Michele Hoskins, the visionary founder of Michele Foods Inc., has made history as the first Black woman to own a syrup brand, transforming a family recipe into a multi-million-dollar empire.
Her products, including the beloved Honey Crème Syrup, are now sold in over 10,000 stores across the nation, marking an extraordinary journey of perseverance and entrepreneurship.
Hoskins’ story begins with a cherished family tradition.
Her great-great-great-grandmother, America Washington, a former slave, crafted a unique syrup in the 1800s as an alternative to molasses.
Passed down through generations, this secret recipe became a staple in the Hoskins household, where Sunday mornings were filled with homemade waffles, breakfast meats, and the rich, creamy syrup.
By the early 1980s, Michele Hoskins faced financial hardship as a newly divorced mother of three. Determined to turn her family’s legacy into a business, she sold her belongings and moved into her mother’s attic, using a 55-gallon drum in the basement to produce her syrup. Hand-filling bottles and personally delivering them to local grocery stores, she tirelessly pursued her vision.
In 1984, Michele Foods was officially born. That same year, Hoskins secured contracts with Chicago’s largest retail chains, propelling her from home-based production to national distribution.
She went on to break barriers as the first minority supplier for Denny’s and Wal-Mart, forging partnerships with industry giants like General Mills and Sara Lee. Despite the challenges of being an African American woman in the food industry, Hoskins remained steadfast, learning through experience and determination.
Today, Michele Foods’ signature syrups—including Honey Crème, Butter Pecan, and Maple Crème—are stocked in top retailers such as Kroger, Publix, Albertson’s, Jewel Foods, and Safeway. Beyond breakfast, chefs and home cooks alike have embraced the syrups for their versatility, using them in both sweet and savory dishes.
Reflecting on her journey, Hoskins credits her unwavering commitment to success: “Had I not been naïve, I may not have started this journey. All I had going for me was my goal and a commitment to making it work.”
From a family tradition to a household brand, Michele Hoskins’ legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and inspiration for future generations of entrepreneurs.
