“The Catering Business Is One That Needs Innovation And Creativity”
Madiro Makoe | 12, March 2024
We are Chilies Events Management specialising in decor, catering and photography founded by myself, we are based in the East Rand (Sky City). We cater for small and big events like kiddies parties, baby showers and family gatherings. Chilies only came about in 2012, I always had a passion for decorating and coming with great new ideas. I started doing it as a hobby for friends and family.
The catering business is one that needs innovation and creativity, i need to always be in the lookout for new cooking skills and decor styles. So I am in all social media networks doing my research and keeping up with the latest trends, I love Google too so I am always on the net trying to up my skills.
My biggest motivation is my husband he is the one who keeps my passion moving because he has scarified a lot to see this business move, even sold our first car for us to get a mobile kitchen and proudest moments would be when Gog lifestyle in Soweto opened back in 2016 we were invited to come cater for the guests it was an honour.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED THUS FAR?
Well the struggles are always there, when I started I wanted to be the best of them all I offered less pricing to attract customers also offered my services for a later payment which was my first mistake I got a lot of people taking advantage of freebies.
Also funding is never easy, I was working and still am however the little salary I get doesn’t cover my household expenses and support my business. I have approached government agencies that assist young stars in businesses but I wouldn’t qualify because I am permanently working.
My biggest fear is leaving my job without seeing the business totally stable, in the decor industry things change all the time such as decor and furniture therefore I am forced to keep up ,which needs money to purchase plus hiring is also expensive customers always asks for cheaper service doesn’t make it any better.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN WHO WANT TO GET INTO THE CATERING BUSINESS
I would tell women who want to venture into this business to come in whole heartedly, ready to give it her all. I always say I would have left this if I didn’t love what I do, so one should really believe in themselves and love what they do the rest will follow.