Barclays Black Founder Accelerator 2021 member
Chefiesta
We are a catering and meal prep company specialising in global cuisine, from African and Caribbean to Asian and European dishes.
We focus on Meal preps ( a weeks worth of meals designed for those who don't have the time to cook or can't cook, delivered straight to the customers door), private dining, events and even have our own range of products in select stores!
Why did you join the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator?
I think it is a great idea, as well as an idea that is backed by a reputable name like Barclays. There will be a lot to learn on the programme and it is a great opportunity to network and grow alongside other black entrepreneurs.
Why did you want to start your business?
During my time at University I found a lot of people didn't know how to cook or didn't have the time to. I would come with my pre cooked meals that I bought up from home.
People would constantly ask me for a meal as well as offering to buy one off me.
It then dawned on me that there is a market for those who don't have the time to cook or can't cook and leveraging my mothers 16 years in catering I decided to partner with her to create Chefiesta.
What would be your desired outcome from this programme?
To gain potential partnerships with other businesses on the course, to gain a mentor, to learn something new that can be implemented into my business and to develop connections.
Which entrepreneur inspires you the most and why?
Richard Branson, someone who is constantly pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an entrepreneur. Always coming up with ideas some of which fail but also some that become extremely successful! Having read his books you get a glimpse into his thought process and see how hard he works. I have learnt from him how important perseverance is in business. If you fail pick yourself up, learn from it and move forward. Fail fast and fail forward.
What has been your biggest win in your entrepreneurial journey?
Between the partnership with Puregym and our first customer who happened to be a lady who wanted food made for her 105 year old dad. The dad had no taste buds, had to eat food that was soft and also had a bunch of allergens. Something we weren't sure we could do but we accepted. The fathers dying wish we were told by the daughter was to taste Caribbean food like he did back home again. We did this and more. We heard news that he loved the food and it was some of the best he had ever tasted. He later passed away but knowing we satisfied a dying wish is one of the biggest achievements as it made me know I was in the right place.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Running everything with just myself and my cofounder as this has slowed down potential growth.
Where did you go for business advice and how did it help you?
Mentors who have helped tremendously. They have allowed me to get to where I am now.
What drives you to make your business a success?
It has been something I have always wanted to do. What continues to drive me is 1. To leave a legacy for my family in the future. 2. To give back to my parents for their sacrifices they made along the way. 3. It has been a dream of mine to become a successful businessman ever since I was young. What success is changes as you get older but the goal is to be a success and later show others how they can do the same.
What advice would you give other founders thinking about starting their own business?
Make sure to do the thorough research, look at the market, look at the competitors. What are they doing and how can you be better. Most importantly, when you have done your research and you feel there is a market for your offering. Plan and persevere! Don't be afraid of failure. We live in a highlight reel society but what you dont see are the failures along the way. Don't be disheartened by set backs, keep moving forward.