We were lucky to catch up with Maravilha Ndombaxi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maravilha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

I currently manage my social media on my own because I prefer to be hands-on and handle things personally. Since my business is still small, I don’t feel the need for outside assistance just yet. However, as my client base grows and business picks up, I definitely plan to reach out and outsource some help. For now, I’m comfortable managing everything myself.

One lesson I would share with others is the importance of not getting so caught up in everything else that you forget to focus on your own business. There are times when I forget to check my social media or take a break, which can lead to delayed responses. On TikTok, for example, I don’t always see comments right away, and I want people to know they’re not being ignored. Sometimes, the notifications don’t show up, and I have to manually go through my videos to find and respond to comments.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, my name is Maravilha Ndombaxi. I’m a chef and a passionate mental health advocate. I’ve proudly served in the U.S. Navy for seven years, but my story doesn’t end there. As I prepare for life after the military, my focus remains on growing my catering business. Cooking has always been a deep passion of mine, and I find immense joy in bringing people’s food visions to life. However, I’m also aware of the challenges the food industry has faced, especially during the pandemic, and I understand the importance of having a solid backup plan.

While I absolutely love cooking and my job in the Navy, I know it’s essential to secure a stable future. That’s why I’m committed to ensuring that I have a strong foundation to fall back on as I transition from military service to civilian life. Even though cooking will always be a big part of who I am, I’m constantly learning and evolving. I believe that no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn. The more skills you acquire, the better you become at your craft.

Recently, I’ve started diving deeper into baking, which has been a fun and rewarding experience. I’m not trying to be like the Cake Boss or get into elaborate cake designs, but I enjoy creating cute, simple desserts that bring a smile to people’s faces. For me, it’s all about balancing my love for cooking with a practical approach to my future, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my clientele has been a fairly straightforward process, especially in today’s digital age. On Instagram, I’ve always shared cooking videos, which made it easy to transition some of my followers into supporters of my business page. The visual nature of Instagram really helps showcase my culinary skills, and it’s been a great platform for attracting clients who are interested in my services. TikTok has been a bit different for me. Initially, I mostly used it to watch videos and support my friends, but over time, I realized its potential for growing my business. By sharing engaging content and showing off my cooking techniques, I’ve been able to reach a wider audience.

These days, most of my new clients come from word of mouth, recommendations, and people sharing my content online. Additionally, handing out business cards and connecting with others in person still plays a significant role. However, I’ve learned that potential clients often want to see what you’re capable of before they reach out. With food, presentation is everything—people eat with their eyes first. If the food doesn’t look appetizing on social media, they’re unlikely to contact you about booking. That’s why it’s so important for me to keep my pages updated with high-quality photos and videos that highlight not just the taste but the visual appeal of my dishes.

In this digital era, having a strong online presence is key. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok give people a glimpse into my culinary world, and that visual connection often translates into business opportunities. By consistently posting content that looks as good as it tastes, I’m able to attract and retain clients who appreciate both the artistry and flavor of my food.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been leveraging social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, to showcase my culinary skills. People eat with their eyes first, so I focus on creating visually appealing content that highlights the creativity and quality of my dishes. By consistently posting high-quality photos and videos of my work, I’ve been able to attract attention and engage with potential clients who are drawn to the aesthetics of my food.

In addition to social media, word of mouth has played a crucial role. Satisfied clients often share their experiences with others, which has led to referrals and repeat business. I also make it a point to connect with people in person, whether through handing out business cards or networking at events. Building strong relationships and providing excellent customer service has helped me maintain and expand my client base.

Ultimately, a combination of a strong online presence and genuine connections with clients has been the key to growing my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/zolaskitchen
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zolaskitchen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Zolas-Kitchen/61555552705043/?mibextid=LQQJ4d