Today we’d like to introduce you to Misturat Amode.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
- I grew up watching my mom, grandmother, and aunt run a restaurant in Lagos, Nigeria.
- When I moved to the US at 12, I missed being part of the crazy yet busy restaurant setting.
- In middle and high school, I focused all my energy on making my modeling dreams come true with my mother’s restaurant in the back of my mind.
- During my junior year in high school, I expressed my newfound dream to my mom. “Mom, I want to run a restaurant as you and grandma did. I want a big restaurant where customers are friends, where everyone feels comfortable coming in to eat and chat.” My parents wanted me to focus on school and get my degree, so I did. I reminded my mom every year since junior high school how I wanted to run a restaurant and my interest in being part of the “family business.”
- I graduated college and started working for a big corporation and didn’t think I would ever be able to make my dream come true; after the COVID pandemic, I decided I couldn’t live without at least trying.
- I learned what it took and what I needed to start my restaurant. After getting scared of how much money and time I needed to put in, I found an alternative.
- Now I am the owner of Dinner Table Naija; with my mother’s help, I can cater for small and big events and even fulfill orders of sample-size meals.
- I am just getting started. I want a restaurant where people can experience Nigeria while in Minnesota. I want to create a place where all feel welcome, where people have their first dates, wedding anniversary, birthday dinner, and so much more.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road; any small business owner can attest to this. There’s been a lot of crying and “I am ready to be done.” But I always turn to 3 things, Allah (God), my family, and DT family members. My biggest challenge to date has the desired finance to run my business, but I am learning to enjoy the journey and appreciate every penny I make. I love what I do, and if I could go back in time, I would make the same decision.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I have work’. I am working full-time as an account manager. I graduated with a business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin- River Falls. Dinner Table Naija is my part-time job that’s run with the help of my family right after work. Dinner Table Naija is a Nigerian food catering service; We provide on-site catering and delivery. We specialize in making delicious food and building a community for our family members. We are known for providing quality food and amazing experiences. I am proud of Dinner Table Naija family members ( our customers). They are the reason we’ve been able to make it this far. What sets us apart is that we want to create a luxury-level experience without charging the price. We want not only to sell you a meal but an experience and a lifetime friendship/community.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I would have to say the most important lesson I learned due to COVID is that I can’t let my dream die, no matter how big or small. I must at least try and fail gracefully if I fail. But, inshallah, I am taking everything one day at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: Dinnertablenaija.com
- Instagram: dt_naijaa
- Facebook: Dinner Table Naija
Image Credits
Tmaffyworks
Mberglund_photography
Sahra Qaxiye
