Ka-Wana Jefferson: Building a Brooklyn Legacy Through Food, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurial Grit

The Story Behind the Concept

In the heart of Little Caribbean, Brooklyn—a vibrant enclave pulsing with cultural richness—stands a seafood eatery that’s about much more than what’s on the plate. Sweet Catch Brooklyn isn’t just another dining destination; it’s the physical manifestation of Ka-Wana Jefferson’s entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to community empowerment.

Jefferson is a quintessential New Yorker—bold, resourceful, and relentlessly driven. Her path into entrepreneurship wasn’t accidental. With an impressive portfolio that includes Sweet Brooklyn Bar, a cocktail lounge and grill nestled in Crown Heights, and Lost Borough Ice Cream, a whimsical Yonkers-based scoop shop she co-owns, Jefferson has proven she’s more than capable of juggling business ventures with poise.

But Sweet Catch Brooklyn is where all these threads converge. It’s a place where food, culture, mentorship, and entrepreneurship meet—a platform as much as a restaurant.

A Mission Rooted in Culture and Commerce

Jefferson refers to herself as a “serial entrepreneur,” a fitting label for someone who thrives on building businesses from the ground up. However, her story isn't just about starting companies—it's about creating access.

Sweet Catch Brooklyn celebrates Caribbean and Southern-inspired seafood dishes, marrying Jefferson’s culinary vision with the flavors of the diaspora. The menu is anchored by comfort classics—think seafood boils, fried catfish, and crab cakes—presented with finesse and authenticity. But beyond the satisfying bites, the restaurant’s deeper mission is clear: to serve as a hub for community and empowerment.

For Jefferson, business is a vehicle for transformation. She understands firsthand the systemic challenges that women of color face when entering the entrepreneurial landscape—from limited funding opportunities to underrepresentation in major markets. It’s this lived experience that fuels her desire to lift others as she climbs.

Introducing 'Sweet Success': A Blueprint for Empowerment

Recognizing the lack of resources and visibility available to Black women and other women of color in the business world, Jefferson launched Sweet Success, a panel series and networking dinner designed specifically for aspiring entrepreneurs. Held at Sweet Catch Brooklyn, the monthly event isn’t your typical business meet-up. It combines a celebratory dinner atmosphere with in-depth panel discussions featuring established women entrepreneurs across various industries.

From raising capital to refining a business pitch, each Sweet Success event dives into the nuts and bolts of entrepreneurship. The series also focuses on softer, often overlooked aspects of success—self-care, resilience, and personal growth.

Jefferson curates the panels herself, selecting speakers who reflect the diversity and determination of the communities she serves. Attendees leave not just with inspiration but actionable insights and often, new mentors or collaborators. In a city as fast-paced as New York, Sweet Success has carved out a rare safe space for candid dialogue and meaningful connection.

The Businesswoman Behind the Brand

Jefferson is strategic, not just passionate. Her background includes years of hands-on experience in business development, which has shaped her approach to entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of writing a solid business plan, budgeting realistically, and understanding customer behavior—particularly in food and hospitality, where margins can be tight and trends fickle.

She’s also a vocal advocate for financial literacy among entrepreneurs, especially those from historically marginalized groups. Through Sweet Success and her own business models, she aims to demystify the process of capital acquisition and emphasize the role of scalability, branding, and legal protections in long-term business viability.

For Jefferson, it's about building legacy—not just for herself, but for her community.

What Makes Sweet Catch Brooklyn Special

While the mission is powerful, it’s the food that draws people in. Sweet Catch Brooklyn’s menu pays homage to Jefferson’s roots while celebrating the culinary traditions of the broader African diaspora. It’s a soulful mix of Southern comfort and Caribbean zest—boils loaded with succulent crab legs and shrimp, sides of creamy grits, and desserts that taste like someone’s grandmother made them fresh that morning.

The space itself is warm and welcoming, with colorful decor that nods to island life and Southern charm. It’s stylish without being stuffy, community-focused without losing its edge. The bar program, influenced by Jefferson’s experience with Sweet Brooklyn Bar, is equally impressive—featuring fruit-forward cocktails, rum flights, and drink names that wink at pop culture.

It’s no wonder that Sweet Catch Brooklyn has become a popular spot not only for food lovers but for entrepreneurs, artists, and influencers across the city.

Raising the Bar for Representation

In the broader food industry, where representation still lags far behind, Jefferson is helping shift the narrative. She’s doing what many talk about but few execute: providing access, visibility, and opportunity to women of color in real, tangible ways.

Her holistic approach—combining entrepreneurship, mentorship, and hospitality—offers a model that other industry leaders would do well to follow. At a time when equity is top of mind, Jefferson is showing how inclusivity can be seamlessly integrated into a business’s core identity.

Looking Ahead

Jefferson isn’t slowing down. With each new event and collaboration, she continues to expand the reach of her brands and deepen her impact. She’s considering branching Sweet Success into other cities, exploring retail opportunities, and even revisiting her idea for a small business accelerator focused exclusively on women of color.

But at the heart of it all remains Sweet Catch Brooklyn—a space where good food meets big vision, where seafood platters come with a side of empowerment, and where community is always on the menu.

Conclusion

Ka-Wana Jefferson’s story is one of vision, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to uplifting her community. Through Sweet Catch Brooklyn and the Sweet Success series, she’s redefining what entrepreneurship looks like for women of color—not just in Brooklyn, but across the country. In a world hungry for authentic leadership and inclusive spaces, Jefferson serves up both—with soul, strategy, and an unforgettable meal.