Mrs. Yemisi Moiett Ijiwola is a popular caterer in Chicago, the United State of America. She also does Catering here in Nigeria. Yemisi is a vibrant woman who is not only involved in catering but also into clothing’s and hair which she was first popular for amongst friends while in Chicago.
While in Chicago, she worked her way to being the most sought after Nigerian caterer by fellow Nigerians in the diaspora. She was born in Nigeria but had most of her growing years in the USA as she attended the University of Loyola in Chicago and also proceeded to master the art of catering in the School of Coloring in the USA. Yemisi Moiett, been a nurse in the United States decided to focus on her passion and her love for her country which led her back home to establish her business. Yemisi Moet at the grand launching of Royal Crown Event centre where she catered for guests and had a chat with City People Reporter DAMILOLA AKANDE where she shared more about herself and her life in Chicago. Below are the excerpts of the interview;
Please tell us your name and what you do?
My name is Mrs George Ijuola popularly called Yemisi Moiet. I am a Caterer and I own the Yemsite Catering Brand. I also sell clothes.
What was growing up like for you before you left Nigeria?
I thank God for where I am today. It has been a long journey and it has been tough, but I give God all the glory for where I am today and where I am today. I have been in the US for the past 24 years but I came back to Nigeria and I think I love it here because all my businesses are here in Nigeria.
Did you study catering as a course in school?
I actually attended Iyaba Model Primary School and I also attended Ransom Kuti Memorial Grammar school here in Nigeria and then, I travelled to the United States and attended Loyola University in Chicago and then ended up in the School of Catering in Chicago as a Chef.
Was catering the next thing you went into after acquiring all of these qualifications?
I love cooking and catering for people, it is my passion. While I was in the USA I was into nursing but I love catering more. It makes me happy when I see people happy.
What brought you back to Nigeria?
I love Nigeria; it gives me the “home sweet home feeling”. I love it here because I am a Nigerian person so whatever I am doing over there I ensure to remind myself and people watching me that I will always come back here to establish something.
Is your husband in support of your choice of business?
He is in total support of my business and we both have plans on what to do to make it better which we are about starting in some years. These are things I am not yet obligated to share.
What are the challenges you face in the business?
As much as I love doing it I still have problems with the service boys because it has not been easy dealing with them. Honestly, I cannot do the job myself so I need them and all other staff.
What do you do to stand out in this business?
Talking about catering, there are a lot of caterers but the problem I have with doing this job in Nigeria is the mindset of the people where they believe that since they have a friend doing it they will just patronize their friends without caring about what it tastes like or the quality. For me, this is what I have been doing in the US for so long I still get into the process and I am well known in Maryland and Chicago.
When did you start the business?
I started the catering business close to 25 years, it has been a long time from now.
What advice do you have for anyone inspiring to join this business?
For anyone planning to go into catering, it is a good job but you have to know what you are doing. Don’t rely on what people will do for you and you have to have full knowledge of cooking. For me, I know how to cook well and I don’t wait for anyone to cook for me because nobody will be able to make a mess of you so either they are there or not I can still go on with my job.
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