HER Story: Kinia Johnson, Founder and Creative Artist of L’Onction Friandises
Posted Mar 17, 2025
In our continued celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, we are thrilled to launch our Honouring, Empowering, Revolutionizing…HER campaign, dedicated to celebrating some of the incredible women who are shaping Tobago’s tourism landscape through innovation and entrepreneurship. First-up in our line-up of phenomenal trailblazers is Kinia Johnson, Founder and Creative Artist of L’Onction Friandises.
For Kinia, food is more than just a meal—it’s a story, a culture, and a destination in itself. In the heart of our local tourism scene, she is redefining the dining experience by blending local flavours with refined culinary techniques, catering for varied occasions including destination weddings and private events. Through L’Onction Friandises, Kinia hopes to help Tobago make its mark as a premier destination for gastronomy tourism, showcasing the island’s rich culinary heritage and “sweet-hand flavours” through immersive, high-end dining experiences.
Join us as we dive into HER story, exploring how she turned her passion into a thriving business that is putting local cuisine on the map!
1. What motivated you to pursue a career in tourism, and how have you navigated the challenges or opportunities unique to women in the industry?
“Growing up in a home where entertaining guests was a cherished tradition, I developed a deep appreciation for hospitality. My love for Harvest Festivals further deepened my connection to Tobago’s rich culinary heritage, while the science of pairing flavors and textures to create an enhanced dining experience fueled my passion for gastronomy tourism. Over time, this passion evolved into a commitment to showcasing Tobago’s ‘sweet-hand flavour’ culture on a larger scale.
As a woman in the food and hospitality industry, I’ve embraced both challenges and opportunities by staying connected to God (Jesus Christ), remaining resilient, continuously refining my craft, and seizing opportunities to elevate our sweet-hand flavours. In a traditionally male-dominated field, I don’t wait for a seat at the table—I create my own, bringing a unique perspective that blends storytelling, nostalgia, and refined culinary experiences.Collaboration has been key, working alongside talented chefs to push boundaries and elevate our craft. International Women’s Day is a reminder that resilience, confidence, and creativity are powerful tools for change.”
2. Can you share a story where you felt empowered as a woman in tourism and how that experience shaped your career or perspective?
"One of the most empowering moments in my journey was being the sole participant from Tobago selected for two prestigious entrepreneurship courses with the United States Embassy. Not only did I complete the programmes, but I was also honoured as the Awesome Awardee and Pitch Winner of my cohort. This experience reinforced my belief that Tobago’s culinary heritage deserves a global stage and I have a vital role in shaping the future of gastronomy tourism. It fueled my determination to elevate L’Onction Friandises beyond catering — toward establishing Tobago as a premier destination for a refined Tobago ‘sweet-hand’ dining experience.”
3. How do you believe women in the tourism industry are helping to reshape the way we view travel, cultural exchange, and tourism development?
“Women in the tourism industry are redefining travel by placing greater emphasis on cultural authenticity, sustainability, and meaningful experiences. Through storytelling, culinary innovation, and community-driven initiatives, we’re shifting tourism from mere sightseeing to immersive cultural exchange. In gastronomy tourism, for example, women are highlighting local ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and the stories behind them—preserving heritage while elevating it for global audiences. Our leadership in hospitality and entrepreneurship also fosters more inclusive tourism development, ensuring that local communities benefit from growth. By prioritizing experience over exploitation, connection over consumption, and sustainability over mass tourism, women are shaping a more thoughtful, responsible, and enriching way to explore the world.”
4. In your opinion, what steps can be taken to create more inclusive spaces and opportunities for women in leadership roles within tourism and hospitality?
"Creating more inclusive spaces for women in tourism and hospitality starts with mentorship, education, and access to leadership opportunities. Encouraging skill development, entrepreneurship, and networking can empower more women to take on key roles."
5. In your opinion, what are some of the untapped opportunities for women in tourism, and how can we encourage more women to explore these avenues?
"There are numerous untapped opportunities for women in gastronomy tourism, sustainable tourism, and hospitality leadership. Women can excel in food tourism experiences, agritourism, photography tourism, dance tourism and luxury hospitality services to name a few. To encourage more women to pursue these paths, we need stronger mentorship, targeted training programmes and greater investment in female-led tourism ventures. By sharing personal experiences and highlighting the sustainability of the industry, women can empower and uplift each other, inspiring more to step into leadership roles and shape the future of tourism."
6. What advice would you give to young women and girls aspiring to enter the tourism industry, and how can they use their unique perspectives to drive positive change?
"My advice to young women and girls entering the tourism industry is to believe in your unique product or service and understand the problem it solves. This could be a culinary experience, boutique accommodation, cultural tour, or sustainable travel initiative—whatever sets you apart and enhances the travel experience. Know your audience and design experiences that meet their needs while maintaining a standard of excellence. Be open to constructive feedback, seek mentorship/professional training and stay confident in your value. Women bring fresh perspectives—whether through storytelling, sustainability, or community-driven initiatives—that can transform tourism into a more enriching and responsible industry. By embracing these principles, you can drive real innovation and make a lasting impact."
As we close this inspiring conversation, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Kinia for sharing her journey, insights and passion for culinary tourism. Her dedication to celebrating local flavors, empowering her community and revolutionizing the dining experience is a true testament to the impact of women entrepreneurs in Tobago’s tourism. Through HER work, Kinia embodies the spirit of Honouring, Empowering, Revolutionising…HER, paving the way for others to follow. We can’t wait to see how her story continues to unfold and inspire. Thank you, Kinia, for reminding us that food is not just a meal—it’s an experience!