Community Spotlight Interview: Meet Jay – The Founder of The Ripe Avocado

In this blog, we speak to Jay Burgesson-Carter, founder of The Ripe Avocado Ltd, about his inspiring journey from construction to launching one of London’s most inclusive premium catering companies. Jay shares the motivations behind starting his own business, the challenges of building a start-up, and his commitment to diversity, representation, and ethical practices within the hospitality industry.

Tell me a bit about yourself…

I’m Jay Burgesson-Carter, director and founder of The Ripe Avocado Ltd, a premium bespoke catering and events company based in London. My career began in construction, where I trained as a quantity surveyor. However, I quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit for me. I decided to pivot and study Events and Hospitality Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. Despite having only six GCSEs, I was accepted and moved up north to begin a new chapter.

As part of my degree, I completed a placement with a well-known London catering company just before the economic crash. It was an unforgettable year filled with high-end, extravagant events. Unfortunately, the company went into liquidation during my final week. After completing my degree, I rejoined my former boss’s new venture, The London Kitchen, and became a director at just 25. I spent nearly a decade there, learning, leading and growing the business.

I later moved on to Food Show, a fine-dining events company, first as Commercial Director and then Managing Director—just before the pandemic hit. After steering the company through COVID-19, I joined Bovingdon’s Catering to help scale and sell the business. We focused on people, culture, and growth. The business was acquired by US-based Oak View Group, where I became Managing Director of a multisite, multimillion-pound operation.

After two fulfilling years, I realised I missed the intimacy and culture of a founder-led environment. With encouragement from my mentor—and nearly 16 years of experience building other people’s businesses—I decided to launch my own.

.

What inspired you to start your business?

I discovered my passion lies in working with small, boutique-style companies—particularly alongside a founder or owner. It’s important to me to lead with integrity and only make promises to my team and clients that I know I can keep.

During market research, I identified 40 direct competitors in the premium and heritage catering space. I was shocked to find that only a handful were independent. Just four were run by women, two by people who identified as gay, and not a single one was Black-owned. That ignited my disruptive spirit. I wanted to create a business that championed diversity, representation, and ethical practices. Today, I’m proud to lead a brilliantly diverse team, working with equally diverse clients and venues.

.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?

Resourcing has been the greatest challenge. As a start-up, it’s a delicate balance. You don’t want to overhire too soon, but you also can’t afford to exhaust a small team. I’m incredibly fortunate to now have a passionate and committed team who fully share the vision for growth without ever compromising on our values.

What does a typical day in your role look like?

There’s no such thing as a typical day! I live outside of London, so my mornings start early—up at 5.45am and out the door by 6.30am. Once I’m in the office, the day begins with a cup of tea and a team catch-up to review the day’s tasks.

From there, I focus on client enquiries and proposals and usually schedule a client or venue meeting every other day. That said, plans can change in an instant. Recently, we turned around a dinner for 40 guests in under three days, so adaptability is essential.

What sets your service apart from others in the industry?

We try not to compare ourselves with others. That kind of thinking can derail your confidence. Instead, I encourage my team to focus on our efforts and journey.

That said, I’m incredibly proud that we’re a small, independently Black and gay-owned business with London Living Wage accreditation, quality and sustainability credentials, and a place on the preferred supplier list at the British Museum. Our menus feature West African-inspired dishes – many are completely new to some of our clients, who leave excited and intrigued by the experience.

What has been your proudest moment or greatest achievement in your career so far?.

Celebrating our first business birthday was a major milestone. Reflecting on everything we’ve achieved as a team in such a short space of time was incredibly rewarding. And the most exciting part? We’re only just getting started.

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow a similar path or start their own venture?.

My team are my biggest source of motivation. Their passion and dedication inspire me every day. I always tell them: this business isn’t just mine—it’s ours. In the not-too-distant future, I fully intend for them to own part of it too.

How do you stay motivated and maintain your passion for what you do?

Do it. Honestly. What’s the worst that can happen? Maybe it doesn’t work out. Maybe your pride takes a hit. But your friends, family and support network will help rebuild your confidence—and you’ll likely land a great new role doing something similar. This is the mindset that helped me launch—and I’ve never looked back.

Read more community spotlight interviews here.