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Q&A: How A Genocide Survivor Became One Of Rwanda’s Top Chefs

Q&A: How A Genocide Survivor Became One Of Rwanda’s Top Chefs

Eugenie Nyirambonigaba has something cooking and it could be a recipe for success.

Founder of catering company Home Appétit, Nyirambonigaba is considered Rwanda’s premier female chef. She has become known in Rwanda for her creative cuisine and her story has been gaining global attention.

When Nyirambonigaba was 13 she lost her parents and most of her siblings during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The only family she had left was her 5-year-old brother, for whom she cared.

She went to work as a housekeeper for British expats who recognized Nyirambonigaba’s culinary skills and urged her to return to school. With their support, she graduated in the top 10 of her class at Esther’s Aid School, where she studied culinary art, food science and business skills.

After completing a three-month internship at Zen, a well-known Asian restaurant in Kigali, Nyirambonigaba went into business for herself with the couple’s support, according to a report in Akilah.

In 2013, Nyirambonigab started her Kigali-based company, Home Appétit, with the goal of introducing Rwanda to international cuisine.

Nyirambonigaba told AFKInsider about her plans for Home Appétit and more.

AFKInsider: Is the Rwandan government helpful to startups?

Eugenie Nyirambonigaba: Yes, our government encourages self employment in order to earn a profit as well as to employ other people.

AFKInsider: Why did you decide to go into business for yourself?

Eugenie Nyirambonigaba: It’s a good job and earn enough money as well as gaining more experience.  It is something I really enjoy.

AFKInsider: How would you describe your cuisine?

Eugenie Nyirambonigaba: My speciality cuisine is Asian and also intercontinental. In my business I try to be innovative and creative. When I worked as a housekeeper and cook, I got to cook with spices from all over the world. I use this experience in my cooking now.

AFKInsider: How did you fund your new business?

Eugenie Nyirambonigaba: I opened my business using  my own equity.

AFKInsider: What have been some of your challenges?

Eugenie Nyirambonigaba: There have been many big problems, absolutely. The challenge I was faced with when I started up was having small capital, and I am still struggling with it. A big challenge is also that I have no premises, which I am now working to build.

AFKInsider: Is it easy for women business owners to get financial assistance?

Eugenie Nyirambonigaba: Yes, if the women have collateral. But it can be hard if not.

AFKInsider: How do you market your catering business?

Eugenie Nyirambonigaba: Through social media, it helps me promote my business and in getting new clients. I hand out my cards all the time, especially at the events I cater to the guests. Also word of mouth has been great.

AFKInsider: What are some of your goals?

Eugenie Nyirambonigaba: In 2016, I expect to expand my catering business, getting more clients. In the long term I expect to have my business well established, build the nicest kitchen, restaurant, as well as a school building to teach children and housekeepers how to cook and eat nutritiously.

AFKInsider: What has been the most important business lesson you have learned?

Eugenie Nyirambonigaba: Besides always providing good service to my clients, the biggest lesson has been that I need to be more a visionary in order to be successful in my business.