Meet Nita Lucas: Entrepreneur

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

Hi Nita, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The entrepreneurial spirit is in my DNA so starting a business was a natural progression. I’ve owned several small businesses and Fae’s BBQ is just my latest venture. The business was actually started by a cousin (Terrance) and is named for my mother (Carolyn Fae) who passed with breast cancer several years ago. My mother was his Aunt and was probably the most influential person in his life. At any rate, he asked me if it would be ok to name the business after her and I agreed. However, he was unable to fully commit to the business and knowing the spirit of my mother I couldn’t let it go under. So, even though it was not the “typical” start of a business, it is very much in line with my vision of entrepreneurship.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Fae’s BBQ is a mobile food trailer and what I’m most proud of is our ability to bring that joy that only a really good meal brings to people. We are here we are today mainly because my mother was an amazing cook and she freely shared her gift with anyone that graced her presence.
Making tasty food is easy, the challenge is everyone “thinks” their food is good and their willingness to try something new.
The only way to overcome those challenges is to continue to put good products out.
One lesson I’ve learned is that not everyone is gonna be in your cheering section, and you have to be ok with being your on cheerleader.
Our brand is about the love that flows around and through a great meal. So much of who we are as a family and as black people in general has always been associated with great food. Unfortunately, I feel like the newer generations are missing out on what was once a staple in our community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We live in Jacksonville, FL. So many factors come into play. If its their first Florida trip, I’m taking them to the beach of course maybe a quick trip to Orlando to hit a couple of amusement parks. If we stay in Jacksonville, we’re going downtown to Riverfront Plaza, Riverside Arts Market, catch a sports game. We’re gonna have some great food from some of the local vendors and most definitely have The Icy Spot italian ice.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Dwayne Millbrook, Kyra Lucas-Millbrook, Dewayne Lucas, LaTrece Bartley

Website: www.FaesBBQ.com

Instagram: @FaesBBQJax

Twitter: @FaesBBQ

Facebook: @FaesJax

Image Credits
Rayvon Creates