ESSIE BARTELS
FOUNDER and CEO of ESSIESPICE
July 2020
Meet Essie Bartels. She’s the founder and CEO of EssieSpice, which makes vegan small-batch cooking sauces and spice blends from Africa that pack in a world of YUM. Her traditional West African blends mix influences from Asia, the Caribbean, South America and Europe to create a seamless fusion of complementary flavors. EssieSpice has a cult following— and for good reason— one bite of her best-selling (and super versatile) Mango Chili Medley and you’ll be taken on a journey. From her native Ghana to her career at a multinational corporation to successful small-business owner, Essie’s seen the world. And you know what? She's got that special sauce. Let’s catch up with her, shall we?
Follow EssieSpice @essiespice
Follow Essie @essieizspicy
Who are you?
A creator. A child who never stopped believing.
What’s on your mind?
Why the people who killed Breonna Taylor are still walking free.
Where are you right now?
In Englewood, NJ but I’d rather be with my niece in Accra.
When did you start?
A week before my birthday in November of 2013.
Why do you do what you do?
To UNDO boring, and make African food famous.
Wise words:
There is no traffic in the air. Rise above and stay in your lane.