MCZ Exclusive Interview with Winifred Emmanuel, founder of Zeelicious foods enterprise.

It was a privilege to have interviewed Founder of Zeelicious foods enterprise in person of Winifred Emmanuel. This amiable lady is a food blogger, food consultant, Vlogger and Producer of Zeelicious Cooking show.

She spoke to MCZ on how she delved into food making, what inspires her to create palatable meals and most especially, the inspiration behind the name “Zeelicious“. She spoke also on her recent cooking series “9ja local soup series 2” and her upcoming projects.

Hello and thanks for joining us.

1. Kindly tell us your name cause many might think your name is “Zee” licious?

My full name is Emmanuel Winifred.

2. Can we know a little more about your background?

I am from Anambra state in the eastern part of Nigeria but I was born and brought up in Lagos state. I come from a family of 9 (7 children and 2 parents), my dad is late though and my mum is simply the best in the world!😁 I had my Primary, Secondary and Tertiary education in Lagos and for my tertiary education I attended University of Lagos (Great Akokite!), where I studied Economics.

3. Did you attend a culinary school?

4. What is the inspiration behind Zeelicious?
Zeelicious was coined from two words, ‘Zeal’ and ‘Delicious’. I have always had a great zeal to prepare amazing meals and they ALWAYS turn out so delicious hence the name ZEELICIOUS.

5. Has food also been what you love doing or you just feel in love along the line?

6. At what age did you make your debut in the kitchen?
I made my first kitchen debut at the age of 12. My dad had just passed away and my mom and other siblings were too sad to cook. The passion in me gave me some strength and I decided to try and make something for my family. I must say that it was the WORST dish I ever made in my life…Lool. But i didn’t give up because of one failed attempt. Today i look back at that day and laugh very hard.

7. You recently started a cooking series “9ja local soup series” on your Vlog kindly tell us what it’s about?

8. How do you feel to have become one of the vibrant and consistent foodblogger in Nigeria?
I see it as a very big privilege to have a dream and work tirelessly to make that dream a reality. I was born for the culinary world and I started working on developing my potentials very early after discovering my purpose and thats what got me to where I am today. I started out as a food dreamer, then I turned into a food blogger and then a food vlogger/Food Show Host and then I have few other projects in the works that the world will soon hear about. I am very grateful for the many opportunities awarded me to display my gifts and talents and I am ever so grateful to Youtube for giving me a platform to showcase myself to the world. Its been an incredible journey and I don’t take any of it for granted.

9. If you were not making food or creating recipes what will you be doing?

10. The type of creativity you exude is very rare, were do you get your inspiration from?

11. Which chef will you say inspires you more?

12. Speaking of challenges; did you face any, how was it like enduring tough times?
Challenges are inevitable and I faced a lot of them while starting out and I still face a lot of them today. But I am a positive thinker and I always like to stay on the bright side of life. So when I face a challenge, I only see it as an opportunity for me to rise higher and become stronger because I know challenges are only a stepping stone to greatness and without them you can never truly know your worth or your strength. When I face one, I always remain calm and at peace in my mind because I have come to realize that worrying will definitely not help you out of it; so why worry??? And again, in the challenge always lies the solution, there is always a way out!!! So I stay strong and find that way out.

13. How will you advice many aspiring to be like you someday?
My advice for anyone aspiring to be like me someday will be; Hold on tight to your dreams, believe in what God has given you. He is the one that sent you to the earth to fulfill a purpose and He has equipped you with all the resources you need to make it happen. So be confident in that and work on developing yourself, your mind and acquiring skills that will help you attain high levels of success. Most of all, NEVER GIVE UP! The journey will not always be sweet and rosy but I tell you there is nothing more fulfilling than living out dreams! Its the most rewarding thing ever! So stay true to your passion and your calling and everyday do at least one thing that will lead to the realization of your dreams, Be consistent, diligent, committed and dedicated. Give it everything you have and watch it blossom into something that cannot be hidden.

14. So apart from shooting your new series “9ja local soup series” what should we be expecting from you before the year runs out?