By Patience Makwele

In a world where women often have to fight twice as hard to be seen or taken seriously, one woman found her stage in the kitchen. What began as teenage love for cooking has grown into a thriving catering business that celebrates creativity, culture and courage while proving that passion can become power.
At 43, Valery Oubasen Naris, a mother who hails from Windhoek’s Katutura township, has turned her love for food into a successful catering enterprise that is inspiring women and making a mark on the local culinary scene. “I have always loved cooking. It is where I feel most at home,” Naris shared. “What inspired me to pursue it seriously was seeing the joy on people’s faces when they tasted my food. That feeling pushed me to turn my passion into a purpose to cook for others, not just my family.”
Naris love for cooking began around the age of 15, when she spent countless hours in the kitchen alongside her mother. Watching her mother pour care and attention into every meal sparked her curiosity and creativity. “She inspired me to experiment with recipes and add my own touch,” she recalled. “The more I cooked, the more I fell in love with the process, the aromas, the creativity, and seeing people enjoy what I made. What started as a hobby became a passion, and eventually a dream I could turn into a career.”
For her, running her own catering business is both a personal achievement and a professional milestone, she shared that she enjoys every benefit associated with earning a salary on her own, adding that it is about independence, confidence, and breaking barriers. “It reflects my growth from a young girl who loved to cook into a woman now running her own kitchen. Professionally, it is about proving that women belong in leadership roles, even in industries that can be tough and demanding. Most importantly, it’s about showing my daughters that they can create their own opportunities, no matter their circumstances.”
A defining moment in Naris' journey came with the creation of her signature dish, "Dirty Fries". “It happened almost by accident,” she recalled with laughter. “I woke up one morning and started adding random toppings and sauces to fries, then served them to a few people. The response was incredible. Everyone loved it! That moment gave me so much confidence. It showed me that trusting my instincts and embracing creativity in the kitchen can lead to amazing results.”
Despite her success, Naris has faced challenges along the way. Being a woman in business has not always been easy. “Women often have to work twice as hard to be recognized,” she said. Financial hurdles and the sacrifices of building a business added to the pressure. Yet, through persistence, prayer, and community support, she found the strength to keep going. “I learned to stay focused on my goals and to keep believing in my talent, even when things got tough.”
For Naris, food is personal and deeply cultural. “Food tells a story,” she explained. “For me, it is a story of love, family, and Namibian culture. I love experimenting with spices and sauces to create something new but familiar. Emotionally, I cook from the heart where every meal carries a piece of me, my roots, my personality, and my passion.”
Her dishes blend tradition with innovation. She  takes pride in combining classic Namibian flavors with modern twists, creating meals that surprise, delight and satisfy at the same time. “It’s about balance,” she emphasized. “Honoring tradition while embracing creativity and innovation allows me to make every dish special.”
The success of her dirty fries taught her that sometimes, the best ideas come from trusting your gut. “It started as a fun idea and is now one of my best sellers,” she asserted. “It reminded me that creativity does not need to be perfect but it just needs heart.”
Naris' journey is a source of inspiration for young women aspiring to enter hospitality or catering. Her advice is straightforward: “Start where you are, with what you have. Do not wait for the perfect moment or the perfect kitchen. Believe in your craft, keep learning, and stay true to your passion. Challenges will come, but every challenge builds your strength. Most importantly, when you love what you do, people will taste that love in every bite.”
Through her dedication, talent, and resilience, Naris has become a role model in Namibia’s culinary scene. She demonstrates that with persistence, creativity, and heart, it is possible to turn a lifelong passion into a thriving business. Today her restaurant  in Wanaheda next to the old Royal complex is a source of income for two other young females she has employed. Apart from being a chef, she offers seasonal culinary training across Namibia.
Her story is a testament to the power of courage, ambition, and love for one’s craft. “Cooking has given me the chance to share a piece of myself with the world, to build something meaningful for my family, and to show other women that with dedication and passion, anything is possible.” 
As her business continues to grow, Naris remains focused on exploring new culinary creations and sharing the richness of Namibian flavors with her clients. Through every dish, she is not just feeding people but inspiring them, showing that when passion meets purpose, the possibilities are endless.