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Chiamaka Diana Okafor is a name synonymous with courage, innovation, and cultural celebration. As the owner of Regalz Kitchen and Bar, she has redefined the dining experience by blending authentic Nigerian cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere. Her story is one of determination and vision, making her a beacon of inspiration for entrepreneurs, food enthusiasts, and cultural advocates alike.

From Immigrant to Entrepreneur: Defying the Odds

Chiamaka’s journey began as a first-generation immigrant pursuing a master’s degree in Human Resource Management. While her academic pursuits were a challenge on their own, she took a bold step into entrepreneurship by launching a restaurant during the global pandemic—a time when many businesses were struggling to survive. Despite the odds, she turned Regalz Kitchen and Bar into a thriving establishment, proving her resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

A Culinary Destination Like No Other

Regalz Kitchen and Bar stands out for its unique approach to dining. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring Nigerian delicacies and North American favorites, catering to a wide range of palates. Beyond the food, it provides an immersive experience with music, décor, and service celebrating West African culture. For food enthusiasts and corporate clients looking for authentic flavors in a lively setting, Regalz is the ultimate destination.

Championing African Heritage Through ACMO

In addition to her culinary ventures, Chiamaka is deeply committed to promoting African culture. She founded the Afro Arts Culture and Masquerade Organization (ACMO), a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating African arts and cultural expression. ACMO strengthens the bonds of African heritage in North America, providing a platform for local and international artists while fostering community pride.

Recognized for Excellence

Chiamaka’s dedication has earned her accolades, including the “Most Inspiring Personality” and the “Award of Excellence.” These honors reflect her ability to inspire others and excel in every endeavor she undertakes.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Chiamaka envisions building a fully integrated hospitality company that brings African food, music, and culture to North America and beyond. She is also working on Di-Chiamaka Farm, a project aligned with her mission to promote African heritage. Her ultimate goal is to empower women, support the Black community, and create businesses that celebrate African identity.

Inspiring Resilience and Adaptability

Chiamaka’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance and vision. Her ability to take calculated risks and adapt to a dynamic business environment sets her apart as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Experience Regalz Kitchen and Bar

Regalz Kitchen and Bar invites diners to immerse themselves in a world of rich flavors and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply seeking a unique dining experience, Regalz offers a taste of African heritage like no other.

Chiamaka Diana Okafor is more than an entrepreneur—she is a cultural ambassador and an inspiration to all who dare to dream big. Her work continues to leave an indelible mark on the culinary world and beyond.

There is a popular saying that the easiest way to a man’s heart is through food; a well prepared meal could make an African man give you a blank cheque some say.

While cooking shouldn’t define the worth of a woman, It is always an addition when a woman knows her way in the kitchen, Abimbola Oki is helping many women , not only navigate cooking tasty meals, but educating them on how to turn their passion to business.

The founder of  D’Potters Catering Services  which started in 2014, is one of the most sought after caterers in Nigeria at the moment, catering for several top events, and using social media to also showcase the beauty of cooking.

Abimbola Oki

Abimbola Oki decided to turn her passion into a corporate business  by aiming to provide healthy and delicious meals for busy people, thus satisfy their cravings at affordable prices with poise for prompt delivery . Her mission is to provide amazing food experience for everyone irrespective of their status, tribe, pocket and taste

The caterer whose passion started from supporting family members during festivities, share her Inspiring journey with Esther Ijewere in this exclusive interview.

Childhood Influence

 My mum used to sell bread even though I wasn’t involved as per last born child. My sister had a restaurant back then too and I helped to run it. I never thought of running a food business then, but I was able to learn one or two things from that experience.

Abimbola Oki

Inspiration Behind D’potters Catering

I love hosting people in my house especially during festive seasons. I noticed my guests enjoyed my cooking a lot so much that they give me money. I was still job hunting as at 2013. My husband and I had a discussion about starting a food business and that was how I started fully in 2014.

Abimbola Oki

The Journey So Far

Oh it’s been bitter and sweet with so many challenges but absolutely worth it. God’s grace has brought us this far and everything is going just as I wanted it.

 D’potters Catering Academy And It’s Impact

Alot of people know how to cook but they don’t know about the food business. I started D’potters Catering School to educate women not just about learning how to cook but also learning about the business aspect. It has been an amazing journey so far. The first set of students graduated last month and some of them already started their businesses and doing well.

Abimbola Oki

Educational Background, And My Aspiration As  A Woman

I attended Lagos Anglican Girls Secondary School and graduated from University of Lagos with a BSc in Estate management. My aspiration as a woman is to see my fellow women doing well for themselves.

Challenges Of Being A Vendor

Trust-Getting customers to trust me, because we usually do payment before delivery. We have been able to build their trust.

  • Delivery- Getting a trusted delivery company to deliver food on time. There are many cases of food getting sour by the time clients gets it. We have been able get our personal bikes.
  • Staffing

Nuggets On How To Be A Sought- After Food Vendor

 We have been consistent with our principles which is to give customers value for their money

We treat our customers fairly and we don’t hesitate to apologize when things go wrong

We try to exceed their expectations ,this makes them happy to refer us to their friends and families

Why I Helped  Families In Need During The Pandemic With Food

I always love to put smiles on people’s faces whether I know them or not. I have been through the very hard times too so I understand their situation, this is my inspiration.

Do you think the food industry is favourable enough to entrepreneurs

Yes the food industry is favorable to entrepreneurs because many Nigerians are now looking for different ways to ease their stress. Nobody wants to get home from work by 8pm after a bad traffic and start cooking. They prefer to buy food.

 Other services I offer In My company

Apart from cooking bespoke food for people, we do trainings how to cook different dishes and we also teach them the business aspect. We also rent out our cooking studio to content creators, food bloggers, food brands etc Our outdoor cooking area is also available for rent to caterers who need a convenient cooking space for their large cooking

Relocating  To A New Space

I have always dreamt of moving to a bigger space but I was scared of the unknown. We were given a quit notice at the former space because they did not want us to use the space for cooking again. We had no choice but to get a new space and we got exactly what we wanted. It was not easy getting space for cooking, or took us a year to get this new place. We did some renovations and it came out perfect. All Glory to God!

How My  Work Inspire Other Women

I get a lot of messages from women that I inspired them. I have been able to prove to women that being consistent and dedicated to one’s business will pay off and they can make it in any business they decide to venture into.

 3 women who inspire me and why

  • Racheal Ray did not have a formal culinary education just like me but she is now one of the most famous female chefs in the world.
  • Siba Mtongana has been able to combine her life as a family-oriented woman and work as a celebrity chef and presenter with the support of her husband.
  • Ngozi  Okonjo Iweala  has given us a representation of global and national power. She reminds me that I can achieve anything I want to.

Abimbola Oki

Being a Woman of Rubies

I have been able to teach other women how to start their businesses (not necessarily food) and also sell on social media platforms.

Food vlogger, Kitchen Muse is very versatile in her knowledge of food preparation, and this time she is taking us through the steps of preparing a native dish of Egusi Ijebu soup.

Egusi Ijebu is a light soup made from Melon Seeds and cooked without Vegetables. It originates in the South Western part of Nigeria, from the Ijebus’, hence the name. It is completely different from regular Egusi Soup and should not be confused with it. It’s delicious and really simple to make.

Watch the preparation process below;

Just in time for a yummy snack, vlogger Sisi Jemimah is sharing a recipe for a yummy recipe for the best homemade chicken pie.

Dough Ingredients:

500 Grams of Plain Flour
250 Grams Butter or Margarine
1/2 Cup Milk or Water
A Pinch of Salt

Filling ingredients:

300 Grams Minced Chicken OR
500 Grams Chicken With Bones
3 Medium Carrots Chopped
2 Irish Potatoes Chopped
1 Medium Onion Chopped
1 cup Chicken Stock
2 Heaped Tablespoons Cornflour/plain flour
1 Teaspoon Thyme
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
I Tablespoon Chicken Seasoning of your choice
Salt to Taste

Watch the video below: