- Have you ever worked for someone else?
Yes, I was a concierge for a one of the best tour companies in Kenya. Making restaurant and hotel bookings, seeing to the nitty gritty behind the scenes stuff that translated into a beautiful experience for the guest.
I really enjoyed my work, learned a lot and came away with an amazing experience.
- What made you decide to leave formal employment?
The decision was not mine. I did not want to leave but the company was downsizing after Kenya’s worst post-election violence that had a negative impact on the country’s economy.
Fortunately I had a tour and car rental company and also run a local food restaurant. Business was not great but it was satisfactory and a really good learning curve. I closed both down when we relocated to Zambia.
- What are you doing now?
I run Kisasa Kitchen a company that sells Kitchenware (knives, forks, flasks etc.) I am also underway to registering a catering company so… be on the lookout for Kisasa Kitchen Caterers.
Going the food way was a no brainer as I have always been drawn to food. Cooking and experimenting with food in the kitchen took on another dimension in Zambia (been here 5 years) as I found myself with a lot of time on my hands. The experimenting and cooking fell into posting on line where I got really great feedback. I also was hosting dinners and got the same positive reaction and it was really nice to get validation in what I believe to be my biggest strength.
Kisasa means modern in Swahili and my cooking represents the modern times we live in. I am advocating for renewing African recipes and giving our food a “make-over”.
Successful entrepreneurs have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and where they want to go. They are able to identify opportunities and take calculated risks to achieve their goals.
- What would you do differently now and why?
I wish that I had begun being active and positioned myself earlier on social media.
- Which chefs do you follow?
Jamie Oliver (my favorite), Martha Stewart, and Ahmed Rickey.
- What do you like to eat when you go out to a restaurant?
I tend to go for the chef’s special because chef’s specials are original and have an authentic taste. If I do not go for the chef’s special I order a beef fillet because Zambian beef is among the best! At home my favorite is roast chicken and baked potatoes.
I wish that I had begun being active and positioned myself earlier on social media.
