The Harbour Community Kitchen (HCK) is transforming opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Kingston by removing one of the main barriers to launching a food-based business: access to an affordable commercial kitchen. Operating in partnership with the City of Kingston, the HCK provides mentorship, entrepreneurial training, and connections to vital community support that help women turn their culinary talents into a sustainable business. Since launching in 2023, the initiative has focused on empowering newcomer, Indigenous, racialized, and women with disabilities who face personal and systemic challenges to starting a business. Approved by Public Health to operate as a commercial kitchen, the HCK assists KEYS program participants in obtaining the necessary health inspections and business insurance to sell their produce commercially.

We interviewed one of KEYS’ program participants to see just how impactful the HCK was on her journey to success.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your business?
My name is Marie Johane Bazile, and I am the founder of Kreyol Kitchen, a Haitian and Caribbean food business based in Kingston, Ontario. Through Kreyol Kitchen, I share authentic Caribbean and Haitian cuisine while bringing people together through culture and food.

I offer catering services, family meals, special event menus, and community food experiences. My goal is not only to serve delicious food, but also to create connections, celebrate diversity, and introduce people to the richness of Haitian culture. As a newcomer entrepreneur and Black woman in business, I have found this journey both meaningful and challenging, but it has helped me grow personally and professionally.

What inspired you to start your own business?
Growing up in Haiti, I often cooked alongside my mother and grandmother in the kitchen. Those moments inspired me deeply and taught me that food is more than just a meal – it is culture, love, connection, and tradition. I developed a passion for cooking at a young age, and over time, that passion grew into a desire to share the richness of Haitian and Caribbean culture with others through food. I wanted people to experience authentic flavours and the warmth that comes with our traditions. Starting Kreyol Kitchen was also a way for me to build something meaningful for myself and my community as a newcomer entrepreneur in Canada. But honestly, it all began with passion; a passion for cooking, for culture, and for bringing people together.

What has been the most challenging part of your entrepreneurial journey, both before and after joining the Harbour Community Kitchen program?
Before joining the program, my ideas for starting the business were all over the place. I knew what I wanted, but I did not know how to reach that level or what the next step should be. As a Black woman and newcomer entrepreneur in Canada, starting a business came with many challenges: financial pressures, finding kitchen space, accessing business opportunities, learning a completely new business system, and understanding rules and regulations, all while balancing work and family responsibilities. At times, it felt overwhelming. Honestly, those challenges alone can make someone want to give up on their dream or the passion they have carried for years. One of the hardest parts of being an entrepreneur, which people may not realize, is the constant uncertainty and self-doubt. You are often trying to build something meaningful while questioning whether you are ready, whether the timing is right, or whether you can truly succeed. For me, the biggest challenge was overcoming the fear of starting before feeling “perfectly ready.” I kept waiting for the perfect moment, but entrepreneurship taught me that sometimes you simply have to begin. After my first meeting with one of my mentors at KEYS, I immediately felt more confident that my dream was possible. They did not do the work for me, but they listened to me, understood my vision, saw where I was starting from, and guided me step by step. That support made a huge difference. KEYS and this program gave me something priceless: a start, confidence, and the belief that I could move forward. For that, I am truly grateful.

How would you describe your experience learning about and applying to the Harbour Community Kitchen Initiative?
I heard about it through my immigration lawyer, community connections, and recommendations from people who believed it could help me grow my business. The application process was approachable and supportive. The KEYS team made me feel welcomed and encouraged throughout the process.

What aspects of the program were most helpful to you?
The most valuable part of the program was the guidance, mentorship, and encouragement. KEYS helped me improve my business planning, networking, confidence, and strategic thinking. I gained access to valuable resources and connections as a newcomer entrepreneur. Hearing real stories from fellow immigrant entrepreneurs was particularly impactful. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone in my journey and that success is achievable with the right support and determination.

Can you share a moment or experience from the program that stood out?
One moment that stood out to me was realizing that my business and my story mattered. Through the support and encouragement I received, I gained more confidence in presenting myself and Kreyol Kitchen professionally. It was powerful to be surrounded by people who genuinely wanted to see entrepreneurs succeed.

How has your business or confidence changed since participating?
Since participating in the program, I have become more confident in promoting my business, approaching opportunities, and planning for growth. Kreyol Kitchen has expanded through catering, community events, collaborations, and stronger branding. I now feel more prepared to pursue larger opportunities and continue building something sustainable.

What are you most proud of so far?
I am most proud of building Kreyol Kitchen from the ground up and seeing people connect with the food and culture I share. I am also proud of continuing to move forward despite challenges. Every event, every returning customer, and every positive reaction remind me why I started.

What are your goals for the future?
My goals are to continue growing Kreyol Kitchen into a recognized Caribbean catering and food brand, expand into larger catering opportunities, community events, and eventually operate a food truck or my own commercial kitchen space. I also hope to create opportunities for others and continue representing Haitian culture in a positive and inspiring way.

Why do you think programs like these are important?
Programs like [the Harbour Community Kitchen] are extremely important because they provide support, education, mentorship, and opportunities that many entrepreneurs, especially newcomers, may not otherwise have access to. They help people believe in themselves, build confidence, and turn ideas into real businesses that contribute to the community and local economy.

With the support of programs like this one, women like Marie are gaining the confidence, skills, and community support needed to turn their passion into possibility.

Reflecting on her journey with KEYS, she shared:
I am incredibly thankful for the support and encouragement I received through KEYS. As a new entrepreneur, having others believe in my vision has been transformative. While I’ve participated in other community programs, KEYS provided the essential foundation I needed to embark on my journey. It boosted my confidence, clarified the process, and empowered me to take meaningful steps toward turning my passion into a thriving business.

My journey is still evolving, but programs like KEYS create vital pathways for individuals like me to succeed and inspire others to chase their goals. I hope these programs continue to expand and receive the support they deserve, as they truly change lives.

Want to know how you can help women like Marie start a food-based business?

Visit keys.ca/make-a-donation-en and donate to the KEYS Spring Charitable Giving Campaign today!

Your donation will help fund programs like the Harbour Community Kitchen and give members of your community the resources they need to succeed. Your kindness can change lives.

For more information on how to participate in the HCK initiative as a small business or to volunteer, email: harbourkitchen@keys.ca

Learn more about the Kreyol Kitchen at kreyol-kitchen.com

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