Assistance Provided

Mercedes Wilson, a wife, mother of four, and passionate foodie, has always cherished the power of food to bring people together. Growing up, she was inspired by her grandparents’ garden and her grandmother’s homemade Cha Cha Relish, a staple in their family meals. This relish, used to add a kick to collard greens, became a beloved family recipe.

In early 2020, while filming a segment of her “Recipes for Life ©” series with her father, Mercedes rediscovered Cha Cha Relish. With her father’s guidance, she perfected the recipe, bringing back the flavors he remembered from his childhood. The relish quickly became a hit among friends and family, who encouraged Mercedes to share it with a wider audience.

Determined to turn this cherished family recipe into a business, Mercedes sought assistance from the SBDC in 2022-2023. With their support, she developed a robust business plan, created detailed financial projections, and achieved MWBE certification. These steps were crucial in transforming her home-made product into a market-ready brand.

Today, Sadie’s Relish is a testament to Mercedes’ dedication and love for her family’s culinary traditions. The relish, filled with the highest quality produce, is now available in major markets such as Price Chopper, Tops, and Wegmans. Additionally, customers can purchase it online via her website, sadiesfoods.com.

Mercedes’ journey from a food-loving child to a successful entrepreneur highlights the power of tradition, family, and determination. With Sadie’s Relish, she not only honors her grandmother’s legacy but also brings a piece of her family’s history to tables far and wide. The support from the SBDC played a pivotal role in this success, helping Mercedes navigate the complexities of business planning and certification, ultimately turning a beloved family recipe into a thriving business.