The Pivot
It happened again
(A pivot = a deliberate change in direction.)
I’ve Been Quiet, But Not Still
So the time has finally come to tell you what I’ve been building behind the scenes these past months.
Cause guys, I’ve pivoted again:)
I’m stepping into something new.
Or maybe…something that has always been there.
Creating African dining experiences.
Not just food.
Experiences.
Coming Back to What Was Always Mine
Some months ago, something in me woke up again.
The urge to host.
To event plan.
To curate.
Hosting and event planning have always been part of my life. I’ve done it for years, even while working in catering. That part isn’t new.
But curating?
That’s different.
Curating is about energy. Atmosphere. Intention.
It’s about bringing people, food, culture, music, and feeling together into one space, and making it mean something.
And I realized, I had never allowed myself to fully step into that before.
The Yes…. and Then the Fear
When the idea came to me, my first response was simple:
Yes.
And then… doubt showed up right on time😅
I’ll go deeper into that another day, because that story deserves its own space. But for now, just know this:
I felt the fear.
And I moved anyway.
What CHIQUE (my business) Really Is
This is where CHIQUE comes in.
CHIQUE is not just about dining.
It’s about shining a brighter, more intentional light on Africa.
On culture.
On stories.
On connection.
It’s about creating spaces where people don’t just eat African food, but experience it.
Where conversations flow.
Where cultures meet.
Where there is depth, warmth, and presence.
This is bigger than a dinner table.
This is about identity.
About roots.
About creating something that feels like home...even for people who have never been close to it before.
This Shift Is Personal
From the outside, this might look like a small pivot (or an unimportant one. Nothing to get excited about)
It’s not (for me).
For me, this is huge.
Because I am going back to my roots.
Back to a deep desire that has never left me.
And if I’m being honest, one that also carries history.
Failures.
Disappointments.
Moments that stayed with me longer than I would like to admit.
But I’ve learned something over time.
You don’t ignore the things that keep calling you.
You answer them.
Choosing a Different Way to Live
Last year was one of the hardest years of my life.
And it forced me to face something very real:
You don’t play with your time here.
You don’t keep postponing the life you know you want.
So now, I move differently.
Happiness and peace are my north star.
And yes, also success. Let’s not pretend that doesn’t matter. We gotta make money to do more of whatever we want to do.
I am choosing all of it.
What’s Coming
Right now, I’m already bringing this concept into real spaces.
I’m working with organizations and companies, creating experiences around team building, community, and strengthening relationships. Spaces where people connect beyond titles and roles.
And it’s going well.
Better than I expected, if I’m being honest.
But this is just one part of the vision.
The Table I Really Want to Build
What I’m really building towards?
Private dining tables.
Seats sold individually.
One long table.
A room full of strangers.
Probably not strangers for long.
You can come alone.
You can come with someone.
But once you sit down, you’re part of something shared.
A journey across Africa through your taste buds.
Through stories.
Through energy.
Connection in its purest form.
Join the Waiting list
If this speaks to you, I’ve opened up a waiting list.
There’s a short questionnaire in there.
You’ll be the first to know when the first seats open up.
You can join here.
Honest confession
I don’t fully know where this is going.
I have a vision.
I have a feeling.
I have a direction.
But this could grow in ways I haven’t even imagined yet.
And that might be the most exciting part.
Because when you start something new, you think you know where you’re going,
But you don’t. Not really.
And maybe that’s the point.
Because this is not just about an event.
It’s about answering the call on your life.
And trusting that it’s not too late to become who you know you are.
It’s never too late to pivot.
Love Life Now
Joyce
i've always wondered why i don't see you here as often anymore. now I finally got the answer. yayyy so happy to see you making moves my Joy! cheering you on!!