Fulfilling her dream in uncertain times

Following months of stress and uncertainty, Aladia Mahomed’s bright smile is beaming again.

The tough economic pressures that arrived with Covid-19 left many struggling to make ends meet, including the new restaurant owner Aladia, who left her job in the retail industry with over 15 years’ experience.

In an interview with the Northsider at her newly opened Indian-inspired restaurant, this local woman explained how she was forced to leave her job after salaries were no longer guaranteed due to Covid-19’s economic repercussions.

“After the President announced the lockdown, I was called in at my workplace to discuss a way forward in terms of my employment. I was given the option of retrenchment, or being demoted and sacrificing a third of my salary,” she explained.

Aladia opted for the demotion although this meant the loss of much-needed income. “I said yes to the offer then because I thought half a loaf is better than none. But at the back of my mind I knew I wasn’t going to survive on that,” she said.

As the dreaded Covid-19 lockdown proceeded in stages, a stressed-out Aladia opted to leave the company after further financial complications. “When we entered into Level 4, my boss told us we could return to work but salaries would be paid only once the company started making a profit. I realised things were going wrong terribly, and the UIF wasn’t going to be of any help,” she said.

“I remember being in tears one morning while I was telling my mother about the situation, but she said to me ?’ou are better than this, wipe those tears because you’ll come up with a plan’,” she recalled.

As a great cook in her own right, Aladia gave birth to the idea of starting a fast-food business after cooking a mouth-watering pot of chicken curry for her family. “I woke up my husband and told him about the idea,” she said.

With very little resources but the experience behind the stove, the passionate cook started off with chicken bunnies which she sold on WhatsApp. “Immediately after posting these amazing bunnies, I received a response from my first customer who requested two,” she said.

After generous support from the community, she decided to expand her menu. However, due to laws restricting her to operate from her home, she was forced to find a venue to pursue her new endeavour.

She managed to find a location for her restaurant, called Aladia’s Kitchen, in Strubens Valley behind Hirsch’s Strubens Valley where she offers the finest Indian food and the taste of Durban. Since opening last month, Aladia has empowered other women by partnering with them and also employing others.

“I see myself growing this business, branching out in other areas, and also getting scooters to do deliveries,” she envisaged.

She concluded by announcing that she will also be launching a women’s forum called MakingHerstory, a platform she will use to empower women going through hard times.

Regarding her service, contact Aladia on 078 912 4011.