective communication and understanding are essential for any business to thrive. We pride ourselves on how we make our customers feel, whether it’s through a simple greeting or asking about their day. You’d be surprised at how the smallest conversations can positively change someone’s attitude or perspective. Patience is also crucial in running our business. Success can come easily on some days, while on others, you might be working long hours, feeling tired, and wondering if it’s all worth it. But remember, all great things are worth waiting for, and your hard work will eventually pay off.
Lastly, having a backbone is another important quality I’ve learned over the years. While it’s important to aim to please and keep your customers happy, you also need to stand up for yourself, your brand, and your employees. Unfortunately, some people out there just want to spread negativity because misery loves company.
My honest advice is to be yourself in everything you do. Those who love and appreciate you and your work will always support you. Authenticity is the best-selling point.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My Daughter, Dodlie Benoit
She is the heart and soul behind Chez Olga! While she loves to joke that I come up with new ways to stress her out, the truth is, a dream remains just a dream without execution. She has truly made my dream come to life.
I learn so much from her every day. She’s the kind of person who, if she doesn’t know something, will spend hours researching until she figures it out.
She has also helped me improve my people skills, which is funny because she’s not a people person herself. But she has taught me how to manage my emotions when interacting with others, allowing me to communicate more effectively.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chezolgarestaurant/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Chez-Olga/100063538931857/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chez-olga-grand-rapids
Image Credits
Dave Benoit, Arrae Creative & Michael Buck
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
