Charles Stevens: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Charles Stevens, whose aim to to introduce young professionals to Haiti’s popular “cremas” alcoholic beverage through LS Cream Liqueur, the first professionally crafted cremas in the world…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
LS Cream Liqueur is inspired by a homemade recipe widely popular in my country of origin, Haiti, called “cremas.” I decided to commercialize it, making it the first professionally crafted cremas in the world.

Why did you start working at your company?
I started this company because I felt that this recipe needed to be tasted by everyone.

What was the inspiration for this career route?
I’ve always had ideas but this one spoke to me for a while now. It’s been in front of me and when I realized it had not been commercialized, I decided that I was going to do it myself.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Meeting and talking to new people is awesome! I also learn something new every day and not only related to my industry. The most challenging part? Getting the financing to go forward with the project. This is why I started my Kickstarter campaign, to let people know that I have a great product but that I need support.

What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Waking up at 6am and realizing at 8pm that I haven’t eaten anything all day.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
An ad for LS Cream Liqueur in Times Square!

What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? 
Not having anyone remotely close to call a mentor, someone that I could emulate more easily than what I see on TV or in books  

How did you overcome it?
Just getting more knowledge on my industry anywhere I could find it.

What does success look like to you?
Being able to do what you love on a daily basis.

Does Money = Happiness?
No it doesn’t, but you need it for many other things. 

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Right now with launching this Kickstarter campaign and getting so much great feedback for LS cream liqueur. People were waiting for someone to do this.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Do what you like, don’t try to be something just because you think society will see you better as a doctor, or a lawyer, etc. I have so many friends that regret not going in the field that they liked. 

Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I have a couple of places; some are Portuguese, some Haitian or Italian, nothing specific.

When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I catch up on some TV shows, to go the gym and play video games.

Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Los Angeles. The weather is incredible 

If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Linkin Park – Breaking the Habit.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I’d be an actor.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I’m supporting a school my aunt opened in Haiti, that’s what I can do for now. “La maison des jeunes Closelle Elibert” is important to me because in the wake of the famous earthquake, so much has changed for a lot of these kids, and providing them with an education and shelter is something that I want to be a part of.

What to you is notable?
Making a positive mark in the world by any means necessary; if I wind up making one person happy with my ventures, well, I did my job.

BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Blackberry Q10, I love the Qwerty keyboard.

 

#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)

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