We recently connected with Marian Wuelleh and have shared our conversation below.

Marian , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

One thing we always hear as people young or old is this saying “ hard work pays off”, indeed that statement is definitely true. My parents are people who didn’t tell me how much hard work pays off but more so showed me. They came from Liberia (West Africa) with nothing. Came to Columbus Ohio and worked hard for everything they have. My mother went to college getting her nursing degree and my father later started his own transportation business. I am grateful I have parents to show me what hard work look like. Thank you mom and Dad for being a prime example.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a little girl My dream was to one day be a lawyer. I remember telling my parents I wanted to go to law school and they were so excited for me. At the age of 17 all that changed .While cooking for my mom and dad, I was holding a yellow onion in my hand and I heard this voice so loud “culinary school”. I truly believe God was speaking to me. I listened and decided to go to culinary school. I went to hocking college. While in culinary school, all my cooking practicals were easy for me. I was a natural. After culinary school i landed my first job at New Albany country club. I worked at places like Lindeys in German village, cooperate cafeterias , Nursing homes etc. I would apply for sous chef positions, or supervisor positions and I was always told no. I remember one of the chefs telling me I wasn’t “good enough”. That statement motivated me.. shortly after that the idea of opening up my own food truck came to me. I continued to work until I had enough money saved up to quit my job. I had a game plan. Save enough money to pay over six months of bills, while selling dinners. I did this for a year. The buzz started going around and I started getting catering gigs for 150-300 people max. I registered The Co Bowl shoppe in 2021. Bought my food truck in 2022. With the support of my fiancé and family we were able to open to the public February of 2023.

The co bowl shoppe isn’t just any food truck. It stands out from the rest because we don’t just specialize in food but more so fusion food. Bringing two cultures together creating one unique master piece. I want people to always eat my food knowing that it’s made from love, passion and care. We specialize in giving our clients good food and good customer service. We truly enjoy what we do. Our food is authentic, versatile and fresh. We focus on quality more than quantity.

How’d you meet your business partner?

This story is quite interesting. My business partner is no other than the love of my life. I met my Haitian king Junior Senatus in high school at Columbus Alternative high school(CAHS). My cousin and junior were in the ESL program there. One day I was walking with my cousin and he saw me and later ask my cousin who I was, junior wrote his number down and told my cousin to give it to me. I was so hesitant because I use to be so shy. I was 16 at the time and talking to boys made me so nervous but he seemed different. I took that chance and called him and the first thing he said to me was “u remind me of home” and after that our friendship grew stronger. We both attended hocking college together. This man and I would walk in the snow together talking about future plans. He has been so supportive of everything. I may have the skills and talent but junior is the go to man. This man is constantly pushing me to be my best. He makes me a better person and also a better chef. I’m forever grateful for him.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social media is such a powerful tool and every business owner should take advantage of it and use it wisely and get their brand out there. The name of the game is really consistency. I am constantly posting my work. Sometimes I get zero interaction or zero likes or shares but that doesn’t stop me. There’s always someone out there watching so keep posting your craft.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecobowlshoppe?igsh=YzVkODRmOTdmMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecobowlshoppe?mibextid=LQQJ4d