They say good food warms the heart and every great business begins with a simple idea and a spark of passion. For Rauha Ndaafetwa Simon, better known as Kaleni, that spark was found in her kitchen. What started as a love for cooking has grown into Kaleni Catering, a flourishing small business that now feeds families, creates jobs, and inspires others to follow their dreams.
“I have always loved being in the kitchen. Cooking brings people together. It’s not just about the food, it’s about the joy and comfort it brings,” she said.
Kaleni’s journey into catering began in 2019, driven by her deep passion for food and her desire to do something meaningful. Using her salary from her previous job as startup capital, she bought ingredients, prepared her first few meal packs, and sold them within her community.
“Those first few packs were small, but they carried a big dream,” she recalls.
Her business, Kaleni Catering, has since grown from a one-woman operation into a fully-fledged catering service employing five dedicated team members. Together, they work tirelessly to deliver delicious home-cooked meals for events, offices, and private clients. The business has also expanded its services with a delivery vehicle, offering free deliveries to appreciate loyal customers.
Food, for Kaleni, has always been more than just nourishment it’s a language of love and connection.
“When people share a meal, they share a moment. That’s what catering is about creating happiness through good food,” she said.
Across Namibia, catering is becoming an essential part of modern celebrations from weddings and birthdays to corporate events. The demand for professional caterers has risen as people look for convenience, quality, and creativity in their meals. Kaleni’s business stands out for combining traditional flavors with modern presentation, showing that local dishes can be both elegant and comforting.
Still, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Budgeting and managing stock remain some of her biggest hurdles. “The price of ingredients can change overnight,” she says. “You have to be smart with planning and avoid waste, while still keeping your customers satisfied,” she added.
During tough months, Kaleni focuses on consistency and faith.
“I always make sure the essentials, rent, and salaries are paid first. I cut unnecessary costs, take smaller orders, and stay positive. Every challenge is a lesson, and with faith, things always work out,” she said.
Her business now supports around ten people, including her family and employees. With a background in hospitality studies, Kaleni is also planning to pursue advanced courses in catering and business management, with the dream of expanding her company into a full-time training and employment centre for young people.
Despite never receiving government aid, she continues to grow and thrive in her business. “I started with very little. But I had passion, faith, and determination and that’s what kept me going,” she said.