1. What’s your name? Where are you located?
Misti Buard – Houston, TX
2. What’s the name of your business?
Brand Appétit®
3. What’s was the inspiration for you to start a business?
I’ve always known that I’d be a business owner. However, I didn’t know how soon or how late in lie that dream would come true.
4. Who do you look up to in business? Why?
John Nickols, Consultant of Lead 360.
I love how John specifically gives back to the Black community. On top of him owning his company, he is the Business Program Coordinator of EEDC (Emancipation Economic Development Council). The program invests in entrepreneurs in Third Ward who want to have businesses in the area to keep the community thriving.
Marcus Davis, owner of The Breakfast Klub, Alley Kat, Reggae Hut and Kulture
I do not know Mr. Davis personally, but I am inspired by his work ethic and how he, too, gives back to the Black community in Houston.
5. Pick one: Michael Jackson or prince
Ooooh. That’s a tough one! I am going to have to go with Prince. Simply because I remember my family blasting those tapes when were driving are at home. Not to mention I love his song “Adore”.
6. Tell me about your business and what are you trying to achieve
Initially when I launched Brand Appétit® I wanted to partner with companies who were innovative and wanted to put their brand on a food truck and promote their latest and greatest item. Today, my business plan has shifted. Though I’d still work with companies who’re interested in using a food truck for brand activations, I truly desire to work with brands who believe in philanthropy.
For instance, Smoothie King already has branded vehicles they use for various things. Let’s use those vehicles to go into the underserved community and pass out samples of healthy smoothies. Let’s teach the community how to eat healthier.
So, ideally, I want to partner with brands who believe in philanthropy. We will either use their branded vehicles to go into the community or I can brand a vehicle for them…and together we can provide compassion and good will to the less fortunate.
7. If you was to give somebody that’s coming up in the business world some advice what would it be?
Invest in yourself! Study individuals who’ve accomplished what you want to accomplish. Then invest in yourself by hiring them to mentor/coach you!
8. What has been the biggest obstacle you had to beat?
Myself. In the past I’ve gotten in my way by either thinking too much or focusing on what I “didn’t have” versus focusing on everything I did have or people I knew, etc. So, learning to shift my mindset was my biggest obstacle.
9. What does legacy means to you?
Your legacy is every single aspect of you. How you make others feel when you walk into a room. What they say about you once you leave that room. I believe that is your legacy.
10. Who are your top 3 black heroes?
My grandmother – when her college professor told her that he’d never pass a “nigga gal” in his course and kicked her out, my grandmother stood outside of his class and took notes. She passed the class with an A+ and became an OR (Operating Room Nurse) at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
My mom – she is a kick ass woman who is gonna make things happen! I love that about her. She literally makes things happen! And, she’s always (and I do mean always) giving back to others. Only a superhero can save themselves and you 🙂
President Obama – for obvious reasons! Doing what the world thought was the unthinkable
11. How people can get in contact with you
www.brandappetit.com
Office (281) 855-0303
Instagram.com/brandappetit
