From family kitchen to a growing food empire: Solina Naidoo’s recipe for success

Solina Naidoo, a content creator, social media manager, recipe developer, and founder of Perima's Kitchen, grew up in Chatsworth, South Africa, where food was an essential part of her childhood. Learning to cook at a young age, she often prepared meals for her family, particularly when her mother was away working. Surrounded by her mother's sisters and aunts, Naidoo's culinary journey was born from her family's love for cooking.

During her time working aboard a luxury cruise liner, Naidoo experienced various cultures and cuisines, which further deepened her appreciation for food. After returning home, Naidoo realized many people lacked cooking skills. During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, she began sharing her meals and recipes online, which led to the creation of Perima's Kitchen. Named after her mother's elder sisters, the brand embodied her family's culinary legacy and the comfort of cooking together.

Naidoo's social media presence grew, reaching about 350,000 followers across various platforms. Her "PerFam" community, which she values highly, appreciated the connection and guidance she provided. This led to the launch of the Perima's Kitchen All-in-One Masalas, a product that simplifies cooking by providing pre-blended spice mixes, saving time and effort.

The brand's success includes endorsements by the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, being Proudly South African, and receiving double gold awards for its chicken and mutton All-in-One Masalas. Naidoo emphasized the importance of being authentic and true to one's vision in business. Despite facing challenges, she remained committed to her brand and its mission of simplifying cooking while maintaining quality and purity.

For women in business, Naidoo hopes to see more opportunities available to bridge the gap between talent and commercial viability. She called for support in the form of funding, manufacturing, retail, mentorship, and networking to help women build successful businesses from their home kitchens.