Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Kayode.
Hi Janet, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, the kitchen was the last place I wanted to be. I ran away from every chance despite my mother being a talented baker and caterer. It wasn’t until I found myself working in a restaurant during my first year of college my perspective began to shift.
The restaurant where I worked (simi’s restaurant) quickly became a second home and I formed a close bond with the owner and us having the same name (funmi) made me love her even more. Her warmth and hospitality made me feel like a part of the family, and I found myself drawn to the hustle and bustle of the kitchen.
But it wasn’t until I left the restaurant that I truly began to appreciate the art of cooking. I wasn’t around the familiar flavors of home, I found myself longing for the comforting dishes of home. I had to reach out to the one person that always had the answers: my mother.
My mother became my lifeline, lol. Whether it was fixing a dish too sweet, too salty, too salty, too tangy, she always had a solution. She had a secret to perfecting every dish.
Before I knew it, I found myself spending more and more time in the kitchen, eagerly experimenting with new recipes and techniques. The joy of watching my friends experience and enjoy what I would create the kitchen was infectious, it quickly became a way to connect with friends and loved ones, their spectacular reactions exclaiming over the explosion of flavors that danced on their tastebuds made me realize I stumbled upon something truly special.
Before I knew it, my friend started marketing on my behalf, made me turn platesofshade into a business, broke out of my comfort zone, and today, as the founder of platesofshade, I’m honored to share the flavors of West Africa with the world. What started as just a hobby has blossomed into a heartfelt tribute to my heritage, fueled by the grace of God, the guidance and love of my mother, friends, and loved ones.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been an easy ride! far from it… launching the business from scratch, navigating permits, licenses, and regulations for events felt like wading through a sea of red tape, amongst many others. One of my greatest challenges was overcoming self-doubt when I got orders. I never saw myself as a natural in the kitchen and there were moments, I questioned myself. I used to get overwhelmed and stressed when I got large orders, but with the unwavering Grace of God and the support of family, friends, and loyal customers, I found the courage to push forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At platesofshade we are passionate about not only creating authentic dishes but also celebrating vibrant flavors. We are known for our commitment to authenticity, quality, and flavor. While we stay true to tradition, we are not also afraid to put our own unique spin on classic dishes. Our culinary team is constantly experimenting with new flavors and techniques to push the boundaries of West African cuisine and create exciting one-of-a-kind dishes that our customers will love. We want people to know hospitality is literally the heart of everything we do, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels at home, we always want to hear our customers feedback weather good or bad, every single feedback matters to us! Over here, it is more than just a meal- It is an experience!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Platesofshade offers catering services nationwide and ships meals across the USA and Canada, so wherever you are, you can definitely enjoy that delicious West African cuisine right at your doorstep.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.platesofshade.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platesofshade?igsh=MXhyOWU3YTZ3bTBuYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
