Le Monde Concessionaire & Catering Services Ltd. started in 2009 and provides Food and Beverage Services for clients for various events ranging from workshops to luncheons. They have catered to functions as small as 15 persons to as large as 1000 persons. The business is based in Mandeville, however they have provided food and beverage services for clients as far as Kingston, Westmoreland and Montego Bay.

Lanisia Rhoden is CEO/Managing Director of Le Monde Concessionaire and Catering Services Ltd. She graduated from The University of Technology, Jamaica with a BSc. in Food Service Management with First Class Honours.

So how did the idea come about? “After completing my degree at UTECH in 2006, I left the island to work in France for eight months. Upon returning to Jamaica I wanted to open a restaurant but after conducting research I realized that this would not have been the best option due to the large sum of capital required and also the inconsistency of the market,” she confesses.  “I read the Sunday Gleaner every Sunday and I realized that there was always an advertisement for Concessionaires and having taken a course at UTECH called Contract Food Service, I decided that I would start a concessionaire and catering service to provide meals for clients as requested. I loved the French language and that is why I chose “Le Monde” which means “Everyone’s “.

The operation includes Lanisia and her mother as the two permanent (fulltime) staff in the business and a pool of six casual workers who are employed on an as-needed basis.

In order to control costs at start up, Lanisia decided to base the business from home. “I was working fulltime when I completed the business plan in 2009 so I used my salary and contributions from one of two shareholders to register the business and purchase the equipment and tools necessary for catering as well as to execute the first few functions.”

Since 2009, she declares that the response has been fairly good. “Most of my clients are repeat customers and new clients have been gained mainly through referrals. Surprisingly, 95% of my clients are from corporate companies and not individuals.”

She hopes to continue to provide the personal, excellent and unique service to her customers and also to gain several concessionaire contracts, over time, thus satisfying the needs of the market and providing employment for more Jamaicans.  “Additionally, we hope to diversify the business to provide training in customer service and professionalism as it relates to Food Service and also assisting other persons to start their own businesses.”

It is clear that Lanisia has a drive to succeed and a track record for excellence. While attending University, she received two academic scholarships: The Tastee Jamaica Ltd. Scholarship and the University of Technology Scholarship. She also recently received the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship 2012-2013 to pursue a MSc. in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Manchester, England beginning September 2012.

“I have a passion for community service and this is evident through the formation of a Non-Profit Organization, Young Women/Men of Purpose (YWOP/YMOP) which I founded in 2009 when I served as The JCDC Festival Queen for the Parish of Manchester (2009).”  In 2011 she received the Governor General’s Youth Achievement Award for Leadership and Community Service.

Does she think there are any particular advantages or disadvantages for a female in business? “The disadvantages are that male chauvinism is still very present, women are also more engaged in family life and may not be able to give as much commitment to the business as a male does and also there are still negative attitudes towards female bosses. The advantages are that women are very creative individuals and creativity is essential to the longevity and sustenance of a business. Additionally we are able to multi-task and thus often times balancing family life, business and social life. Finally women are natural nurturers and thus that caring and nurturing attribute can be provided when the business requires such.”

So what is her advice for budding female entrepreneurs?  “My advice to female entrepreneurs is never be afraid to pursue your dreams. There are many opportunities that are being created for female entrepreneurs so do your research and prepare your business plans, even if you’ve already started your business; attend and participate in the numerous business expos and training programmes that are created for entrepreneurs. Seek advice from persons who have been involved in business for several years and do not allow limitations such as discrimination to prevent you from achieving your goal of operating a successful business.”