Chef and Owner Adrienne Scales
There’s no question that entrepreneurship is extremely popular these days and Adrienne Scales is among the many Black women comprised in the rising number of women-owned Black businesses.
According to a recent study, “The 2015 State of Women-Owned Business Report,” by American Express OPEN, Black women own about 14 percent of all businesses nationwide. Scales is the owner and chef of L. Marie’s Southern Cuisine, a Georgia based restaurant named after her 9-year-old daughter, Leya Marie. The restaurant, which has been in business for a year and is located on one of Kennesaw’s busiest streets, is a charming venue filled with aromas that would only be found in your grandma’s kitchen.
Born and raised in Talladega, Ala., Scales talks about how her upbringing influenced her craft, why it’s important to follow your passion and how she faced adversity as a Black woman entrepreneur.
Did your parents have an influence on your career?
My dad grew vegetables in the garden in our backyard and my mother would have the most beautiful flowers growing in her garden. They were both considered horticulturists in my eyes, although they had full-time careers.
What is your professional background?
I started as a chiropractor after moving to Georgia. I wanted to practice a holistic medicinal approach because my mom always had a home remedy for any ailment. I practiced for a short time before realizing that my passion was in the catering and event planning industry, which is what I did throughout college. I catered parties and receptions part-time for almost 15 years through referrals.
What was the inspiration for opening your restaurant?
The inspiration came from my love of cooking and my desire to provide southern comfort food with fresh ingredients—a cuisine that is not offered in my area. My daughter wants to become a chef and I thought, what better way to leave a legacy other than doing what we both love to do— cook!
What challenges did you face when trying to start L. Marie’s? How did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was talking myself out of the mindset that working for others was more rewarding than working for myself. I had become comfortable getting a nice salary and great bonuses based upon my success in catering. Once I began, I was rewarded for my hard work; it was as if God began opening doors for me. I didn’t have an excuse to not open L. Marie’s Southern Cuisine and make my dream a reality.
Since opening L. Marie’s, what issues have you dealt with? How do you address your challenges?
My location has also been several restaurants in the past few years, some of which were only in business a few months at a time. Because of this, new customers have been reluctant to come in and try the “other new restaurant,” however, they become repeat customers after doing so.
I overcome this challenge by being consistent with my product and networking when the opportunity arises. I pass out flyers to local businesses as well as utilize social media and market to those in my immediate area.
What type of legacy do you want to leave for your daughter, Leya?
I want to leave the legacy of dedication and of working for what you want in life. It is important for her to understand that you should stay focused and persevere towards your dreams even when chances look slim. I want her to know and understand why challenges come and that the sun always shines even though clouds may blind the view.
Why is it important for African Americans to own their own businesses?
We continuously funnel money into a system which only sees us as major consumers. We have to work together and hone in on our own individual talents and actually contribute something positive to our communities. We should not be the only culture that is capitalized upon. We have to become a player in the game. In order for us to do this, we have to make what we love to buy and create what will make our lives and the lives of others better.
What advice would you give to aspiring African American entrepreneurs?
Never give up on your dreams and aspirations. If you are serious about your path, make the necessary steps and be prepared. Do plenty of research and seek a mentor in your chosen profession, someone who is successful in that industry. Also, be frugal so you can be prepared for the unexpected.
