In the vibrant and culturally rich tapestry of New Orleans, Louisiana, one name stands out as a beacon of resilience, creativity, and boundless talent: Trinese Jordan Duplessis. Born in 1973, Duplessis embodies the spirit of her beloved city, blending the flavors of her heritage with a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, activism, and entrepreneurship.
Her journey is nothing short of remarkable—a narrative as rich as the gumbo she’s now renowned for. An award-winning playwright, celebrated chef, actress, and motivational speaker, Duplessis defies categorization. She is a wife, a mother, and a relentless visionary whose gifts have inspired audiences far beyond the bayous of Louisiana.
A Culinary Star is Born
Duplessis’s most recent triumph is the launch of her dry gumbo roux under the banner of her new brand, “Dat Gumbo Lady.” With products now stocked in iconic New Orleans institutions such as Circle Food Store, Canseco’s on Esplanade Avenue, and multiple Breaux Mart locations, she has elevated the accessibility of authentic Creole flavors. Her gumbo roux is not just a product; it’s a love letter to her city, encapsulating the culinary traditions passed down through her family for generations.
This expansion into grocery stores is just one chapter in her culinary journey. Her cookbook, “Cooking with Dat New Orleans Love,” available on major platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart, has reached kitchens as far away as Ghana, China, and Japan. The book is not just a collection of recipes but a narrative of her life, her roots, and the lessons learned in her grandmother’s kitchen as early as age three.
A Life of Many Hats
Duplessis’s path to success has been anything but linear. From 2017 to 2023, she hosted “The Trinese Duplessis Show,” a local TV program that showcased her dynamic personality and knack for storytelling. As a playwright, she debuted in 2009, penning skits and monologues that grew into full-length stage productions. Her portfolio now includes 12 original stage plays, two short films, and a treasure trove of unpublished works—testaments to her unyielding creativity.
Her 2020 short film, “Corona Blues,” captured the challenges of the pandemic era with authenticity and heart. Around the same time, she launched “Cooking with Love,” a YouTube and Roku TV show that combined her culinary skills with her ability to connect with audiences.
Duplessis also runs two successful businesses: T. Duplessis Entertainment LLC, founded in 2011, and Oritri Catering LLC, launched in 2018. Both ventures reflect her entrepreneurial spirit and her drive to uplift others through her talents.
Faith, Family, and Purpose
At the core of Duplessis’s success is her faith and her family. Her husband of 27 years, whom she calls her “backbone and biggest supporter,” has been instrumental in her journey, encouraging her every step of the way. Whether ministering through her platforms, mentoring young creatives, or building a culinary empire, Duplessis credits her God-given gifts as the foundation of her work.
Her outreach knows no borders. Her cookbook and projects have been featured in international publications, including a magazine in India, further solidifying her global impact.
A Legacy Rooted in Love
For Duplessis, it all comes back to the kitchen. Cooking is not just a skill but a legacy. Inspired by her grandmother, who taught her the art of Creole cuisine, Duplessis sees her culinary ventures as a way to preserve and share her heritage.
In her words: “Cooking is an act of love. It’s about bringing people together, one dish at a time.”
The Road Ahead
As she continues to grow her brand, launch new products like her Creole Jambalaya mix, and inspire others through her work, Trinese Duplessis remains a true gem of New Orleans. She is not only preserving the culture of her city but also reinventing it, one creation at a time.
Whether through her words, her food, or her presence, Trinese Duplessis is proof that a life lived with purpose, faith, and love can change the world—and taste amazing while doing it.
For more on Trinese Duplessis and her journey, visit her platforms and discover what it means to cook, create, and live “Dat New Orleans Love.”
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