Meet Lakesia Phelps | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lakesia Phelps and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lakesia, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
I value my family and work life . They both go hand and hand to me. I grew up in Kirkwood Atlanta GA,down the street from my business of 8 years now. I am surrounded by a big family that still currently live in the Kirkwood area.. My business allows me to almost see them every day . My parents and grand parents taught me to value my family and love them unconditionally. I Spend a lot time with them because they are all I have ! Then come work which is apart of my family . My business has allowed me to employee my parents and my children..My extended family are the big supporters-of my business.(Anna’s BBQ)…..

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What set Anna’s BBQ apart from other BBQ Joints in the metro is we are woman based. At Anna’s women all cooking smoke all the meats . I feel that makes a big difference having that woman touch .Our female pit master that has won several awards and has been in several magazines for her talents. I’m most proud of myself being a black woman competing in a man’s BBQ world.! I have shown Atlanta that I can do it too . It wasn’t easy getting to where I am today . It has been a lot of hard work because I’m also a mother and a grandmother dealing with everyday life .For the most part I appreciate the struggles that I gone through, it has only made me love the rewards.I want the world to know I am first class, Anna’s is first class, therefore we run a first class business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
What set Anna’s BBQ apart from other BBQ Joints in the metro is we are woman based. At Anna’s women all cooking smoke all the meats . I feel that makes a big difference having that woman touch .Our female pit master that has won several awards and has been in several magazines for her talents. I’m most proud of myself being a black woman competing in a man’s BBQ world.! I have shown Atlanta that I can do it too . It wasn’t easy getting to where I am today . It has been a lot of hard work because I’m also a mother and a grandmother dealing with everyday life .For the most part I appreciate the struggles that I gone through, it has only made me love the rewards.I want the world to know I am first class, Anna’s is first class, therefore we run a first class business.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out my mother Lola Harper who was a single mother until I was 11 years old . At that time she married my father Charles Harper. We grew up in Kirkwood area when it was rough place to live. Kirkwood was a low income crime infested area during that time. They refused to let me to adapt to that environment. It could have very easily gone the other way but they kept me and my bother on a straight and narrow path.. I thank God for Lola for not allowing me to go down the wrong path .

Website: www.annasbbqrestuarantatlanta.com

Instagram: annasbbq