In many homes, the kitchen is the heart of the house. It is where meals are made, where families gather, and where stories are shared. 

But during the Covid-19 pandemic, many kitchens fell quiet. Pots stayed empty. Jobs were lost. For many people, putting food on the table became a daily struggle.

When businesses closed and companies cut staff, thousands of workers were retrenched. Finding a new job was not easy. It was like knocking on many doors that never opened. People sent out applications repeatedly, but the answers were often silence or rejection.

For Tiree Menesia Ngaujake, the pandemic brought the same uncertainty. Opportunities were limited, and the future felt unclear. But instead of waiting, she turned to something familiar, the kitchen.

“Faced with limited opportunities, I chose to turn my passion into purpose,” she said.

Ngaujake is the founder of TMN Corner Kitchen CC, a food business she officially registered in 2024. However, the journey began much earlier, in 2021, at the height of the pandemic.

Like many small businesses, it started with very little. Using her personal savings, she began cooking and selling food. Every profit she made was put back into the business. It was a slow process, like planting a seed and waiting patiently for it to grow.

With a background in business management and marketing, Ngaujake understood the importance of planning and discipline. 

She said the early days required sacrifice. There were times when money was tight, and every decision mattered. The turning point came when her mentor, Solly Kaimu, encouraged her to take the next step.

“His belief in my vision encouraged me to take that bold step,” she said.

In 2024, she formalised the business. TMN Corner Kitchen CC began to grow. What started as a small, informal operation became a structured enterprise with improved branding and a growing customer base.

Today, the business is her main source of income. It helps her cover daily expenses and support her family. Like a steady stove that keeps a home warm, the business has brought stability to her life.

Ngaujake has also created opportunities for others. She currently works with two interns, giving them a chance to gain experience and earn an income.

“I support my family and myself through the business, and I try to assist others in my immediate circle when I can,” she said.

Her work goes beyond business. Each year, she runs community outreach programmes to help the less fortunate and elderly, showing that even small efforts can make a big difference.

Still, the journey is not without challenges. Rising food prices and supply costs continue to affect the business. Cash flow is not always steady, making it difficult to plan ahead.

“One of the biggest challenges is maintaining consistent cash flow, especially with rising food and supply costs,” she said.

Access to funding is another hurdle. Without financial support, expanding the business takes time. During difficult periods, she focuses on careful budgeting and new ideas, such as meal plans and promotions, to keep things going.

“I focus on cutting unnecessary costs and finding creative ways to generate income,” she said. Ngaujake has not yet received government support but remains hopeful for future opportunities.

Looking ahead, she wants to build a strong and recognised brand in the food industry. More importantly, she hopes to create jobs and help others find their footing, just as she did.

“I started with very little, but with a vision that refused to stay small. TMN Corner Kitchen CC is not just about food,” she said. 

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na