just a few simple steps, with a couple
of accessible ingredients, but each is
created with love and care. When I
create my recipes, my goal is to empower
people to feel confident in the kitchen
and to give them the tools to create their
own masterpieces in their own kitchens.
Never to intimidate or bombard with
technical culinary jargon but to simplify
this for everyone.
Would you say there is a
divide of the sexes in the
industry?
I would say that this used to be the
standard norm in the industry, but I
have certainly seen a shift in the last
few years. We females are slowly but
surely reclaiming our half of the kitchen.
Educated, well skilled, experienced
females are getting as much respect as
How are Siba
our male counterparts in the industry.
Though the market is still male
recipes crafted?
dominated, there definitely is a shift and
I create my recipes, for people who are
I’m proud to be at the forefront as part
on the go, who love to be entertained
of that change.
Did you always want to
and for people who love good tasting,
wholesome goodness. Each recipe has
be a chef?
just a few simple steps, with a couple
Not really, as cheffing or cooking was of accessible ingredients, but each is
never seen as proper career at home. If created with love and care. When I
In a male dominated
my parents had their way, I would have create my recipes, my goal is to empower
industry, what would you
been either a lawyer, doctor or politician. people to feel confident in the kitchen
But I convinced them to allow me to do and to give them the tools to create their
say made you stand out?
food as a career and they agreed to let own masterpieces in their own kitchens.
me do a bachelor’s degree in Food and Never to intimidate or bombard with It is a tough industry, but I always say
Consumer Sciences, majoring in Food, technical culinary jargon but to simplify you have to let your work speak for itself.
Food Sciences and Nutrition for four this for everyone.
I gave people no choice but to notice
years, which is the foundation on which
me. I ensured I was educated in my field.
I have built my career.
I also used and continue to use every
single opportunity as a learning one. Be
What advice would you
still, listen, and apply what you have
learnt. My personality has definitely been
What was the first
give to women who are
a key factor, which should be a lesson to
thing you ever cooked?
struggling to find balance all, don’t let your gentle, feminine, or
between their careers and softer side make you feel like you are
If I remember correctly, it was breakfast
less, weaker or unworthy.
(in fact brunch) for my big family. I was
motherhood?
about 8 and so remember I burnt the
eggs so badly but my wonderful father Be kind to yourself especially you if you
ate the food with such delight and are doing the best that you can. You
You were a patron for
said it was tasty and that I had done cannot be everywhere at once, all the
an excellent job and it was a great time. Understand that there are times
FoodBank South Africa
attempt for a first timer. Believe it or not, when the career will be more demanding
and an ambassador
that and many other kind and cheerful than usual to build a better future for the
encouragements from my family is what kids and the whole family. Remember
for a number of Global
built my confidence in the kitchen.
even when busy to make sure that the
time that you have with your kids, no
matter how little, is spent productively,
read and play with them, spend
memorable quality time with occasional
How are Siba
family adventures to bond and create
recipes crafted?
lasting family memories. Also remember
to keep your promises to them. The little
I create my recipes, for people who are ones will value those moments more
on the go, who love to be entertained than you know.
and for people who love good tasting,
wholesome goodness. Each recipe has
Organizations to bring
about globalization Impact
especially for children.
Would you say that giving
back is an absolute
necessity?
Absolutely, in my opinion we were put
on this earth to serve. Not only just to
PROMOTING ENTERPRISE
11