Djenaba Johnson-Jones

Djenaba Johnson‑Jones is the founder and CEO of Hudson Kitchen, a New Jersey‑based food business incubator and shared commercial kitchen dedicated to helping entrepreneurs launch and scale sustainable CPG brands. Djenaba’s food-industry journey began in 2014 when she decided to launch her own business, an experience that revealed a critical gap for early‑stage founders: access to licensed kitchen space, practical education, and a clear route to market. 

To address that need, Djenaba launched Hudson Kitchen in 2015. Her early focus was on building community through workshops, consultations, and networking events; in 2019, she expanded the organization into an 8,000‑square‑foot facility in Kearny, New Jersey, offering 24/7 kitchen access, storage, and operational infrastructure. Since then, Hudson Kitchen has evolved into a focused ecosystem for packaged food founders, centered on accountability, skill‑building, and long‑term viability. 

At the core of Hudson Kitchen’s mission is the Food Business Bootcamp® Startup Accelerator, an intensive program that guides entrepreneurs from idea to market‑ready product. Through its programs and facility, Hudson Kitchen has helped founders generate millions in collective revenue and create hundreds of jobs, strengthening the regional food economy. 

Djenaba’s leadership continues to shape the next generation of food brands, proving that meaningful infrastructure, paired with education and community, can transform entrepreneurial ambition into lasting impact.