Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph De Mare.
Hi Joseph, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I originally started as an Oyster Shucker around 13 years ago or so at Pearlz on Eastbay St. which at the time here in Charleston was one of few Oyster Bars, believe it or not. It was incredibly busy. Picked it up as a job my later years in college. I blew out my knee three times playing for College of Charleston mens soccer team so my scholarship eventually had a decline, the only “future” I ever knew to believe in or work towards was so far gone and really, so was I. I was very much providing for myself when I got to college so I needed to make money and I liked being busy, well I genuinely need to be busy in order for me to work, haha. I was pretty closed off and stand-off ish back then. I guess, I was just trying to figure it out, you know? So, yea, I worked there for about 5 or 6 years, became pretty skilled in the field and became more passionate about the industry in general. I think what attracted me the most at first was finding some comfort in that team type environment. If you have a good staff or team, you treat it like family and I always appreciated that non-blood related fam-grind through all the animosity this industry can throw at you. But yea. Family, I needed that.
That got me interested also in investing more of myself for something I care about. Made me feel like I can compete with myself if I have a good supporting cast.
I was offered some management roles that I felt would be a good progression and help learn more and challenge myself a bit. Became a GM at like 25 years old at one of the highest pure volume and occupancy capacity destinations in Charleston and it taught me all I was asking for, at a cost of course. The problem, was there was no mentorship. It was, “great, here’s the space, your staff and oh yea sign this for me.” Originally, I thought, hell yea, they must trust me. Man, it was like opening a door to chaos, which normally im cool with but Shit! Learned a lot almost at times tested some limits just to see if I would fail so I could find out what works and what didnt. Kept it fun, I reckon. I didn’t leave the place. I’m the type of person where If I sign the dotted line, I’ll be your most loyal and devoted guy, until you break that trust of course.
In this case my efforts and willingness really to just compete with myself on a day to day basis got the best of me and I needed out. I was burnt out, to a crisp. Took some much needed time away and really looked at things from a goal oriented perspective, not about how fast I can get there but what do I personally need to do and how do I need to change in order for “this” to work. I knew confidently what I wanted for my own concept and felt It would be something. Some things I wanted for my concept were pure, products. I wanted to know where and who my food was going to come from and I always wanted to “farm” and didn’t know ocean farming was in the future but it was always in the back of my mind, just needed an avenue. I started working at an oyster farm here from the ground up. Spent 5 years as the Farm manager and now I ventured out with De Mare Raw Bar & De Mare Raw & Co, (wholesale seafood sales) where I finally feel I’ve got what I want and need in terms of knowledge, experience and my passion only grew for building this to where it is today and to where its going. Providing sustainable seafood is imperative to my operation and working with local fisherman, farmers etc. is what we’re all about. Be as self sufficient, self providing for my raw bar is something I take pride in.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
its been an extremely difficult road. lots of ups and downs. Lots of self reflection and doubt, of course but happy I’ve gone through in my 20’s what most probably wouldn’t, because its helped me become a little less timid, a lot more accepting and patient with “life” and its put a bit more love in my soul I think. With a lot of problems ive had along the way, I’d always just recall things changed whether it be me opening up my heart for someone or something else or vice versa. Sometimes we get too caught up in ourselves. It’s good to have goals and be competitive, all thats great but I’ll still support those with the similar vision, why not? we are definitely not meant to do it all alone and opening my heart and mind up has always been the way out of any of struggle I’ve had. We need each other, big time!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Im an ocean farmer/harvester/commercial fisherman, whichever and whatever you wanna call it is good with me, haha. I opened whats now still a “pop up” called De Mare Raw Bar. We have seafood we harvest along with collaborate with local fisherman. It’s a causel/high-end styled raw bar. Detail oriented and creative, I think is what sets it apart along with being the provider for the raw bar, its something you dont see often. I want to connect people to the other side of what I do and I want people to know what they are buying, where its coming from, how its handled from shore to table, I want every time they come to De Mare Raw to be a memorable time and for us to get to know each other. The connection between sea and people is a beautiful thing and it’s also something we need to be aware of how we need to treat it because it plays a vital role in our lives. I’ve been able to see the impact a strong community has on the individuals who reside there and Charleston is a unique community that is hyper accepting of everyone in it. Thats something I want to continue with here, I want this to be a place for everyone and keep building life long bond along the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think the more good you put out, the better it may be on your end. But, maybe not. That doesn’t slow down what you put out though. Thats when you gotta be patient, keep that same energy, and I guess “luck” will come around. It comes in waves, endless waves. That doesn’t stop, but they sure do change. Nothing ever will be the same every day I wake up and thats how I have to look at “Luck”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demarerawchs/
