How I became K1’s outdoor chef —Kifayah Olushola

Published by

2 years ago

In the world of entertainment and celebrity culture, there’s a rising star making waves, and her name is Kifayah Animasaun Olushola, the brains behind Nhoads Catering. With a unique brand name inspired by her immediate family, Nhoads Catering officially launched in 2020 but underwent a rebranding in 2021, solidifying its presence in the culinary scene.

Cooking isn’t just a skill for Kifayah; it’s a passion deeply rooted in her upbringing. Her mother, a skilled cook, passed down the love for creating delicious meals, leading Kifayah to embark on a journey that started long before the inception of Nhoads Catering.

However, starting a catering business amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t easy. Kifayah whose brand is being managed by Emiralty Africa, headed by Olakunle Idris, had to think creatively and began by providing food to those in need, demonstrating her commitment to her craft and her community.

Nhoads Catering has since had the honor of serving a diverse clientele, from royals like HRM Saheed Elegushi to music icons like King Wasiu Ayinde Marsha (Kwam 1) and Nollywood stars such as Mercy Aigbe and Lateef Adedimeji. Kifayah’s philosophy is that all her clients are celebrities in their own right, and she treats them as such.

One remarkable achievement in Kifayah’s journey was becoming Alh. Wasiu Ayinde’s official outdoor chef. This dream collaboration with her childhood idol turned into a reality beyond words.

While the catering business comes with its share of challenges, such as logistics and estimating guest numbers accurately, Nhoads Catering has overcome many hurdles, thanks to Kifayah’s determination and resourcefulness.

Kifayah finds inspiration in her clients’ reviews and feedback and relies on her husband’s constructive criticism and support. Quality service, for her, means meeting clients’ needs professionally, accurately, and with courtesy.

When asked about how the Nigerian government can support the events industry, Kifayah suggests grants, training, and free consulting services related to tax and financial statements for event vendors.

Besides catering at events, Nhoads Catering also stands as a beacon of charity in society. They engage in outreach programs, both scheduled and spontaneous. Collaborating with well-to-do individuals during scheduled events, especially during Ramadan, and sometimes sponsoring outreach efforts independently as Nhoads, they make a positive impact in their community.

READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE