The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE FEAR of failing did not stop Danielle Sands from pursuing her lifelong dream to open her own restaurant and be her own boss. Last month, the young Bahamian restaurateur opened Crave Deli on Dowdeswell Street in pursuit of her passion.

Since the deli’s opening, Danielle said she has been busier than ever. She is constantly thinking of ways to deliver the best culinary experience to her customers.

“My first job ever was actually working in a restaurant. I started bartending and waitressing at a very young age. The food and beverage industry has always peaked my interest. When I went off to university I took up hospitality and tourism and I specialized in food and beverage. I also worked in a restaurant at university, so it has always been something of interest for me,” said Danielle.

“I thought Nassau needed a place that had good tasting, great quality food at a great price; somewhere that was not going to break your pocket,” she told Tribune Woman.

Crave serves breakfast and lunch with specialities such as coconut French toast, four-cheese lasagna, a Cajun chicken panini, roasted beet and sweet potato salad, and Bahamian style pea’s soup. All of their bread is home-made.

Before she took the leap of faith into her own business, Danielle worked in sales and marketing. She had a comfortable life as a sales representative, but she decided there was more out there for her.

“I believe that people are born wanting to be entrepreneurs. I believe that people are born with certain leadership skills and visions. They see themselves at a certain place whether it is owning a business or owning multiple businesses. I think it something that is innate. You could bury it for a while by having jobs but there will come a point where you cannot take it any longer and you have to do something for yourself. It got to that point for me where I did not needed to work for someone any longer,” Danielle told Tribune Woman.

Fear of failure was always lurking in the back of Danielle’s mind, especially when she received advice that was contrary to the goals she set for herself. Some people advised Danielle against pursuing her idea, because of the risks involved with owning a business. She remained determined, and decided she would never know unless she tried.

“I had people tell me no, stay where it is secure, stay on your job, stay with the benefits, you are doing well, because it wasn’t as though I was in a career that was sinking. When you decide to open your own business and you start thinking about becoming an entrepreneur you have to accept that it is failure that makes you stronger. Failure will eventually lead to success, because it causes you to grow. So I am always afraid. Anything can happen to anyone at anytime but you cannot let it handicap you. The fear will always be there but you just have to confident and stay focused,” said Danielle.

At the end of the day, Danielle said the workforce will always be around, so there is always a plan B.

Working alongside Danielle is her husband Geron, a business partner. The young couple married in 2011. Danielle said having a partner, in more ways than one, has helped her to stay focused and face her fears.

“I think one of the good things for me is that I have a very supportive husband. He never stopped me or told me that I cannot do it. It has always been if you feel strongly about it go and do it. I think you have to believe in yourself and in your product. You have to know everything about it you have to be the driver of it and motivate everyone around you to buy into it,” said Danielle.