Today we’d like to introduce you to Queenette Okonkwo
Hi Queenette, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Queenette Okonkwo,
A Chef and Real Estate agent.
My love for food was born at home. My mom, who is now a nurse, used to own an African restaurant here in America long before I came. My aunt was also an incredible cook. Being around these powerful women shaped my love for cooking and taught me the beauty of feeding people with care and heart. When I later went off to private boarding school in Nigeria, I found myself missing them—but I carried their lessons with me. I began recreating the meals I remembered—the ones we respected, enjoyed, and celebrated together. Food became a way for me to stay connected to my roots.
Now when I moved to America, I kept cooking. I was cooking from my home, and friends—especially close ones—were always coming around. I started noticing that it wasn’t just casual visits; something about the food was drawing them in. I loved it. I loved entertaining. But on the days I didn’t cook, people would ask, “Why didn’t you make anything today?” “Where’s that jollof?” “Please, next time make that stew again.” The questions kept coming, and that’s when I realized—this was bigger than just cooking. This was a gift.
During that time, I worked several corporate jobs. McDonald’s was my very first. I loved the fast-paced energy and seeing how people were excited to grab their food and go. That experience planted a seed in me. I also worked at Victoria’s Secret, first convenient bank, and Exclusive Furniture roles that taught me sales, discipline, communication, and customer service. But no matter where I worked, my heart always led me back to the kitchen.
After eight years in the U.S., I had a moment of clarity. I told myself, “What if I saved enough money and built something of my own? Something I could grow while still pursuing my education?” And that’s exactly what I did. I started saving every penny, and before I knew it, my vision took shape.
Today, I am the proud founder of Sauce Queen LLC a brand that started from my kitchen and is now a buzzing food truck business, known for bold, flavorful, authentic food that brings people together. I’m still amazed at how it all came to life, but I know it was purpose, passion, and prayer.
For someone who has been doing this mostly solo, I still can’t believe I’ve built and sustained this business. I got my food truck when I was just 27, and it’s been the most beautiful two and a half years of my life. It’s been hard work, but every moment has been worth it.
My dream is to take Sauce Queen even further to open a beautiful, authentic African-American dining experience in Houston that merges culture, community, and cuisine. This is just the beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Running a food truck is a full-day hustle. From grocery shopping and prepping ingredients to cooking, serving, cleaning, moving the truck, and stopping by the commissary—it’s nonstop. My day often starts in the afternoon and runs late into the night. It’s physically exhausting, but I’ve learned to push through because I know what I’m building.
There were also financial challenges in the beginning. Starting a business while trying to go back to school wasn’t easy, and there were moments I had to choose between investing in my dream or playing it safe. But I chose to bet on myself.
I remember days when the weather was bad, sales were low, or something broke down with the truck—but I still had to keep going. Quitting was never an option. Every challenge has shaped me, and it’s made me more committed to turning this into something even bigger.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about SauceQueenLLC ?
Sauce Queen LLC is a food truck brand based in Houston that specializes in authentic, flavorful African-inspired dishes with a bold twist. We’re known for bringing the taste of home to the streets, combining traditional spices with modern presentation. From jollof rice and peppered turkey to plantains and stews, Abacha Nkwobi isiewu everything we serve is made fresh, rich in flavor, and cooked with heart.
What sets Sauce Queen apart is the experience. We cook on the spot. It’s not just about the food—it’s about creating comfort, joy, and connection. Customers don’t just eat—they feel seen, served, and celebrated.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how far Sauce Queen has come in just a short time. What started from my kitchen is now a buzzing food truck loved by loyal customers across the city. I want readers to know that Sauce Queen is more than a business—it’s a cultural expression, a safe place to enjoy good food, and a brand built on passion, purpose, and community.
How do you think about luck?
I wouldn’t say luck has played a major role in my journey. Everything I’ve built has come from hard work, consistency, and trusting the process even on days when things felt uncertain. I never really had someone come in and push my business forward for me; it’s been me showing up every day and putting in the work, regardless of the outcome.
But I do believe in divine timing. Sometimes, things just align a random busy day when I least expected it, or small moments that reminded me I was on the right path. So maybe it’s not “luck” in the traditional sense it’s God, favor, and preparation meeting opportunity.
Pricing:
- Signature Meals range from $15–$50
Contact Info:
- Ubereats/Doordash: sauceQueen
- Instagram: SauceQueenLLC
