Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Innocent.
Hi Jenny, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name ,is Jenny Innocent people call me chef Jen or Trap .
I started selling drinks in 2019, but I didn’t have a real passion for it and wasn’t seeing much profit. So I decided to do what I knew and loved best—cooking. Being born and raised in Haiti, cooking has always been a part of who I am.
In 2021, I came up with the name Trap Kitchen. To me, the word “trap” means hustle. During the pandemic, work was slow, and I had to find a way to make ends meet. That’s when I started selling plates from home.
The journey has had its ups and downs. Some days brought big profits, while others brought very little. But every challenge taught me something and pushed me to keep going.
Since 2025, I’ve shifted my focus more toward catering events rather than selling individual plates. Not only is it more profitable, but it has also allowed me to meet incredible people and build connections that have opened doors I never imagined.
Recently, I launched my own cooking show, and it’s one of my proudest accomplishments. It’s something I’ve dreamed about since 2021, and seeing it come to life has been truly rewarding.
Looking ahead, I have a cooking class coming up in September, and I’m excited to teach others how to cook while sharing the rich flavors and traditions of my Haitian heritage. My goal is to inspire people through food, culture, and the power of perseverance.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles was trying to figure out what direction I wanted to take. When I started selling drinks in 2019, I quickly realized I wasn’t passionate about it and wasn’t making much profit. Starting over and building a catering business from the ground up wasn’t easy.
Another challenge was balancing my business while working a regular job. During the pandemic, work was slow, and I had to hustle to make ends meet. There were times when sales were great and times when business was very slow. As a small business owner, the income isn’t always consistent, which can be stressful.
I’ve also faced challenges with marketing, getting my name out there, and convincing people to trust a growing business. Building a customer base takes time, patience, and consistency. There were moments when I questioned whether I should keep going, but my passion for cooking always pushed me forward.
Despite the obstacles, every struggle taught me something valuable. Those experiences helped me grow not only as a business owner but also as a person. Today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come—from selling plates out of my home to catering events, launching my own cooking show, and preparing to teach my first cooking class. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.
We’ve been impressed with Trapkitchen 305, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Trap Kitchen is a catering company specializing in Haitian and Caribbean cuisine with a modern touch. We provide catering services for a variety of events, including weddings, birthdays, corporate events, graduations, private dinners, brunches, and special celebrations. While I started by selling plates from home, the business has evolved into a full-service catering brand focused on creating memorable dining experiences.
What sets Trap Kitchen apart is the authenticity behind the food. I was born and raised in Haiti, so the recipes, flavors, and techniques I use are deeply rooted in my culture and personal experiences. Every dish tells a story and reflects the traditions I grew up with. At the same time, I enjoy adding creative presentations and modern elements that make each event feel unique and elevated.
I am most proud of how the brand has grown organically through hard work, consistency, and word-of-mouth support from clients. Seeing people trust me with some of the most important moments in their lives is something I never take for granted. I’m also incredibly proud of launching my cooking show, Cooking with Trap on TV, which allows me to showcase my personality, connect with my community, and share my love for food on a larger platform.
Beyond catering, my mission is to introduce more people to Haitian cuisine and culture. Food brings people together, and I want every client and guest to leave with not only a great meal but also an appreciation for the rich flavors and traditions behind it. As the brand continues to grow, I look forward to expanding my cooking classes, creating more culinary content, and continuing to provide exceptional experiences through food.
I want readers to know that Trap Kitchen is more than a catering company—it’s a story of resilience, culture, passion, and entrepreneurship. What started as a way to make ends meet during difficult times has grown into a brand that allows me to serve others, inspire others, and proudly represent my Haitian heritage.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Don’t give up! Be your biggest fan
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Trap_kitchen305
