By: Alex Popa
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Valerie Saint-Victor Tranquille spent her early years in Haiti, the homeland of her parents. As a Caribbean woman, Valerie discovered her passion for cooking, which she now channels into her culinary business, LaMadame Cuisine.
Along with her sister, Regine Saint-Victor Boulin, she co-founded the business in 2022, drawing inspiration from their late grandmother, Jacqueline Barthelemy, and their mother, Maryse Barthelemy.
Education and careers
Valerie’s love for the culinary arts led her to earn a degree from Johnson Wales University in Culinary Arts. She also holds a degree in hospitality and tourism management from Florida International University.
Her education has equipped her to pursue a successful career in hospitality management, but her true passion lies in combining her love of food with her desire to uplift her community through LaMadame Cuisine.
Accomplishments and expansion
One of Valerie’s proudest accomplishments is launching LaMadame Cuisine with her sister, offering Haitian-inspired dishes and products like their popular “Spice it Up” Chiquetaille d’Hareng (smoked herring) and de morue (codfish).
In addition to her culinary achievements, Valerie is a proud wife and mother, balancing her professional and personal life with grace. In the past 12 months, she has also expanded her catering business, with her signature dishes reaching clients across multiple states and even making their way to Algeria.
Future Goals
Valerie’s vision for LaMadame Cuisine extends beyond catering. One of her major goals is to open a touristic café where people can enjoy her dishes in a unique cultural setting.
Over the next year, Valerie plans to further expand her business by establishing a local presence in multiple states and introducing LaMadame Cuisine’s offerings to a broader market. Her passion for her craft and dedication to her Haitian roots continue to drive her entrepreneurial ambitions.
Giving back to the Haitian community
Valerie dreams of returning to Haiti to open a culinary school specifically for young girls. Her vision is not just to teach cooking techniques but also to provide a foundation in hospitality management and entrepreneurship.
She believes that by empowering young Haitian women with these skills, she can foster creativity and entrepreneurship while promoting the rich Haitian culture she holds dear.
Empowerment and collaboration.
If given a platform to amplify her voice, Valerie would emphasize the importance of collaboration and empowering others, particularly entrepreneurs. She believes in the power of community and unity, advocating for the idea that “we all matter” and that by working together, we can achieve more and create lasting positive change.
Hobbies and personal entertainment
In her free time, Valerie enjoys spending quality time with her family, whether it’s over a delicious dinner, listening to music, reading, or traveling. These hobbies not only provide her with joy but also enrich her life experiences, fueling her creativity and passion for her culinary work.
Valerie Saint-Victor Tranquille is more than a chef—she is a visionary leader committed to preserving Haitian culture through food while empowering her community and the next generation of culinary talent.
