Meet Nathalie Lecorps

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nathalie Lecorps. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nathalie below.

Nathalie , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Nathalie Lecorps’ resilience comes from her deep-rooted connection to her Haitian heritage and her family’s entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up in her parents’ restaurant in Miami, she was immersed in both the challenges and rewards of running a business, learning firsthand the importance of perseverance and determination. Her dream of owning her own Haitian restaurant was always present, but it was during the pandemic that she truly understood the power of taking risks and seizing opportunities, even in tough times. Launching Gourmet Kreyol Food Truck during such a challenging period required immense resilience, as she had to navigate uncertainties while staying true to her vision. The warm reception in Boston further fueled her drive, and her commitment to offering gluten-free and vegan-friendly options shows her adaptability and dedication. For Nathalie, resilience is not just about bouncing back from challenges—it’s about carrying forward the strength and values instilled in her by her family and culture, which continue to inspire her as she takes the next step in her journey to open a brick-and-mortar location.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m deeply passionate about the connections I’ve been able to make with my employees. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the opportunity to guide many of my team members, especially those who have migrated from Haiti, as they settle into life in the U.S. It’s inspiring to witness their personal growth and to be a part of their journey. Providing them with a platform to thrive, both professionally and personally, is something I cherish deeply.

What excites me most about my role is the ability to create processes and simple, easy-to-follow recipes that not only streamline our operations but also allow me to focus more on the business side of things. It’s about creating a balance that enables the team to succeed and the business to grow. Being able to take a step back while knowing everything is running smoothly is incredibly fulfilling.

We are also in the process of opening two new locations — a take-out restaurant and a sit-down space. This expansion is an exciting next step for our brand, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these new spaces will allow us to connect with even more people, provide greater opportunities for our team, and continue to offer the quality service and food our customers love.

I’m eager to keep evolving and finding new ways to grow both personally and professionally, all while creating a supportive and thriving environment for my employees.

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?

Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities on my journey have been the ability to learn from others, the importance of having a mentor, and the need for structure and order in business.

I advise others to surround themselves with people who are in the same industry or business. By doing this, you can learn from their experiences, particularly their mistakes, and avoid making the same ones. It’s incredibly valuable to hear what they wish they’d done differently. Having a mentor from the very start is key — someone who can guide you, provide insight, and help you stay focused on what’s important. A mentor can really help propel your business forward by giving you direction and helping you implement the structure that will allow your business to grow.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was demonstrate the power of turning nothing into something. I watched them start by cooking in our garage, and through hard work and determination, they were able to build a successful restaurant from the ground up. As a child, I was always more interested in being involved in the business than sitting at home watching TV. It was through this experience that my entrepreneurial mindset was shaped, and it’s because of their influence that I’ve been able to become the mogul and restaurateur I am today.

Watching my parents face and overcome countless challenges instilled in me the resilience and perseverance that have been essential to my own success. I owe much of where I am today to their accomplishments. In the ’90s, before modern delivery services existed, my parents pioneered their own version of “Uber Eats” with a fleet of over 30 drivers. They were the first Haitian delivery restaurant in Miami, and years later, I am proud to continue their legacy as the first Haitian food truck in New England.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gourmetkreyol.com
• Instagram: gourmetkreyol
• Linkedin: gourmetkreyol