Today we’d like to introduce you to Roxanne Adams
Hi Roxanne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Taste of Boujie started as a passion project born during the COVID-19 pandemic when I sought to combine my creativity, love for food, and desire to bring people together. My background as a Licensed Practical Nurse taught me the importance of connection and care, and I wanted to create something that embodied those values.
Originally, I began crafting charcuterie boards for family and friends, which quickly turned into a business as word spread about the unique and artistic way I approached food. Over time, Taste of Boujie grew into more than just a charcuterie business—it became a brand rooted in community, sustainability, and creating memorable experiences.
Securing retail contracts with local businesses like Nostalgia jazz and wine lounge will helped expand the business, while partnerships with organizations like the YWCA will allow me to give back to the community by donating unused products to homeless shelters.
Now, with plans to open Cincinnati’s first Black-owned, woman-owned charcuterie and wine lounge in College Hill, I’m excited to continue this journey. It’s been a path of resilience, creativity, and growth, and I’m deeply committed to crafting experiences that bring people together through food, storytelling, and connection.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges have shaped both me and the business. One of the biggest hurdles has been navigating an industry where Black women rarely hold space. The food and wine industry is still predominantly white, and breaking through barriers while staying true to my vision has required perseverance and a lot of resilience.
Securing startup funding was another significant challenge. Access to capital for minority-owned businesses isn’t always equitable, and I’ve had to work tirelessly to prove my value and secure the resources needed to grow Taste of Boujie. Balancing single motherhood with the demands of running and expanding a business has also been exhausting but rewarding.
Despite the challenges, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible support from organizations like Mortar Cincinnati, Alloy, GCMI, and Main Street Ventures, as well as the many supporters of Taste of Boujie. Their belief in me has helped make the journey possible and reinforces why I push forward every day—to carve out space, build community, and inspire others through my story.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Before starting Taste of Boujie, I spent years as a Licensed Practical Nurse, specializing in mental health care. My journey as a nurse shaped much of who I am today and continues to influence how I approach my business and relationships.
Working in mental health, particularly at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center and the Gardner Neuroscience Institute, taught me about the importance of empathy, resilience, and genuine connection. I cared for patients navigating some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, often acting as a confidante and advocate. It was during these times that I developed a deep appreciation for the human experience—the need for compassion, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
These experiences not only refined my skills in problem-solving and multitasking but also instilled a passion for building connections, whether with patients or now with customers. Mental health nursing also gave me the tools to manage stress and stay centered, which has been invaluable as a single mom and entrepreneur.
Starting Taste of Boujie was a leap of faith, but my nursing background gave me the confidence to pursue it. I learned how to adapt to challenges, prioritize self-care, and focus on creating meaningful experiences—principles that guide everything I do today.
While my path has shifted from healthcare to food and wine, the heart of my work remains the same: making people feel cared for, valued, and connected.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For anyone just starting out, my biggest advice is to stay rooted in your “why.” Starting a business or pursuing any dream can be overwhelming, but remembering your purpose will keep you grounded when the road gets tough.
Here are a few things I’ve learned:
1. Embrace Imperfection: You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Start where you are, with what you have, and let your passion drive you forward. Growth and refinement come with time.
2. Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to lean on your community. Organizations like Mortar Cincinnati, Alloy, and Main Street Ventures have been pivotal in my journey. There are resources and people who genuinely want to see you succeed—you just have to reach out.
3. Pace Yourself: Burnout is real, especially if you’re balancing multiple responsibilities. It’s okay to take things step by step. Progress is still progress.
4. Invest in Relationships: Whether it’s customers, mentors, or partners, building genuine relationships is one of the most valuable things you can do. People support businesses they feel connected to.
5. Know Your Value: As a Black woman in a space where we are often underrepresented, I’ve learned to stand firm in my vision and value. You belong, and your perspective matters—don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
If I could go back, I would remind myself to celebrate the small wins. Every milestone, no matter how small, is a step toward your larger goals. Give yourself grace, stay consistent, and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tasteofboujie.company.site/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/taste_of_boujie_cincy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TasteOfBoujie?
