A job loss in 2014 became the starting point for a business that would eventually generate $9 million in revenue and support hundreds of entrepreneurs.
Djenaba Johnson-Jones, founder of Hudson Kitchen, transformed an unexpected layoff into an opportunity to build one of New Jersey’s leading food business incubators. Today, her company has trained more than 300 entrepreneurs through its Food Business Bootcamp program, created nearly 60 jobs, and provided a pathway for food business owners to grow.
What makes her story stand out is not only the business success. It is also the role that local government resources, grants, and community partnerships played in helping her get there.
Djenaba Johnson-Jones Built Hudson Kitchen After Facing a Major Career Setback
Johnson-Jones spent 15 years working in a corporate job before being laid off at the end of 2014. Instead of searching for another corporate position, she decided to pursue entrepreneurship.
“I had actually worked a corporate job for 15 years and was laid off at the end of 2014, and I was like, I can’t go back,” she recalled.
Her original plan was to launch a personal training business that included healthy meal delivery services. However, she quickly encountered a major challenge. She could not find a commercial kitchen where she could legally prepare food.
At the time, commercial kitchen space was limited across New Jersey. Rather than giving up, Johnson-Jones saw an opportunity to solve a problem affecting many food entrepreneurs.
Hudson Kitchen’s Growth Shows the Power of Solving Real Problems
Johnson-Jones decided to create a commercial kitchen that would serve both her business and other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges.
“At the time, there were six commercial kitchens in the state of New Jersey,” she said. “I was going to build something that I could use for my business, and then I could bring it to others.”
That decision laid the foundation for Hudson Kitchen, a membership-based shared commercial kitchen and food business incubator based in Kearny, New Jersey.
Over the next decade, the business expanded significantly. The company trained hundreds of food entrepreneurs, supported job creation, and generated millions in revenue. More importantly, it helped small business owners gain access to resources that were previously difficult to find.
Local Government Resources Helped Fuel Business Success
One of the most valuable lessons Johnson-Jones shared is that entrepreneurs should not overlook support from local government agencies.
While developing her business idea, she created a survey to gauge interest in a shared commercial kitchen. After posting the survey online, she received an unexpected invitation from the deputy mayor of Jersey City.
The meeting opened new doors. Local officials connected her with organizations that support entrepreneurs, including Rising Tide Capital. From there, she immersed herself in networking events and business development opportunities.
Johnson-Jones said those early connections helped her gain visibility and access to critical resources that accelerated her business growth.
Business Grants and SBA Loans Opened New Opportunities
Funding is often one of the biggest obstacles for entrepreneurs. Johnson-Jones tackled that challenge by actively pursuing grants and government-backed financing.
She worked closely with economic development offices in Hudson County and Union County. According to Johnson-Jones, these organizations reviewed her business plan, suggested improvements, and introduced her to banks that could help secure funding.
Those efforts ultimately helped her obtain an SBA loan that supported the business’s growth.
Johnson-Jones also encouraged entrepreneurs to aggressively pursue grants. She pointed to programs such as the Small Business Improvement Grant, which reimbursed her for equipment and furniture purchases.
“There’s money, a lot of grant money, available,” she said.
Universities and Community Partners Provided Valuable Guidance
Beyond funding, Johnson-Jones benefited from educational support and expert advice.
She turned to Rutgers University and worked with Nolan Lewin, executive director of the university’s Food Innovation Center. Although she had never opened a shared commercial kitchen before, she found mentors who helped her navigate unfamiliar territory.
The guidance provided practical knowledge and industry insight during critical stages of the business.
Her experience highlights the importance of seeking help from universities, nonprofit organizations, and local business development groups. Many entrepreneurs focus solely on funding while overlooking the value of expert mentorship.
Djenaba Johnson-Jones Offers a Blueprint for Black Women Entrepreneurs
Johnson-Jones’ journey demonstrates that successful entrepreneurship often requires more than a great idea. It also requires persistence, networking, and a willingness to seek support.
By leveraging government resources, attending entrepreneurial events, applying for grants, and building community partnerships, she transformed a personal challenge into a thriving enterprise.
Her story offers an important lesson for Black women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. Resources exist, but many remain underused because entrepreneurs do not know where to look.
Ten years after losing her corporate job, Johnson-Jones has built more than a successful company. She has created opportunities for hundreds of entrepreneurs while proving that setbacks can become powerful foundations for future success.
