By Dr. Stacie N. C. Grant – Chair, WIBO Board of Directors
Black History Month encourages us to honor the stories that often go untold: the narratives of families building futures, and entrepreneurs transforming vision into legacy. At WIBO, we recognize Black history not only as something from the past but as something actively being created every day by our graduates. One such inspirational story is that of Ms. Spudz, a Brooklyn-based business founded by a remarkable mother-daughter team whose journey embodies resilience, culture, and faith.
What began in 2012 as a modest table with a fryer at local markets has grown into a vibrant brand deeply rooted in family and flavor. From the very beginning, Ms. Spudz was built on a bold idea: that something as simple as fresh-cut fries could convey culture, comfort, and community in every bite. This was a leap of faith, believing that people would come out for “just fries.” However, entrepreneurship often starts with trusting your vision when others cannot yet see it.
Ms. Spudz is much more than a food business; it is a celebration of heritage passed down through generations. At the heart of the brand is Grandma’s Original recipe, a cherished family sauce that symbolizes love, tradition, and Black culinary history. That recipe serves as a reminder that Black entrepreneurship has long been built on the knowledge, creativity, and resourcefulness shared at the kitchen table.
As the business grew, so did the challenges. Transforming passion into sustainability requires more than talent; it demands structure, confidence, and support. This is where WIBO entered the picture. Through WIBO’s training and community support, this mother-daughter team gained the tools to strengthen their operations, refine their brand, and build a business designed not just to survive but to thrive.
Operating seasonally from May through November, Ms. Spudz now serves a diverse and loyal community of families, students, professionals, and late-night crowds, all united by a love of bold flavors and authentic comfort food. From fresh-cut fries and crispy chips to seafood, tacos, nachos, and signature sauces, the brand reflects both innovation and tradition, firmly rooted in Brooklyn.
During Black History Month, we celebrate businesses like Ms. Spudz because they remind us of what Black entrepreneurship truly represents. It is about more than commerce; it embodies legacy, intergenerational leadership, and the courage to create something meaningful for future generations.
At WIBO, we are honored to walk alongside entrepreneurs and visionaries. Their stories affirm what we know to be true: when individuals are supported with access, education, and community, they do not just build businesses, they create history.
And that is worth celebrating, this month and always.