We’re looking forward to introducing you to Anajd Dokaj. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Anajd, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Just two days before this interview, UNESCO recognized Italy’s cuisine as Cultural Heritage. This news inspired immense pride and elation, reinforcing my dedication to delivering the genuine tastes and traditions of my beloved Italy.
The announcement instilled deep satisfaction in my pizza, our lasagna, and every Italian dish I craft for my customers.
I am resolute in serving authentic dishes, never sacrificing quality or flavor, as I celebrate being part of the first country recognized by UNESCO. Viva l’Italia!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Ciao! My name is Anajd Dokaj, and I am the chef, pizzaiolo, and owner of La Baia Italian Food. My family and I moved to Columbus, Ohio, in August 2024. The following month, I began roaming the streets of Columbus, offering authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, lasagna, and other Italian dishes.
I take pride in offering real flavors that transport you to the pizzerias of Italy, where friends gather to enjoy delicious Neapolitan-style pizza and create lasting memories together.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother and father taught me the most about work. They showed me that achieving your dreams in life requires hard work and dedication. From them, I also learned that reaching your goal is not the end; it marks the start of greater growth and development.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Having contracted polio as a baby, suffering with paralysis throughout my childhood was a defining wound in my life. But nothing compared to being told by the most important specialists in Italy that there was no cure for Poliomyelitis and to accept the fact that I would end up in a wheelchair. I was 7 years old. Hearing this, I felt demoralized and defeated, but as I was hearing the doctors, I also heard a voice within me say that what I was being told was my present, but it was not to be my future, because all would be okay.
Overcoming my paralysis and reaching this point in my life, with all I have accomplished, has been possible not only because of my determination to overcome adversity but also because of my strong belief in God and the miracle he has created in my life, which has brought healing to me and my wounds.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
My passion lies in safeguarding the true flavors and time-honored traditions of Italian cuisine, especially in pizza and beyond. No matter how the industry shifts, this cultural value remains at the heart of everything I do.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I would dedicate myself to turning La Baia into a national brand and use the wealth it generates to pursue an unprecedented goal: eradicating worldwide poverty. I would do this by assembling top minds to develop solutions that protect our environment and people.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_baia_italian_food/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19znWcxebe/
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/fiVcbxcvLB
Image Credits
Monica Dokaj
Emma Ballou
