Today we’d like to introduce you to Uzoma Onyegbulam.
Hi Uzoma, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Uzoma Onyegbulam, owner of Mama Afrique Nigerian Cuisine. My passion for cooking started as far back as when I was a child. During my early years in Nigeria, I would watch my mom as she would whip up a dish from the kitchen. As well, my mom also had a small restaurant business in Nigeria, and I noticed that people enjoyed the taste of her food.
Fast forward, I immigrated to America in the early 2000s and have always been an aspiring entrepreneur. As a means to support myself and my family, I would create and sell jewelry, clothing, purses and even baked cakes and other desserts. On the side, however, I would share my love for cooking to my family, friends and neighbors through church potlucks, holiday celebrations and friends or family hangouts.
I began to see that most Americans and my fellow friends from different tribes in my country love my food, and as such, I decided that I would make it available for everyone. In 2020, the idea of starting a restaurant flourished. But with the current state of the world, it did not seem feasible. However, I could see that there needed to be a change of scenery in the Cincinnati Tri-state area in regards to the food options available. So, in late 2021, I decided to start my restaurant business. People often wonder why I didn’t begin with a brick and mortar restaurant. To that I say, owning a food truck is a way I can take my kitchen to people who need my food anywhere. I love to make people happy in any little way I can. One day, I hope to reach people beyond the Cincinnati Tri-state area.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road especially being a woman of color and someone with an accent. I have found out that the biggest obstacle in owning a business is finding the right people to help you. A lot of people want to see a small minority business thrive; however, a lot of people do not. For example, when I told some people that I thought could support me about my intention to be an entrepreneur, some of them told me that it’s Impossible due to finance and I should just focus on managing my family and raising my children; however, I persisted in seeking ideas on how to birth a business like mine here in America because the American dream is for ALL Americans, not just the native born.
Thus, with lots of determination and encouragement from the Hamilton County Small business Development Center which provided me with some counseling from business registration to how to source for funds, as well as the support from other food truckers in Cincinnati, I was able to start Mama Afrique Nigerian Cuisine.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
In my other life, I am a registered nurse, as well as a homemaker. Being a mom, especially a single mom, is a job and a profession on its own. I have two children: a boy and a girl. Both are of reputable character. One is in college, and the other is a rising junior. At the same time, I am also an entrepreneur, owner/CEO of Mama Afrique Nigerian Cuisine LLC. I am proud to be all of these that I mentioned but most especially a mother. What sets me apart from others is that I do an outstanding job in all these areas. As a nurse, I care for people and seek ways for them to reduce their suffering and pain so that when they are discharged, they will not forget the love and care they received from my nursing care. Cooking is also another significant thing that gives me joy especially when people eat my food and come back for another one with testimonies such as “Your food is very delicious, I love it.” When you look at it, my passion for nursing and as well as cooking go hand in hand because both professions aim to leave the customer or patient with a smile on their face.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people who know me as a nurse may not know that I am also an entrepreneur in the area of catering and vice versa. They usually wonder how I operate the two professions successfully on a full-time basis, considering that both professions are tasky and overwhelming. For me, it’s a matter of commitment, planning, determination, prioritizing, goal setting, and the grace of God.
