Kerisa Wright reveals recipe for success

When Kerisa Wright claimed the PAN Champion title in 2019, it marked more than just a personal victory. Since her win, Wright has transformed her love for cooking into a thriving culinary enterprise.

The White Horses, St Thomas native first entered the CB Foods PAN Chicken competition in 2017. Though she placed second at the parish level, she missed the top three at the grand finals. Disappointed, but not discouraged, Wright used the experience as fuel. She refined her recipes, took a bold leap, and returned with a bang in 2019.

That year, her unique spin on traditional jerked chicken earned her the crown.

"I decided to do something out of the box. I deboned the chicken, stuffed it with sweet potato and seasoning, and then jerked it. I also added my pineapple guava sauce, which I think gave it that unique flavour," Wright explained.

Since her PAN win, Wright has evolved into a successful entrepreneur. The mother of two now proudly operates two food businesses. Her original spot, Girlie's Chicken and Soup Corner in White Horses, has built a strong following. And in Morant Bay, her second venture, Girlie's Local and International Cuisine, is sizzling at Myrie's Plaza.

The restaurant was launched using her PAN prize money, but like many small businesses, it faced serious challenges during COVID-19. With resilience, she rebuilt, and now serves hearty breakfast and lunch dishes to a loyal customer base.

Wright's love for food runs deep. She vividly remembers the first time she cooked a full meal on her own.

"My mother wasn't at home one day, and I was asked to prepare curried chicken and rice. The chicken was already seasoned, and I had watched my mother and grandmother cook so many times that I knew what to do. When my mother came home, she was shocked, and I guess it tasted good because everyone's plates were empty," Wright laughed.

By age 17, fresh out of high school with a focus in food and nutrition, she was already running her first cookshop, a space gifted by her godfather. After setbacks, she gained more experience in the canteen at Sankofa Prep School in Albion, St Thomas.

From there, she built a home-based business, taking orders and eventually launching what would become her signature venture, pan chicken and soup.

"I love when I serve my customers, and they're happy. Seeing their smiles after tasting the food really makes my day. Some of my customers have supported me since I had my first cookshop right after high school," she said proudly.

Nicole Hall, commercial marketing manager at CB Foods, believes White's journey perfectly reflects the essence of the PAN competition.

"Kerisa's story shows how PAN inspires vendors to dream bigger, get creative, and build a better future through food. It's not just about winning a title, it's about creating opportunities that can change lives and communities," Hall shared.