- Quits engineering for the love of food
- Is currently working with big brands
Today Basadibotlhe Atang Kemodimo runs her brand called Food Girl BW where she has become a force to be reckoned with.
Not only does she know how to take her clients on the best culinary trips but her skills have attracted huge clients like FNB and Bank ABC. She has also been a private chef to former president Ian Khama’s private chef.
The young chef furnished her skills through YouTube and has been untouchable ever since. Slowed down by COVID-19 in 2020, 2021 brought a harvest of success. “There has been a lot of progress and growth in how I do my work, especially in terms of our buffet setups and the type of food we have been serving our clients,” Kemodimo told Executive Lifestyle. “We have really upped our game and do not do the normal plate of food. We try to put in a bit of effort by infusing creativity into the meals we provide. Considering our clients’ budget, we are able to do our buffet setups in more elegant and exclusive ways.
“I fully understand that I have to pay attention to detail with the type of clients we are dealing with, the type of food suitable for certain occasions. We have steadily grown in the sense that we pay attention to our customer’s needs.” With six employees currently, her dream is to employ more young people for her brand and to create opportunities for them. “I would love to look back one day and be grateful that I have empowered a lot of young Batswana,” she said.
“I also want to see the business growing in leaps and bounds and being one of Botswana’s outstanding caterers. I believe we come with a different approach to catering because catering is not just about food; it is also about the experience you give clients when serving them food. “You need to ensure that it is always an experience from the time the clients pick up the phone to talk to you to the end goal when you now pick up your equipment and leave to go back to your station. I envision a business that delivers the best experience to clients.”
From the years she has been in the culinary space, Kemodimo has learnt that it is important to do only the best. Having served notables like Tebogo Lebotse, celebrities and big companies, she treasures these experiences as the highlight of what she does. “My notable achievement has been expanding more into the corporate world and working with companies of repute, ensuring they have the best experiences,” she said.
But how is the culinary space in general? Kemodimo answers: “I believe there is a piece of the pie for every one of us. In that regard, I encourage everyone to do it in their own unique way and should not copy what is not theirs. Then you will do great. Every time I am done with an event, the clients are happy with what we did for them.” For the future, she wishes to build a legacy for her family and generations to come when she has grown old and probably retired.
