Rose-Mary Haufiku
People rarely quit their jobs to pursue something that isn’t certain to pay their bills or lead to tremendous success in their lives.
But Jafet Hilifilwa did. He abandoned his profession as a financial manager at Woermann Brock to pursue his dream of becoming a chef.
The 29-year-old told Youth Corner he studied financial management at the International University of Management (IUM) but never had much enthusiasm for his profession, because cooking has always been his obsession.
Hilifilwa started his first takeaway business in 2016, and he is now the proud owner of two HotSpot Burger Restaurant food trucks.
“I have always liked cooking ever since I was young, but I never thought it will be something I will be doing professionally,” he said.
Asked what triggered the thought of establishing HotSpot, Hilifilwa said he noticed a gap in the fast-food market for good food at an affordable price, adding: “Most businesses were just in it to make a profit and not cater to the needs of the clients to a level that is satisfactory while still making the profit they desire”.
HotSpot serves delicious burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and soft drinks as well as cupcakes and other types of cakes.
“Our products are original; you won’t get them anywhere in the world. That I can guarantee you,” he raved.
Hilifilwa currently employs two people, who operate from Windhoek West, behind the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) library, as well as by M+Z Motors in the southern industrial area near the old power station.
“Our main clients are the students at NUST, but we also do deliveries around the city.”
Their long-term goal is to establish HotSpot Burger restaurants as the go-to fast-food joint in Namibia.
They are currently building their brand, and hope to be bigger than most leading fast-food outlets; that’s the standard they have set themselves, while also aiming to establish HotSpots in five major towns in Namibia.
Hilifilwa advised his fellow youth to learn to develop themselves as much as they can while they are still young, because the energy and drive they now have will not last forever.
“We should know the difference between enjoying our youth and destroying our future. If you invest time into productive work, the returns are immeasurable. Believe in the vision you have. If you are working on something, not everyone will see it most of the time, except for yourself. Read books on topics you are curious about and on people who achieved their goals; it also provides a good insight.