Meet Ellen Mari of Ohemaa Afro Fusion Cuisine in Central Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Mari.

Ellen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started Ohemaa Afro Fusion Cuisine to help increase exposure to African cuisine. Growing up as a first-generation Ghanaian American, African cuisine was not as mainstream as cuisine from other cultures in the communities where I lived. When I was younger, I felt that people were missing out on the delicious flavors of African cuisine. However, I believed that mainstream exposure would eventually occur in time. As I got older, I realized that the lack of mainstream exposure was still an issue and I decided I would do something to help solve the problem. I believe the fusion technique is a great way to create a sense of community, build bridges across cultures, and increase exposure through familiarity.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Some struggles I have encountered include managing the number of forms and licenses necessary when starting a business and getting the logistics down when fulfilling catering orders.

Please tell us about Ohemaa Afro Fusion Cuisine.
Ohemaa Afro Fusion Cuisine is a meal delivery and catering service that combines elements of African cuisine with elements of Asian, Soul Food, Caribbean, and Mexican cuisines, to name a few. We serve the community by providing the perfect opportunity for people who are unfamiliar with African cuisine to gain some exposure to it through the combination of cuisines that are more familiar and more mainstream.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have realized that while every beginning entrepreneur goes through similar challenges, every business is different. Regardless of how well-intentioned advice you receive may be, it might not work for your business. It is important to consider your own distinct path when making business decisions.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 480-238-1551
• Email: ohemaaafrofusion@gmail.com
• Instagram: @ohemaaafrofusion
• Facebook: @ohemaaafrofusion

Image Credit:
Photo Credit of Professional Photo of Ellen Mari: Edson Studios
Photo Credit of Food Photos 1 & 2: Edson Studios
Photo Credit of Food Photos 3-7: Ohemaa Afro Fusion Cuisine

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