By Alex Popa
Haitian cuisine and culture are deeply rich, yet they often remain underrepresented on the global stage. Lola Debrosse, a cookbook author, Instagram influencer, and YouTube content creator, has made it her mission to change that. Through her brand, Simply Haitian, she brings traditional Haitian flavors, cooking techniques, and cultural heritage to a broader audience.
With an uncompromising commitment to her roots, she has amassed over 100,000 Instagram followers and aims to expand her reach even further.
Personal Life and Education
Born in Miragoâne, Haiti, Lola Debrosse immigrated to the United States three decades ago. For the past 15 years, she has made New Windsor, New York, her home. Her passion for Haitian culture was instilled in her from a young age, and despite living abroad, she has never lost touch with her heritage.
Debrosse pursued a bachelor’s degree in marketing, a field that would later play a crucial role in the success of her brand. Her professional career led her to a consulting position at Wacoal America, where she developed expertise in branding and consumer engagement—skills that she would eventually use to elevate Simply Haitian to a household name.
Everything About Simply Haitian
Lola Debrosse started Simply Haitian to showcase the beauty of Haitian cuisine, culture, and history. What began as a simple passion project quickly gained traction, with thousands of followers engaging with her content. From traditional dishes like griot and diri kole to lesser-known Haitian delicacies, she shares recipes that keep the essence of Haitian cooking alive.
One of the key factors that make Simply Haitian stand out is its authenticity. Unlike competitors, Debrosse ensures that each recipe stays true to its roots, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods. She goes beyond food, incorporating cultural storytelling into her content, helping her audience understand the history and significance of each dish.
Through dedication and consistency, Simply Haitian reached a major milestone in 2024—surpassing 100,000 followers on Instagram with a strong engagement rate. For Debrosse, this achievement is not just about numbers but about the growing interest in Haitian culture. Her goal for 2025 is even more ambitious: reaching 200,000 Instagram followers and 50,000 YouTube subscribers, while selling at least 5,000 cookbooks.
Marketing plays a vital role in the success of Simply Haitian. The brand primarily targets Haitians and individuals interested in Caribbean culture, using social media as a powerful tool to connect with its audience. Strategic collaborations with Haitian influencers, active participation in community events, and word-of-mouth marketing have been some of the most successful tactics in expanding Simply Haitian’s reach.
Despite its success, starting Simply Haitian was not without challenges. Building an online brand requires perseverance, and Debrosse had to navigate the complexities of content creation, audience engagement, and business management. However, her determination and belief in her mission kept her moving forward.
Advice to Young Haitian Entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur and cultural ambassador, Lola Debrosse understands the challenges of building a business from the ground up. She encourages young Haitian entrepreneurs to embrace their heritage and turn their passions into meaningful projects.
One of her biggest pieces of advice is to remain consistent and determined. She firmly believes that success is a direct result of focus and perseverance. Whether in business, content creation, or any other venture, setbacks are inevitable, but resilience is what separates those who succeed from those who give up.
Another key lesson she shares is the importance of financial management. Many entrepreneurs fail not because of a lack of great ideas but due to poor financial planning. Understanding budgeting, cash flow, and investments is crucial to sustaining a business in the long run.
Debrosse also emphasizes the power of storytelling. Whether through food, music, or business, Haitian entrepreneurs should embrace the art of storytelling to connect with their audience. By weaving personal experiences and cultural heritage into their work, they create an emotional connection that strengthens their brand.
Debrosse’s commitment to giving back to her community extends beyond business. She supports local Haitian artisans, collaborates on cultural projects, and promotes Haitian-owned businesses. In the future, she hopes to launch educational initiatives and job opportunities to empower the Haitian community.
Her long-term vision for Simply Haitian extends beyond social media. Over the next three to five years, she envisions Simply Haitian growing into a global cultural platform that not only shares recipes but also supports local Haitian businesses, artisans, and culinary traditions. She wants Simply Haitian to be a leading voice in promoting Haitian heritage and empowerment worldwide.
For young entrepreneurs looking to follow a similar path, Debrosse’s journey is an inspiration. She proves that with passion, persistence, and a clear vision, it is possible to make a lasting impact.
Lola Debrosse’s journey with Simply Haitian is more than just a business success story; it is a testament to the power of cultural pride and perseverance. Through her platform, she is preserving Haitian culinary traditions, educating people about her heritage, and creating a space for Haitian culture to be celebrated worldwide.
As she continues to expand Simply Haitian, her mission remains the same: to ensure that Haitian cuisine and traditions receive the recognition they deserve. For young Haitian entrepreneurs, her story serves as a blueprint for success—one built on resilience, focus, and a deep love for one’s roots.
