We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Evangeline (Eva) Bundi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Evangeline (Eva) below.
Hi Evangeline (Eva), appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I draw my resilience from the incredible women in my family who have faced immense challenges and still managed to demonstrate strength and love. For instance, my paternal grandmother, despite enduring domestic abuse, found solace in the art of cooking and used it as a way to show us affection and care. Her resilience in the face of adversity taught me the transformative power of love and the ability to find joy even in difficult circumstances.
My mother’s journey has also been an inspiration to me. After a tough divorce that left her penniless and burdened with debt, she single-handedly raised three children. Her unwavering determination to provide for us, to never give up, and to always put our well-being first, instilled in me the value of perseverance and the belief that no obstacle is insurmountable.
Moreover, my maternal grandmother’s story is a testament to resilience on an extraordinary scale. During Kenya’s fight for independence and the Mau Mau revolution, she had to raise fifteen children, some of whom she even gave birth to in the forest while hiding from the oppressors! Her unwavering spirit, resilience, and ability to navigate through unimaginable challenges have shown me the strength that lies within us, even in the face of adversity.
These women have taught me that resilience comes from embracing our experiences, finding strength in the most challenging moments, and always looking for opportunities to grow. Their stories have shaped my perspective on life, reminding me that I have the power to overcome any obstacle that comes my way. Their unwavering strength continues to inspire and drive me forward.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a chef and caterer, and what I find most exciting and special about my work is the opportunity to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of East Africa. Through my brand, I aim to infuse the vibrant flavors and traditional recipes of my East African origins into every dish I create.
What sets my brand apart is the passion and dedication I have for showcasing the unique flavors and ingredients that define East African cuisine. I strive to create a sensory experience that takes people on a journey, where they can taste the spices, smell the aromas, and feel the cultural richness that each dish represents.
One aspect that I am particularly proud of is the attention to detail and authenticity in my cooking. I take great care in sourcing high-quality ingredients, often incorporating traditional techniques and recipes passed down through generations. This commitment to preserving the authenticity of East African flavors allows me to create dishes that not only taste incredible but also serve as a bridge between cultures, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity of our world.
Through my brand, I hope to not only provide exceptional culinary experiences but also educate and inspire others about the beauty of East African cuisine. I believe that food has the power to bring people together, create connections, and foster understanding. It is my mission to share the richness of my heritage and the stories behind each dish, allowing people to connect with East African culture on a deeper level.
I also take pride in my commitment to sustainability and supporting local communities. Whenever possible, I source ingredients from local farmers and businesses, ensuring that my brand contributes positively to the communities it operates in. We also have two new products in the market; a chili jam and a chili oil that capture the bold flavors of my roots.
In summary, my brand is all about celebrating the flavors, traditions, and stories of East African cuisine. I aim to create memorable experiences through my culinary creations, fostering appreciation for diverse cultures and promoting a deeper understanding of the world through the universal language of food.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Passion and Resilience: Passion is the driving force behind any successful endeavor. It fuels the motivation to push through challenges and pursue excellence. Cultivate your passion by immersing yourself in your chosen field, exploring different aspects, and continuously seeking inspiration. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and develop resilience to bounce back stronger. Remember that setbacks are inevitable, but it’s your passion and resilience that will keep you moving forward. Advice: Nurture your passion by seeking out mentors, attending workshops or classes, and engaging with others who share your interests. Surround yourself with positive influences and celebrate small victories along the way. When faced with obstacles, remind yourself of the reasons why you started and find ways to adapt and overcome. I also have a group of friends who have been with me since the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, they cheer me on and remind me of my why when it gets tough and are quick to celebrate my wins. Having this circle of embrace is important.
Continuous Learning: In today’s ever-evolving world, being open to learning and adapting is crucial for success. Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning. Seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge, whether through formal education, workshops, conferences, or self-study. Embrace new technologies, trends, and innovations in your field, and be willing to adapt your skills and approaches as needed.
Advice: Create a learning plan or set specific learning goals for yourself. Actively seek out resources, such as books, online courses, or industry publications, to stay updated with the latest developments in your field. Leverage social media, Network with professionals, join relevant communities, and engage in discussions to gain insights and broaden your perspective. Embrace feedback and continuously seek ways to improve.
Networking: Building relationships and effective communication are essential in any industry. Develop strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, clear articulation, and empathy. Learn to communicate your ideas, visions, and values effectively. Networking plays a crucial role in creating opportunities, so invest time in building genuine connections with peers, mentors, and industry professionals.
Advice: Seek opportunities to practice your communication skills, such as public speaking or participating in group discussions. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage in online communities to expand your network. Be proactive in reaching out to others, offering assistance, and showing genuine interest in their work. Remember that networking is a two-way street, so always strive to provide value and build meaningful connections.
In conclusion, passion and resilience, continuous learning and adaptability, and strong communication and networking skills have been instrumental in my journey. My advice for those starting out is to cultivate these qualities, actively seek opportunities for growth, and embrace the power of genuine connections. Remember that success is a result of consistent effort, perseverance, and a commitment to personal and professional development
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Currently, one challenge I am facing is the perpetuation of the “single story” around African cuisine. The single story refers to the limited, stereotypical narratives and perceptions that exist about a particular culture or region. In the case of African cuisine, there is a prevalent misconception that it is solely about exotic, spicy, and monolithic dishes.
This single story can have a significant impact on customer conversion and receptiveness to trying African cuisine. It creates barriers and hesitation, as potential customers may have preconceived notions or stereotypes about the flavors, ingredients, and overall dining experience associated with African food.
To overcome this challenge, it is essential to actively challenge and change the narrative surrounding African cuisine. As a chef, I strive to educate and expose customers to the true depth and diversity of African flavors. By showcasing the wide range of ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural influences, I aim to break down stereotypes and expand customers’ understanding and appreciation of African cuisine.
Creating engaging and immersive dining experiences can also be a powerful tool in converting customers. Through tastings, pop-up events, and interactive cooking demonstrations, I provide an opportunity for customers to experience the diverse flavors and stories behind African dishes. This helps to dismantle the single story and foster a deeper connection and curiosity about African culinary traditions.
Collaboration and partnerships with other chefs, local communities, and cultural organizations can also play a vital role in dispelling the single story. By working together to highlight the nuances and complexities of African cuisine, we can create a more inclusive and accurate representation that encourages customers to explore and embrace the richness of African flavors.
Ultimately, by challenging the single story and showcasing the true diversity of African cuisine, we can enhance customer conversion by inviting them on a culinary journey that exceeds their expectations and opens their palates to a world of incredible flavors and experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.thekibanda.com
- Instagram: @thekibandachef
- Facebook: The Kibanda
- Linkedin: The Kibanda
- Youtube: The Kibanda
- Yelp: The Kibanda chef
