Catering A Forever Thriving Business: with – Joyce Muzadzi

This month iShaH Magazine got to hang out with one of the most decorated Professional Chefs of our time, Joyce Muzadzi as she whips away in her kitchen.

She holds a Bachelor of Technology (Honors) degree in Food Science and Technology.

IM: Who is Joyce Muzadzi?

JM: Joyce Muzadzi was born 38 years ago on 25 June 1985.

She is a wife and a mother to two lovely daughters

A food technologist by qualification and brand ambassador of Sunroma Flavors

IM: When did you start your business, Food Heart Caterers?

JM: I started Food Heart Caterers in March 2014.

This year marks our 9th year in the food and catering business.

We have come a long way, and when catering is your passion, the years just seem to fly by (laughs).

It has not always been an easy journey but with hard work and determination we are here nine years later still going strong.

IM: What kind of events do you cater for?

We cater to all kinds of social and formal gatherings that as weddings, parties, baby/bridal showers, funerals, memorials, unveilings, cooperate meetings, and school events.

You name it and we cater to you. Food is an integral part of any gathering, for us that means business.

The success of any gathering is food, and we have managed to capitalize on that.

IM: What was the inspiration for the name Food Heart Caterers??

JM: We are called Food Heart because we have the guests' food at heart For us food is not only about satisfying your hunger but also creating a lasting impression through food, whatever the occasion we aim to feed your heart as well as your stomach, hence the name Food Heart Caterers

IM: What other additional services & information can your clients know as Food Heart Caterers?

JM: We offer on-site and offsite catering. Our meals consist of starters as an appetite stimulator for the guests when they arrive at events.

Then we have the main course and desserts. We also do cocktail snacks, anytime cakes, and wedding cakes as well. In addition to that, we also have a delivery service that ensures that you get your food anywhere in and around Harare.

You can also call in your order and we will cater to your needs; we however insist that you place your order in time for us to do our magic.

IM: As a woman in business, how do you juggle family and the business?

JM: I do manage my time very well which makes it easier to balance work and home.

I also work from home, so I set boundaries around my working time so that I have time to bond with my family

When you do what you love it ceases to be a job it becomes a hobby. and having my family around makes it a whole lot easier.

IM: As a woman in business, since its inception how many events can you say you have catered for?

JM: I naturally pay particular attention to detail.

We have done in total 92 weddings, 142 funerals, 109 memorials, 122 unveilings, 85 parties, and 77 corporate events.

IM: Wow that is a lot of work ,which one can you single out as your most memorable event so far??

JM: We did cater for the Harare International School.

That was a whole different experience altogether and having to receive compliments made us very proud of our work and service.

We had a racially diverse crowd attending that event and that stretched us a bit in terms of producing a menu that would cater to the crowd.

In the end, we had one of the most successful events to date. I will never forget that day for it was memorable.

IM: How do you deal with near disasters at Food Heart Caterers?

JM: You need to always have a plan B. I have learned not to succumb to pressure and dynamics to contain the pressure. Whatever happens, you must maintain your composure and stay in control.

As I mentioned earlier you need to be able to control your time. Always have a backup plan and all hands-on deck, you will never go wrong.

IM: How many people do Food Caterers employ?

JM: In total, we employ 25 contract workers, this is inclusive of drivers and catering staff.

Of the 25 we also have 4 students who are studying catering at Institutions of higher learning.

IM: Let’s talk about your cakes that have succeeded in being the talk of social media in the past few months, what is the secret?

JM: Consistency on the inside and outside mainly, the appearance of the catch must correspond with the texture and taste. There is also a need to fully harness the ability to create picture-perfect cakes and deliver cakes on time.

Also churning them out in numbers is a great marketing strategy and it has wonders for Food Heart Caterers (laughs)

IM: From a business perspective, how lucrative is catering as a hustle?

JM: It is very lucrative. Once you branch out into the market and you have a sound client base then you are good to go.

The highlight of every event is food. You must be intentional with your menu and what you intend to serve.

I believe serving people is like trying to introduce yourself to a stranger. By the time their plate is empty, you have gained a heart. (she laughs)

IM: What advice would you like to give to anyone who is attempting to go into the catering business?

JM: You must be a good timekeeper. You must be passionate that is a must. You need to be sociable with your clients it’s good business practice.

Get to know them and their expectations. You need to be energetic always, be mindful of specifications, and pay particular attention to detail.