Published October 2, 2024

Mercedes Wilson does it all with relish

As reported by Buffalo News, Mercedes Wilson — Buffalo talk show host, author, mother, breast cancer survivor and philanthropist — has ventured into food entrepreneurship with her cabbage-based pickled food line, Sadie's Relish, launched in 2021.

Utilizing her grandmother's recipes, Wilson began her journey with assistance from the Cornell Food Venture Center, made her relishes in a YWCA kitchen and personally delivered them to grocery stores. Today, Sadie's Relish, a proud graduate of UB's Cultivator program, is available in 157 supermarkets across New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana.

At the Niagara University Food Industry Center of Excellence Summit, where she was interviewed by the Buffalo News, Wilson emphasized the importance of community and mentorship in entrepreneurship.

She shared insights on the non-linear nature of business, encouraging students to view challenges as part of the journey. Despite facing inflation and rising production costs, Wilson has chosen not to raise prices, absorbing the costs herself to support her grocery partners.

Reflecting on her grandmother's impact, she highlighted the lessons of giving back and the strength she instilled in her, showcasing the values that continue to guide her entrepreneurial path.

Read the full article and interview.