THINKlocal Waukesha - Spring 16' | Page 6

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER SA BRAAI Wendi and Matthew Devan are bringing traditional South African Boerewors Sausage and flavors to SE Wisconsin and beyond! WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO GO THE ROUTE OF FOOD PRODUCTS? Matthew is a very talented Artist. He’s humble about all of his natural skills and in 2013 he had an art show in the 3rd Ward during Gallery Night. He had recently completed a corporate art job and at that time I was trying to convince him to quit his job and be an full time Artist. We went out for drinks after his show and he said, “I want to focus on being a Butcher.” That was that! In April 2013 I began filing all of the necessary paperwork, permits, and licensing for us to have a booth at the Tosa Farmers Market. WHAT MAKES SA BRAAI UNIQUE? All of our products are untapped to the US market. South Africa is a melting pot of culture and history. There are 11 official languages and then you have the British, Dutch, Portuguese and Indian influences. It’s no wonder they are called the Rainbow Nation, imagine the culinary influences those backgrounds bring. HOW ARE YOU GROWING / EXPANDING YOUR BUSINESS? We are currently in 14 stores throughout Southeastern Wisconsin and Madison. Right before Christmas we received word we were accepted into Whole Foods as a regional vendor!!!