Dunsin's Kitchen - Second Year Anniversary

I’m not a fan of long WhatsApp posts hence the need to write, post and just share the link on one WhatsApp/Instagram post. I’m a bit rusty (writing-wise) sha but I’ll try. I want to talk about how Dunsin’s Kitchen (DK) started because it’s our second anniversary today.

I never imagined being a cook at this time, not with banking and family stress. I’ve imagined selling food a couple of times and it was inspired by one boli and beans seller in Asaba during my NYSC in 2014. I told my friend Osaru then that I’d love to start a place like that and call it Boli Kitchen. We just used to laugh about it then plus I’m not really a fan of beans though I could cook it well if I wanted to.

Fast forward to 2020, we had a guest- my husband’s colleague who I served jollof rice and she kept talking about how good it was. One day, she said she would love to buy if I could make it for her so I agreed. Then I decided to ask others if they’d like to buy so I wouldn’t be making a small portion and some agreed. Like play like play, that’s how we got here.

Cooking for me has always been a survival skill not that I saw myself doing it commercially. I wouldn’t have called myself a good cook three years ago though I have friends who say I am but it just doesn’t bang enough for me to say so myself. DK started while I was on maternity leave. My first set of orders were on the 28th July 2020 and I had my son whose name the business carries on the 25th April 2020. 

                       Just look at this beauty 

There has been a lot of challenges between then and now. Sometimes I want to quit but someone would just drop a review that’ll ginger me and I’ll be like yeah, let’s do this. Food stuff in 2020 were almost half the price they are now and that’s an issue for me – inconsistent prices. I try not to adjust prices every now and then when market prices go up. I just find a middle ground.

There has been good and bad reviews but we keep use the feedbacks to serve better. We're not where we were when we started. Our branding, quality and service has improved and it will only get better. Thanks to the internet and amazing people around me, we keep learning how to cook new dishes and make the regular ones in unique ways. 

Though I run the business, it wouldn’t have come this far without a lot of you reading this. I’m tempted to talk about how amazing my husband has been but I’ll keep it short (I don’t want to bore you). I wouldn’t have been able to come this far without him, he’s my delivery man, assistant cook, taster and baby sitter. I’m glad you’re mine. My colleagues at work who patronise on a daily basis don’t know how amazing they are, it’s because of you people that I’m in business oh. No be say I big like that. 

The business gets frustrating sometimes, I cry, zone out, get depressed even but I get better because I have the best of people in my circle. Amazing people I can call at any time of the day (or night) and they’ll always be ready to listen, tell me where I mad mistakes and encourage me. I’ve not given up because of you. My husband is first on this list. Dayo and Damola (my inner circle) you know I appreciate everything you do for me yeah?

China and Rachel (friends like sisters), I can’t take you for granted. I love people who are honest with their opinions, talk to me straight, don’t sugar-coat anything. Magnus and Victor (friends turn family), Magnus is a very busy person but always make out time for me, thank you. Victor tries too much for me considering how long we’ve known each other, you’re a blessing fam!

Christianah, I honestly don’t know what I’d have done without you. We went to secondary school together but Zenith Bank made us closer. You’re a sister, I love you baby. This one gives me undiluted advice, I’m just happy I have a lot of good people in my corner.

Faith, Mary and Mama, I don’t know if you’ll read this but my business would have been nowhere without all of you. You’re always ready to help me with market runs, delivery and many more. I can never thank you enough. You rock!

I may have missed out on some names, forgive me. For your patronage and referrals, thank you. I try to get better everyday because I’m motivated by some of you. Without most of you, I’m just a random girl but you guys made me a superwoman. 

Happy anniversary to us at Dunsin’s Kitchen. We look forward to having more customers, friends and family. Thank youuuuuuuuuuuu!