Victoria Fraise has been running her own successful restaurant on U.S. Hwy. 11 in Picayune for the past 17 years.

Two Sisters Creole Kitchen has been in the same location since it opened in 1997. While Fraise and her ex-husband originally formed the business, for the past seven years she has been the sole proprietor.

Fraise not only owns and manages Two Sisters, she arrives each morning at 5:30 to begin cooking the day’s meals.

Fraise said most of the meals are home cooked dishes from recipes she and her ex-husband created.

Today it is still a family business. Fraise said two of her sons work at the restaurant, one full time and the other part time.

True to the restaurant’s name, most of the items on the menu are Cajun creole dishes, including red beans and rice, gumbo and pecan pie. New dishes start out as daily specials, but if they become popular enough they are added to the regular menu.

She attributes her success to the regular customers, in addition to her hard work and dedication, Fraise said. Some of her regular customers have been enjoying lunch and dinner there since she opened the doors.

“If it’s working you stick with it, and that’s what we’ve been doing,” Fraise said.

Being a self-employed business owner is tough, however. Fraise said even though it may appear as though the business is doing well; everyday she conquers new struggles just like any other small business owner.

“I just keep at it and don’t give up,” Fraise said. “I show up everyday and pray it works out.”