Our Origin Story
D&L Exotic was founded from a place of passion, purpose, and a deep love for bold flavor. Owner and founder Monica Ables started the company with a simple but powerful idea: food should tell a story, bring people together, and reflect culture, creativity, and confidence. As a Black woman entrepreneur, Monica wanted to build something that honored her roots while creating space for innovation in an industry where her voice had often been underrepresented.
Monica’s journey with food began long before D&L Exotic became a brand. Growing up, the kitchen was the heart of her home—a place filled with laughter, music, and recipes passed down through generations. Family cookouts, Sunday dinners, and neighborhood gatherings all revolved around flavor-forward dishes and homemade sauces that never came from a bottle. Those early experiences planted the seed for what would eventually become Coleman’s BBQ Sauce.
As Monica moved into adulthood, she noticed a gap in the market. While there were countless barbecue sauces on store shelves, very few truly captured the bold, layered flavors she grew up with—or represented the diversity behind those flavors. She wanted to create something different: a sauce that was tangy, sweet, spicy, and unapologetically bold, just like the communities and traditions that inspired it.
Starting D&L Exotic wasn’t without challenges. Monica balanced work, family responsibilities, and countless late nights testing recipes, researching packaging, and learning the business side of food production. There were moments of doubt, but her vision never wavered. Each obstacle only strengthened her determination to build a brand that stood for quality, authenticity, and resilience.
For Monica, D&L Exotic is about more than just selling sauce—it’s about representation and legacy. She wanted to show other Black women, especially aspiring entrepreneurs, that it’s possible to turn passion into a thriving business. By owning her brand and controlling her narrative, Monica created something that reflects both her personal journey and her commitment to excellence.
The name D&L Exotic itself represents Monica’s belief in embracing what makes flavors—and people—unique. “Exotic” isn’t about being unfamiliar; it’s about celebrating boldness, richness, and individuality. Every product under the D&L Exotic name is crafted with intention, care, and a desire to stand out in the best way possible.
Community also plays a major role in why Monica started the company. She believes food is one of the strongest connectors we have, capable of bringing people from all walks of life together. Whether it’s at a family dinner, a restaurant table, or a backyard barbecue, Coleman’s BBQ Sauce was created to spark conversation and create memorable moments.
Today, D&L Exotic represents Monica Ables’ commitment to flavor, culture, and empowerment. What started as a dream rooted in family recipes and personal history has grown into a brand with purpose and promise. This is only the beginning, and Monica’s story—like her sauce—is bold, evolving, and built to last.
