We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chef Jeanette Roxanne M Marcelle. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jeanette Roxanne M, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I would hire myself because of my strong work ethic, determination, and commitment to excellence. I always strive to deliver the best possible results, even if it requires extra time and effort to ensure the job is done right.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I am Chef Jeanette Marcelle, from Trinidad and Tobago. The founder of Handmade by Jeanette Company, a Caribbean sustainable food brand that creates nutrient-dense granola, unique sauces, and spice blends using locally sourced ingredients.
I have worked in the hospitality industry for over two decades, both at home in the Caribbean and internationally, and my journey as a chef has shaped the vision behind Handmade by Jeanette Company. What makes our brand unique is how we blend authentic Caribbean flavors with modern wellness trends—ensuring every product is both delicious and purposeful. We are committed to uplifting small-holder farmers, reducing food waste, and making sustainable choices accessible to everyday consumers.
My passion for food innovation comes from wanting to create healthier options while honoring the flavors I grew up with. Today, Handmade by Jeanette Company is gaining international recognition while staying true to its Caribbean identity. The next step for our business is to expand exports into Europe, bringing the taste and innovation of the Caribbean to a wider global audience.
On a personal note, the next step for me is stepping into the role of first-time author. I am preparing to launch my debut book—a combination of my life story and a collection of recipes that have fueled me throughout my 40-plus years on this planet. I am super excited to share this new chapter with the world.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I was about ten and a half years old when I first felt powerful, though it was in a situation no child—especially a girl child—should ever have to face. Standing in front of a police officer, I found the courage to say: “I do not know these people, I don’t know where my parents are, but I am afraid of what they might do to me.”
That moment changed the trajectory of my life. It taught me that speaking up, even when you are terrified, can be the most powerful choice you make. Over the years, I have seen so many people remain silent out of fear—fear of getting someone in trouble or of what might happen if the truth came out—trapping them in hopeless situations. My own experience showed me the opposite: that courage has the power to break cycles, to protect oneself, and to create a new path forward.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, at the age of 33 my marriage broke down, I was behind on my bills and my dreams. After I research a number of ways to, commit suicide. I then discovered that I didn’t have the money needed to buy the particular item that I wanted to use because I wanted to make sure I didn’t survive. But that experience became an unexpected turning point — it forced me to stop, reflect, and realize that as long as I was still here, I still had a chance to rebuild. Choosing to keep going was one of the hardest but most powerful decisions I’ have ever made, and it shaped the resilient woman I am today.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Differentiating between fads and real foundational shifts comes down to looking at longevity, underlying trends, and impact. Fads tend to emerge quickly, generate a lot of hype, and fade just as fast—they are often driven by novelty rather than necessity or structural change. Foundational shifts, on the other hand, are rooted in deeper societal, technological, or cultural changes and tend to have lasting effects on how people behave, work, or consume.
I also pay attention to data and adoption patterns: if a change is being embraced consistently across different markets, demographics, or industries over time, it’s more likely to be a true shift. Finally, I consider purpose and value—if a trend addresses a real need or solves a problem sustainably, it’s more than a fad; it’s part of a broader transformation.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
This is an interesting question. Honestly, the first thing I would do is immediately stop working so hard and reevaluate how I spend my time. I would figure out exactly how much money I would need to live comfortably for the next 10 years in the country I truly want to be in, and then I would sell everything I own to make that dream a reality.
Once there, I would dedicate myself fully to writing—the work that inspires me most and allows me to leave a meaningful legacy. I would spend my days creating, reflecting, and sharing the stories, lessons, and experiences that have shaped me. For me, it’s not just about producing a book or finishing projects; it’s about living intentionally, focusing on what truly matters, and pouring my energy into something that brings fulfillment, purpose, and lasting impact. That would be my life for those remaining 10 years—simple, focused, and completely aligned with my passions and values.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: handmade_byjeanettett or Jeanette_marcelle
- Linkedin: Chef Jeanette Marcelle
- Facebook: Jeanette Marcelle
Image Credits
Jeanette Marcelle and Selwyn Jr Patterson
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