Faith Oluwadare operates House 157, an award-winning New Jersey restaurant celebrating its third anniversary. The serial entrepreneur built her success through multiple business ventures and personal challenges. Her journey from shipping containers to serving customers showcases remarkable resilience and business acumen.
Award-Winning Restaurant Makes Mark on New Jersey Food Scene
House 157 has earned three consecutive awards since opening its doors. The restaurant recently appeared in an upcoming movie and hosted filming for Real Housewives of New Jersey. These achievements demonstrate Oluwadare’s ability to create buzz and attract high-profile attention.
The restaurant features an international menu welcoming all ethnicities. “Any ethnicity can come in and feel at home,” Oluwadare explains. This inclusive approach has resonated with diverse customers across New Jersey. Meanwhile, Legacy 27, her second location, will focus on American cuisine while maintaining the same quality standards.
From Secretary to International Shipping Mogul
Oluwadare’s entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly while working as a secretary for a shipping company. Within six months, she launched Faithful International Shipping Company. Her networking skills and relationships with Homeland Security employees helped her secure initial customers.
The business grew rapidly, expanding to a 15,000 square foot warehouse within four years. She shipped containers, dump trucks, and commercial equipment internationally. However, working in international shipping prepared her for future challenges. Standing firm against misogyny and sexism strengthened her resolve for business battles ahead.
Personal Crisis Teaches Valuable Business Lessons
A domestic violence situation during her first marriage destroyed Oluwadare’s thriving shipping business. As a one-woman operation, personal turmoil directly impacted her company’s survival. This devastating experience taught her the importance of building proper business structures and teams.
“I didn’t really have good business structures to actually help me keep it going,” she reflects. “Now I delegate more. I have a staff of 40.” Today, she avoids being the sole person responsible for business operations. This lesson prevents personal crises from derailing her current ventures.
Event Planning Career Emerges from Wedding Planning
After escaping domestic violence, Oluwadare found love and planned her second wedding. She discovered her natural talent for décor and design during this process. The wedding planning experience sparked her interest in the events industry.
DE Luxury Events became her next venture, designing displays for Nordstrom and hosting various events. She rented out event spaces and equipment to clients. Unfortunately, racial discrimination from locals created zoning issues and landlord problems. “In a suburban area, they just didn’t want it,” she recalls.
Property Ownership Leads to Restaurant Success
Discrimination pushed Oluwadare toward full building ownership rather than renting spaces. She purchased the building that would become House 157, named after its street address. This decision eliminated landlord interference and provided complete control over her business operations.
The restaurant approach focuses on global cuisine accessibility for all customers. Most restaurants require 18-24 months to break even, making House 157’s third anniversary particularly impressive. Her success demonstrates how ownership can provide stability and growth opportunities for minority entrepreneurs.
Non-Profit Work Addresses Domestic Violence Issues
Oluwadare channels her personal experiences into community service through A Mother’s Road to Zion. This non-profit organization raises awareness about domestic violence issues. Her advocacy work honors her past struggles while helping other women facing similar challenges.
The organization represents another facet of her entrepreneurial spirit applied to social causes. She balances multiple responsibilities as a mother, business owner, and community advocate. This diverse portfolio showcases her ability to create impact across different sectors.
Fearless Attitude Drives Continuous Success
Oluwadare never planned to become a freight forwarder, event designer, or restaurateur. Each opportunity arose organically through her willingness to take risks. Her personal mantra reflects this approach: “What’s the worst that can happen?”
Multiple failures throughout her journey taught valuable lessons rather than discouraging future attempts. She views setbacks as stepping stones to greater success. This fearless attitude enables her to pursue opportunities others might avoid due to potential risks.
