Seasoned Grace: Food, fashion, and family with bold grace. A conversation with Candacy Rodrigues.

Candacy Rodrigues is the force and flavor behind Dear Dacy—a brand built from soul, spice, and style. A devoted mama of two boys, a culinary designer, and the creator of the beloved Dash of Dacy seasonings, Candacy blends food, fashion, and family with bold grace. But beyond the curated dishes and colorful plates lies a deeper recipe—one stirred with reflection, healing, and heart.

In this conversation, Candacy shares the flavor she carries: the roots that ground her, the joys that nourish her, and the griefs that have seasoned her story. From her evolution in the kitchen to her sacred role as a mother, every layer reveals a woman honoring both legacy and becoming.

FOUNDATION & FLAVOR

1. Candacy, you’re known for blending style with flavor in such a distinct way—how did your culinary journey begin?

I’ve come to realize over the past year that my culinary journey actually began long before Dash of Dacy or Dear Dacy officially launched in 2019. Looking back, I think it’s been chasing me down all along—waiting for me to catch up and recognize that this is what I was meant to do.

The truth is, the journey started well before me. My mom has been a caterer for nearly 40 years. My paternal grandmother worked as a school lunch lady, and my maternal grandmother used to dehydrate fish in Guyana and travel to Trinidad and Tobago to sell it. Food, in many ways, runs through my bloodline.

Some of my earliest memories are of being in the kitchen with my grandmother—baking, learning, and just being present in that space of warmth and creativity. I remember hosting bake sales and organizing international days at school, where each student would bring a dish that represented their culture.

So while the business began in 2019, the journey itself started long before that. I’m only now fully realizing that food has always been a part of my story—it just took me a while to connect the dots.

2. What’s the story behind Dear Dacy and your signature Dash of Dacy seasonings?

In hindsight, Dash of Dacy was born shortly after I had my first son, Dylan. Motherhood shifted everything—suddenly, it wasn’t just about feeding myself, it was about nourishing someone else. Cooking became a daily ritual, a way to care for him and also a creative outlet for me.

I found myself constantly using international spices—blends I grew up with, flavors from back home. Many of the ingredients weren’t available in local markets. A few you could find in Asian grocery stores, but a lot of them came straight from different places around the country and the Caribbean. Every time I shared a dish online, people would ask, “What seasoning did you use?” or “Where can I buy that?” At first, I didn’t think much of it—but as the questions kept coming, I realized people weren’t just curious. They wanted access to these flavors.

Still, it wasn’t until after I had my second son, Dakota, in 2019, that I decided to actually launch the seasonings as a business. That’s when Dash of Dacy officially became a thing. A friend helped come up with the name, and it just made perfect sense—because each blend is a small measure of me. A dash of culture, a dash of story, a dash of heart.

As for Dear Dacy, that began as a deeply personal practice. Every year on my birthday, I’d write a letter to myself beginning with “Dear Dacy,” then open the previous year’s letter to reflect on my growth. It was a way to stay grounded and intentional.

The name also carries a special memory from childhood. One Christmas, I was in the kitchen with my grandmother while she baked bread—a tradition in our family. I was always right under her, never wanting to leave her side. That day, a full container of flour fell and covered me from head to toe. I thought I was in big trouble, but she just burst out laughing and looked at me with so much love. I’ll never forget her saying something like, “My dear Dacy…” That moment stayed with me.

So when it came time to name my luxury cookware brand, Dear Dacy was the obvious choice. It’s a reflection of those memories, that legacy, and the deep love and connection food has always represented for me.

3. Who or what has shaped your palate and passion in the kitchen?

That’s a beautiful question. I don’t think there was just one person or one experience that shaped my palate and passion in the kitchen—it’s been a combination of many things over time.

Both my parents were born in Guyana, and I’m a first-generation American raised in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is such a vibrant melting pot—you can walk a block and find Caribbean food, then just a few steps away there’s American classics, Chinese cuisine, and every kind of flavor you can imagine. Growing up there was like having the world’s kitchen at my doorstep.

My cultural upbringing is a big part of my cooking. Guyana is definitely the backbone of many of the dishes and recipes I create—it’s the foundation. But Brooklyn is the garnish that adds extra flavor, texture, and color. And America itself is the plate that holds it all together.

I’ve always loved trying new cuisines, because for me, it’s not enough to just know Guyanese recipes—I want to understand all kinds of flavors and traditions. At the core of it all, though, food has this incredible power to bring people together, no matter where you’re from.

4. When you’re creating a new recipe or seasoning blend, what inspires the process?

Over the years, I’ve learned that I’m a traditionalist at heart when it comes to creating recipes. Here’s the thing—I believe there’s really nothing new under the sun. There are countless ways to make baked macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, or chicken chow mein. For me, tradition matters.

When I create a recipe, I love to honor how the dish is supposed to be presented and experienced—the way I grew up enjoying it. That doesn’t mean I won’t tweak or introduce new elements from time to time, but I try not to stray too far from the roots of the dish.

I also think a lot about the feeling I want to evoke when someone eats my food or uses my seasonings. Do I want them to feel happy, comforted, nostalgic, excited, or even just at home? That emotional connection is what guides me.

So, while I respect tradition, I also put my own flair—my own dash and signature—into each recipe  to make it uniquely mine.

5. What’s your absolute favorite recipe to create—and why does it mean so much to you?

This is such a great question—most people usually ask me what my favorite thing to eat is, and honestly, I never love that question because I have so many favorites! But you’re asking what my favorite recipe to create is, and I can genuinely say it’s Guyanese Plait Bread and Guyanese Pepperpot

It all goes back to that Christmas memory in the kitchen with my grandmother. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday—not because of gifts or Santa, but because of the deep, beautiful memories tied to food and family. The smells, the sounds, the warmth… baking bread, eating pepper pot, ham, cheese, garlic pork—it was all part of the tradition.

But it’s the bread that really stirs something in me. Every time I make it, it brings me right back to those childhood moments. It reminds me of every Christmas I spent with my grandparents growing up. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a memory, a feeling, a connection to home and legacy.

FAMILY & HERITAGE

6. How has your upbringing or culture influenced the way you cook and feed your family today?

My upbringing has influenced the way I cook and feed my family in such a significant way. I can’t remember a single time growing up when I came home and there wasn’t a hot plate of food on the table. No matter what was going on, my mother always made sure we were fed—and that kind of consistency, that love shown through food, stayed with me.

Now as a mom, it warms my heart to carry that same tradition forward. It’s okay to grab fast food every now and then, but there’s something deeply comforting about making sure my kids have a home-cooked meal. It’s how I show love—not just through how I nurture them emotionally, but also through the food I prepare.

My kids are definitely familiar with Caribbean and Guyanese food, but I also make a conscious effort to introduce them to other flavors and cuisines. I grew up eating rice with almost every meal, which I loved, but I’ve made it a point to give my children more variety. I’ll serve salads, roasted veggies, or different grains instead of rice every night—just to broaden their palates and show them there’s a whole world of food out there.

Like tonight, for example—we had cheeseburgers with a watermelon cucumber salad, topped with feta, fresh mint, and a citrusy dressing. It’s about balance, tradition, and exploration—all served on one plate.

7. What does “family around the table” mean to you?

“Family around the table” means everything to me. It’s not just about eating together—it’s about connection, conversation, and love. Growing up, the table was where we laughed, shared stories, celebrated holidays, and simply showed up for each other. It was never just about the food; it was about the togetherness.

Now, as a mother, I try to recreate that same feeling for my family. Sitting down at the table is our time to slow down, put the gadgets away, and just be present with one another. It’s where I get to nourish not just their bodies, but also their hearts. I want my kids to remember those moments, the same way I remember sitting around the table with my grandparents, my mom, my siblings and the smells of curry chicken or salt-fish & bake filling the house.

To me, family around the table is love in its most everyday, sacred form.

8. How do you involve your boys in the kitchen, if at all? What do you hope they carry forward from these moments?

This is something I had to learn over time—inviting my boys into the kitchen. If you know me, you know the kitchen is my sanctuary. It’s my safe space. I like to be in there with a clear mind, in my own world, knowing exactly what I need to do. So having them in there with me? Whew—at first, it was a challenge!

But then I started thinking about my own childhood. I can’t remember a single time my grandmother told me to get out of the kitchen. And trust me—I was under her all the time, probably driving her crazy. I was so close to her while she cooked, I wanted to be in her skin! But she let me stay. She never made me feel like I was in the way.

And that shifted my mindset. If I want my boys to really learn—how to cook, how to carry on traditions, how to build confidence in the kitchen—I have to invite them in. Some days, sure, I need to just get in and get out. But on other days when the pace is slower, I let them join me. I teach them little things here and there. Sometimes I even lay out the ingredients and let them cook the whole meal themselves.

I want them to know they’re not an inconvenience. They belong in that space, too. And especially as young boys who will grow into men, I want them to know how to feed themselves, how to take care of a household, and not assume a woman will always be the one cooking for them.

More than anything, I hope they carry forward the joy in it. Even if they don’t love every recipe, I want them to feel that making food for yourself or someone you love isn’t a chore—it’s an act of care, of creativity, of connection. It’s something that can be passed down. And I hope one day, they pass it down too.

MOTHERHOOD & MEANING

9. How has motherhood changed the way you see yourself—as a woman and as a creator?

Motherhood has transformed how I see myself in so many profound ways—both as a woman and as a creator. Before becoming a mom, my identity was tied mostly to my personal passions and ambitions. But motherhood added a whole new layer of purpose and meaning to everything I do.

As a woman, motherhood has deepened my sense of strength and patience. It’s shown me how much love and resilience I carry inside. It’s also taught me vulnerability—how to embrace imperfections and keep moving forward even when things get tough.

As a creator, motherhood has expanded my vision and motivation. Feeding my children well, nourishing them with flavors and traditions, made me think differently about food—not just as something delicious, but as a way to nurture, connect, and express love. It sparked the idea for Dash of Dacy and deepened my commitment to sharing culture and flavor in meaningful ways.

Motherhood is a constant teacher, shaping me into a more grounded, purposeful, and creative woman every day.

10. What are some ways you care for your own heart while caring for everyone else’s?

Girl, you really got me with this one! Caring for me has always been a challenge, but I’m learning more about my heart every single day. In this season, I’m caring for my heart by being compassionate—letting it feel whatever it needs to feel without judgment.

I nurture my heart spiritually by diving into God’s word, seeking His truth and guidance about who I am and what He says about my heart. I’m learning to trust the good my heart produces, rather than defining myself by the hard or painful moments it’s been through in the past.

It’s a daily practice—showing up for myself with grace, patience, and love—so that I can continue to care for everyone else from a place of fullness.

LOSS & GRACE

11. What’s something you’ve had to grieve on your journey—whether in business, motherhood, or life?

Right now, I’m grieving a life I once thought I wanted—because at the time, it felt like the “right” thing to do. I’m grieving some of the choices I made, even when the truth was staring me in the face.

But I’ve also learned to meet those choices with compassion. I remind myself that I didn’t have the wisdom then that I have now. And even in the grief, I hold on to the belief that all things are working together for my good.

It’s a process—of letting go, of forgiving myself, and of trusting that I’m being guided toward something better.

12. How has grief shaped the way you show up in the world, or how you pour into others through food?

Grief and pain are teachers. They don’t come empty-handed—they come to give you something in return. In this season, my grief has taught me not to judge people based on one mistake. It’s helped me develop deeper empathy, greater compassion, and a new level of humility.

I’ve always been someone who felt for others, but walking through my own grief has opened my eyes even more. We’re all going through something—or growing through something—and when we lead with compassion instead of judgment, we create space for people to do better, to heal, to just be human. Grief has taught me the real power of vulnerability and not hiding behind what I’ve been through.

Grief has also shaped the way I show up for others through food. I watched my mom do it time and time again. She’s always cooked for people during their highest moments—celebrations, milestones, big wins—but what’s stayed with me most is how often she’s shown up in their lowest moments. When someone lost a loved one, when they were sick, alone, or had nothing—she was there, with a warm plate of food.

That’s what grief does. It softens you. It strips away the noise. It makes you want to give what you have, no matter how small. And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can offer someone is simply a meal that says, I see you. I’m with you. You’re not alone.

FAITH & FOUNDATION

13. How does your faith keep you grounded as you navigate motherhood, business, and everything in between?

Girl, you really cooking with these questions! Did you and God have a talk?! Because baybee, He is dealing with me on this very topic right now.

Honestly, I believe my faith is the only thing keeping me from losing my mind—literally. I’m someone who’s a stickler for order. I like to know what’s happening, when it’s happening, and how it’s happening. Control has always been my comfort zone. But for the first time in my life, I’m really learning what having faith actually means.

There’s a big difference between knowing what faith is and actually walking it out—and that’s exactly where I’m at. This is the most ungrounded I’ve ever felt in my life, but somehow… deep down, I still believe there’s more on the other side of this.

So right now, I’m navigating business, motherhood, and life day by day. I’m trying to prove to myself that I really do have faith—by showing up, doing the work, and trusting that even when it doesn’t make sense, it’s all part of God’s bigger plan for me. It’s the ‘By faith’ part I’m trying to embody, if that makes sense.

STYLE & SOUL

14. You embody a unique mix of food and fashion. How do those two worlds intersect for you?

Thank you! So growing up, we were not allowed to leave the house looking any kind of way. Clothes had to be ironed, face greased up, hair done—we had to be put together. And that mindset definitely stuck with me into adulthood.

When it comes to fashion, I think I’m one of the easiest people to style. I don’t like to do too much, but I definitely like to do enough.  I love a matching set, a good co-ord outfit—because the work is already done! All you have to do is throw on a fire bag, a great pair of shoes, and some accessories. I love bold pieces, jewel tones, and anything that makes my skin pop. And listen—I’m a sucker for a big earring. A bold, statement piece. I feel like your jewelry—your rings, your bangles, your necklaces, your eye-wear—can either make or break a look. It transforms everything.

And honestly, that same energy shows up on my plate. Just like an outfit, my dishes are always put together and intentional—but they also have that pop. That bold flavor, that unexpected twist, that makes you stop and say, “Oh wait…what is that?!” You’ll always get tradition from me, but you’ll also get something different—something that elevates it and gives it its own flair.

15. What makes you feel most beautiful or most like yourself?

Whew! I didn’t always feel like a beautiful girl growing up. My weight has fluctuated most of my life, and with that came a lot of insecurities about what beauty even meant.

These days, what makes me feel most beautiful is knowing I’m a 10—with or without makeup. I feel my absolute best when I dress and present myself in a way that feels true to me. That’s when I feel like my highest self—like, yes, girl, you wore that because you wanted to; you bought it because you liked it.

I feel most beautiful when I’m not out here seeking attention, but when my light and my depth shine so bright that it goes way beyond my facial features or my curvy body. That’s the kind of beauty I’m all about.

LEGACY & LIGHT

16. What’s one lesson you want your sons to learn from watching you build Dear Dacy?

I want my kids to learn that whatever they do in this life, it doesn’t have to be what everyone else expects or wants for them. As long as they’re passionate about something, see value in it, love it, and believe it’s part of their purpose—especially if God has revealed it to them—they should chase it with their whole heart.

I also want them to understand that slowing down isn’t failing. It means you’re catching your breath and moving in sync with the season you’re in. Life is a marathon—it’s about pacing yourself and honoring your journey.

17. What would you say to the mama out there who’s also building a dream, feeling pulled in many directions?

I’d tell her her feelings are completely valid. She is being pulled in every single direction—all the time, every single day! There’s always going to be something; it’s never going to be nothing. I’d tell her to quiet the noise and remember: she can do it all, but not all at once, not in the same season. There’s a time and season for everything, and if she honors that, she’ll see everything come together at the right moment.

I’d remind her to find joy in the mundane because not every day is going to be glitz, glam, or roses. Some days are just regular—and that’s okay. It’s about taking one step at a time, one day at a time.

And most importantly, I’d tell her to be gentle with herself—she’s doing better than she thinks. Every small victory, every moment of persistence is building the dream she’s meant to live. Keep going, mama—you’ve got this.

18. When people experience your food, your brand, or your story—what do you hope they walk away with?

I hope when people experience my food, my brand, or my story, they walk away with a little bit of me. I want them to feel like they know exactly what they’re getting and who they’re supporting. This isn’t just a food business — it’s culture, its legacy, its roots. I want them to see the Caribbean in me, the Brooklyn in me, the mother in me, and most importantly, the God in me.

I hope their palates are expanded, and that I’m not just feeding their bodies but also their spirits. I want them to appreciate tradition more deeply and to trust that what they put out into the world is necessary. Most of all, I hope they leave with the reminder that all things are working out for their good.

And, of course, I want them to carry a little Dash of Dacy or Dear Dacy moment with them — a special flavor, a memory, a feeling they can take wherever they go.

Candacy Rodrigues is more than a culinary designer—she’s a storyteller, a legacy builder, and a woman whose faith, flavor, and flair ripple through everything she touches. Through Dear Dacy, she’s created a world where food meets fashion, and motherhood meets meaning. Whether she’s crafting a dish infused with Caribbean roots or pulling together a look that’s equal parts bold and beautiful, Candacy does it with grace, soul, and unapologetic style.

Her journey is a reflection of everything sacred—raising two boys with love and intention, honoring the matriarchs who came before her, and making space for herself in the process. Watching her bring her sons into the kitchen, while showing them how to move through the world with both strength and softness, is a reminder that legacy isn’t just taught—it’s lived.

Hands down, this has been one of my favorite interviews to date. Candacy didn’t just share her story—she invited us into her home, her heart, and her kitchen. And if you’ve ever experienced Dear Dacy, you know it’s more than a brand. It’s a feeling. It’s a flavor. It’s family.

And I’m walking away full.