|
 Michele
Hoskins’ determination to leave her daughters a business instead
of just a recipe was the inspiration for Michele Foods.
The foundation of Michele Foods is a secret syrup recipe handed down to
daughters from a great-great-grandmother. Today the company sells Honey
Crème, Butter Pecan, and Maple Crème syrups that are found in over 10,000
food stores nationwide.
Twenty-three years ago it was
unheard of for an African American woman to be the CEO of a major food
company. "That’s why the first thing I tell people is to invest in
yourself," says Hoskins. "If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else
will. I invested the capital I made from selling virtually everything I had.
I never had any bank loans or investors, only one small line of credit when
I started in October 1984. I learned how to live off receivables early on."
"I put God first. I believe that anything can manifest itself with faith,
hard work and perseverance. So never give up," says Hoskins. "As soon as you
give up, the dream is gone. A dream is something that unfolds to you as you
work it. Whatever happens, look at it from a very positive and spiritual
way."
Hoskins has achieved much success through her 23 years in the business.
Recent recognition includes feature articles in Black Enterprises, Ebony,
ESSENCE, People, Fortune and USA Today. However, by far, Hoskins is most
excited about completing her book Sweet Expectations.
Hoskins was featured on the CNN-TV Morning Show and "Personal Journey" aired
her story on both the CNN and Discovery channels. She has been featured
three times on Oprah Winfrey’s Show and on major news channels, i.e., WGN,
NBC (5), ABC (7), Fox News and Black Entertainment Television (BET).
Hoskins serves actively on several boards, and has received many awards and
recognitions including Phenomenal Women and the Madam Walker Entrepreneurial
Award. Dollars and Sense voted her one of the Top 100 Professional Women and
she received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Johnson and Wales University.
Hoskins enjoys speaking publicly and has been invited to be the keynote
speaker at numerous functions discussing topics such as becoming a
successful entrepreneur and exploring diversity in the food industry. She
also mentors individuals who have an interest in entering the food business. |
