Black History Month is a month-long celebration of the achievements of black people throughout history and into the present day. It’s an opportunity for everyone to learn and honour the black community while making strides to eradicate inequality that still exists in our society.
In honour of Black History Month, we spoke with some of our most successful black-owned businesses here at Add to Event, with a round of inspiring interviews for a range of great suppliers. Check them out below!
Andre Samuel - The Bajan Jerk Box
The Bajan Jerk Box is a delicious food van based in East Sussex. Owner, Andrew, prides himself on delivering authentic Caribbean food cooked up following old family recipes he learned while growing up in Barbados.
Q: How did you get started in events?
One summer, my partner and I went to an event and the food that was being sold was not up to standard. I thought to myself: ‘I can do that better!’ And within a year, The Bajan Jerk Box was created.
Q: What is your favourite thing about running The Bajan Jerk Box?
Every time a customer comes back to me and says “that was really great”, I’m filled with joy. I also love the preparation time ahead of an event; the smells of the food cooking take me back to when my mum would cook for us in Barbados - it’s awesome!
Q: What is your favourite thing about being an Add to Event supplier?
Being an Add to Event trader is amazing. You can choose which events you want to cater for as and when they become available. I remember my very first Add to Event booking was in France. I didn’t know what to expect but the experience was so memorable! I would highly recommend Add to Event to any trader who is thinking about signing up.
Q: How has Add to Event helped your business grow?
Add to Event has kept me going and has been my main source of events. The reviews from customers also help as I’ve been able to share these across multiple platforms which has helped me to gain leads not only from Add to Event, but other platforms too!
Q: Do you have any advice for new suppliers just starting out?
My advice to anyone starting out is to be consistent and never give up. Hard work will pay off so be patient and persistent in reaching your goals.
Donald Sweeney - Mix2Mix
Mix2Mix offers mobile catering for any event or special occasion. Serving up a selection of authentic Caribbean dishes as well as English favourites, Mix2Mix pairs exceptional cuisine with your favourite tunes across Kent and Surrey with his accompanying DJ package.
Q: How did you get started in events?
It was one of my friends who got me onto catering and using Add to Event. He’s been with Add to Event for over 5+ years and recommended it to me too!
Q: You offer a diverse range of services, what made you pair catering with DJing?
Well, I’ve been catering for 30 years all over London. I’ve travelled across Asia for International college and also gained experience across Eastern Europe. After a lot of hard work, I decided it was time to go self-employed, so I started Mix2Mix. In terms of the DJ side, it’s something else I love. I’ve been DJing for around the same amount of time, 30+ years, and have performed at all the top clubs in London, was the first DJ to play in St Paul’s and have visited a lot of the top Universities too. So it made sense to pair the two together and offer them both to weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, etc. I have so much fun and the clients have the best time of their lives too!
Q: What is your favourite thing about being an Add to Event supplier?
The best thing about Add to Event is getting connected with clients. It’s also amazing to have a place to collect all the great reviews for my catering and DJ services.
Q: How has Add to Event helped your business grow?
My business has done very well since joining Add to Event. Compared to other similar sites I get a lot of work. I think this is due to the quality and direct information given by Add to Event to their suppliers. To any suppliers joining: it’s the best thing! Just enter all your details, sell yourself and your business, and you’ll reap great rewards.
Femi Adetunji - Cool-Caricatures
Femi is an entertainment caricaturist with 21 years plus experience. Drawing guests either on A4 paper or creating a digital masterpiece on a tablet, Femi produces unique entertainment for a whole host of clients, boasting the likes of Hard Rock Cafe, ASDA, and Accenture UK among many private and corporate favourites.
Q: How did you get started in events?
Drawing faces has always been a passion of mine, even as a child. So, as a Fine Art graduate, I practised as a freelance cartoonist and illustrator for a while. By a stroke of luck, I met a couple of colleagues while they were out and about and they introduced me to the entertainment industry as a Caricaturist. From then on, with persistence, my career has been building up step by step as a Caricaturist.
Q: What is your favourite thing about running Cool-Caricatures?
The most rewarding thing is seeing the feel good factor imparted to guests and clients alike - both during and after the events. The feedback from satisfied customers who order studio-drawn caricatures is just as uplifting. This is what keeps me going!
Q: What is your favourite thing about being an Add to Event supplier?
The Add to Event user interface is so easy to use for suppliers and clients alike. It’s been so easy to personalise responses really quickly. Plus, the site is easy to navigate and see which events you have booked and upcoming, and which ones to request reviews for.
Q: How has Add to Event helped your business grow?
Add to Event has helped hugely in filling up my calendar with bookings in comparison to other similar sites. I have been able to widen the types of events that I entertain, now including Bar Mitzvahs, birthday parties, weddings, corporate events, and hen parties to name a few.
Q: Do you have any advice for new suppliers just starting out?
It’s essential to be passionate about the service you’re providing! Love what you do. This helps build up staying power and resilience when challenges come along. Plus, as you improve, you maintain momentum and enthusiasm to always push further whenever you achieve a new milestone.
I’d also say to think about customer service. Good customer service is what makes a good brand. So, learning and improving on this is a continuous exercise. The best way to learn is to be out there providing a service and getting to know your clientele. As we all know, people are attracted to and willing to be for a good brand. Building on this, make sure you listen to the customers. This is a great way to expand the demographics and packages you offer. Customer complaints, suggestions, and out of the box requests serve you well if you listen to them - they can help to build new ideas and improve your brand. Finally, being polite is essential and costs nothing.
Trevor Cruickshank - Cruickshank’s
Cruickshank’s is an award-winning catering company based in Surrey. Owner, Trevor, has been a chef for over 25 years, having won 5 Salon Culinaire awards, Taste Great award 2022, and Prestige Catering Company of the Year 2022, he always provides the most delicious meals, from lamb and hog roasts, to BBQs, canapés, and small-scale intimate dinners, you’ll always be amazed by Trevor and the team at Cruickshank’s!
Q: How did you get started in events?
I started to cook and trained to be a chef when I was 16 years old, back in 1992. After years of training, I decided to start my own catering business on Jan 1st 2000 and it’s all grown from there!
Q: You offer a diverse range of cuisines, what made you choose catering?
I offer all kinds of food because I’ve trained hard and love what I do. I can cook pretty much anything but some of my favourites will always be the Caribbean dishes, as they are my roots.
Q: What is your favourite thing about being an Add to Event supplier?
Add to Event is good because there are so many types of people looking for catering for all kinds of events. Everyone has a different style and budget, and I love the variety. I like that I can choose who to offer my services to and find customers within my budget.
Q: How has Add to Event helped your business grow?
Add to Event has been helpful with sending leads and getting the Cruickshank’s name out to the local area. I have had many very successful events through Add to Event!
Q: Do you have any advice for new suppliers just starting out?
My advice for new suppliers is never undervalue your product. You will always find someone with the right budget who will value your skills.
