Meet Bengala Ngobene

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bengala Ngobene. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bengala below.

Bengala, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from my upbringing and the values instilled in me growing up in Southern Africa. In my culture, we are taught to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and to never back down in the face of adversity. Moving to the United States in 2018 and starting Chakalaka was no easy feat, but I’ve always drawn strength from my roots, my family and the unwavering support of the community, together with the belief that hard work and persistence pay off. The journey of building Chakalaka has had its ups and downs, but my passion for sharing unexplored flavors keeps me going. Resilience, to me, is about purpose in knowing why you started and pushing through every obstacle to stay true to that vision.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Bengala Ngobene, the Founder and CEO of Chakalaka, LLC, a gourmet condiment company that brings unexplored and unique flavors inspired by my Southern African heritage. I am also a marketing guru with digital marketing and traditional advertising experience and when I am not behind a laptop, I am crafting recipes that elevate everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. I love to cook and Chakalaka was born from my desire to combine my love for clean, healthy eating with my culinary creativity. I wanted to build a company that reflected my passion for good food that is made with fresh, natural ingredients and offering an unexplored balance of flavor and heat.

What excites me most about Chakalaka is the connection it fosters between people, cultures, and the food they share. It’s incredibly fulfilling to hear customers tell me how Chakalaka has transformed their BBQs, dinner parties, and even weeknight meals.

This year has been an exciting one for Chakalaka. I have seen incredible growth, increasing production by over 500%, and expanding distribution through farmers’ markets, pop-ups, and our online store. I am also looking forward to launching new products, expanding my product line to include marinades and spice blends, and securing a larger facility to support the growing demand. One of the most exciting developments is my vision to open a dedicated tasting room and retail space where people can experience the full spectrum of Chakalaka flavors.

At its heart, Chakalaka is more than a brand, it’s a celebration of culture, flavor, and the power of food to bring people together. I’m incredibly proud of what it is so far and grateful to share this journey with everyone.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three key qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and a strong vision.

Resilience has been essential in overcoming the challenges that come with starting and growing a business. There have been moments of uncertainty and setbacks, but my determination to share the flavors and values of my heritage kept me moving forward. Resilience is like a muscle, you build it through experience. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn, and remember that setbacks don’t define you, how you respond to them does.

Adaptability has been equally important. The journey of building Chakalaka has required me to wear many hats and pivot quickly when things didn’t go as planned. Whether managing supply chain issues, experimenting with recipes, or adjusting marketing strategies, being adaptable allowed me to grow with the business and stay ahead of the curve. Staying open to learning new skills and approaches can make a world of difference, especially when navigating the unexpected.

Lastly, a clear vision has been my guiding light. From the start, I wanted Chakalaka to represent more than just condiments. It’s about celebrating culture, fostering connection, and bringing culinary innovation to people’s tables. A strong sense of purpose helps you stay focused, even when the path is uncertain. Taking the time to define your “why” will give you clarity and serve as your compass in both big and small decisions.

For those early in their journey, I’d say this, Stay curious, stay committed, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every experience, whether good or bad, is a step forward. Surround yourself with a supportive community, invest in continuous learning, and never lose sight of why you started in the first place.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has played a pivotal role in my development is “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. It’s a timeless guide to cultivating a success-oriented mindset, and its principles have had a profound impact on how I approach both my personal and professional life.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve taken from the book is the power of a definite purpose. Hill emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision of what you want to achieve and channeling your energy and efforts toward that goal. For me, that purpose has been bringing healthy and vibrant flavors of my Southern African heritage to the world through Chakalaka. Every step I’ve taken in building my business has been anchored in that vision.

Another key insight is the importance of persistence. The book reminds us that obstacles are inevitable, but they can be overcome with determination and an unwavering belief in your goals. This principle has been especially relevant in my entrepreneurial journey, where setbacks have often turned out to be opportunities in disguise.

Finally, “Think and Grow Rich” taught me the power of surrounding myself with like-minded individuals. The concept of the “Mastermind Group” resonates deeply. It’s about collaborating with people who inspire you, challenge you, and share your drive for success. I’ve applied this by building a network of mentors, peers, and supporters who have been invaluable in both my growth and Chakalaka’s success.

The book is a reminder that success begins in the mind. It’s about cultivating focus, resilience, and belief in yourself, qualities that I continue to carry with me every day.

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