Meet My Mama: How Home Cooks Turned Chefs Are Spicing Up the French Catering Market
A Culinary Journey from Home to Restaurant
Meet My Mama – Nestled within the Cité Fertile, a bustling cultural hub just beyond Paris, Marie-Clarisse Bonzia meticulously prepares an array of vibrant canapés for a high-profile corporate event. Her creations include cassava and okra mini-quiches paired with mango curry sauce, along with mafé-marinated chicken skewers and sweet potato bites adorned with cream cheese and Likouala pepper. “My cuisine is a bridge between Congo, my home country, and France,” she says, her voice calm and reflective. “I learned French culinary techniques to highlight ingredients from my roots.” The quiet yet determined chef never anticipated that her culinary passion would lead to a career shift. After dedicating years to administrative work, she found herself at a crossroads when her daughter was born with a rare condition requiring specialized care. The family’s decision to move to France for treatment marked the beginning of a new chapter.
The Founders’ Vision
Meet My Mama, a Paris-based foodtech initiative, was established in 2017 by Loubna Ksibi, Donia Souad Amamra, and Youssef Oudahman. Each had recently graduated from different academic fields—business and technology, political sciences, and commerce—yet they shared a common goal: to elevate women in the culinary world. “The idea came from our own experiences,” explains Oudahman. “We grew up around women whose culinary talents were often overlooked, even as they shaped the foundations of French gastronomy.” In the restaurant industry, 90% of leadership roles remain male-dominated, but the trio envisioned a platform where women could not only showcase their skills but also access top-tier opportunities.
Roots of Innovation
The company’s name pays homage to the ‘Mères Lyonnaises,’ a group of pioneering cooks from the late 19th and early 20th centuries who transitioned from domestic service to launch their own restaurants in Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital. These women, like Eugénie Brazier, who became the first female chef to earn three Michelin stars in 1933, challenged traditional norms and left a lasting legacy. “We brought the concept into the modern era,” says Loubna Ksibi. “The Mères Lyonnaises trained icons like Paul Bocuse, but today’s women have even more diverse influences to draw from.”
From Struggles to Success
Marie-Clarisse’s journey exemplifies the company’s mission. Her daughter’s medical needs forced her to balance hospital visits with a demanding office job, creating significant strain. “Whenever my daughter was in the hospital, I put everything else aside,” she recalls. “That led to many challenges at work.” Determined to gain more control over her time, she enrolled in culinary training, eventually earning a professional qualification. Now, as the founder of Maison Kolia, she operates a catering business that blends Congolese flavors with French techniques. “We’ve met women from Peru, Japan, Iceland, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Italy, and Congo,” Ksibi adds. “Each brings a unique perspective, turning their personal stories into global culinary narratives.”
Empowering Women Through Mentorship
Meet My Mama offers more than just a platform; it provides structured mentorship and business development programs. Participants receive training in culinary arts, entrepreneurship, and operational strategies, enabling them to refine their craft and scale their ventures. The initiative also connects chefs with networks of investors and clients, fostering collaboration and growth. “They helped me refine my business processes and elevate standards,” says Milena Pecho, founder of Wankas, a catering company specializing in Peruvian cuisine. “Before joining Meet My Mama, I had clients, but the support transformed how I approach every detail.”
Peruvian Flavors with a Global Twist
Milena’s path began in France, where she worked in financial auditing. However, a desire to create something meaningful led her to Peru, where she studied gastronomy and immersed herself in the country’s rich culinary traditions. Her dishes, such as a refined Nikkei ceviche and black quinoa topped with huancaína cream and cancha, reflect a fusion of Indigenous, Japanese, European, and African influences. “The flavors tell a story of cultural exchange,” she says. “My childhood memories are woven into every plate.”
A Legacy of Representation
The founders of Meet My Mama recognize the importance of visibility in breaking down barriers. By spotlighting women from varied backgrounds, they aim to inspire a new generation of chefs. “We don’t just want to create space for these women,” Oudahman emphasizes. “We want them to lead, innovate, and redefine the industry.” This philosophy aligns with the legacy of the Mères Lyonnaises, who once fought for recognition in a male-dominated field. Today, Meet My Mama carries forward that spirit by equipping women with the tools to succeed.
Building a Sustainable Future
The company’s impact extends beyond individual success stories. By fostering a network of women chefs, Meet My Mama encourages shared growth and collective progress. “Our participants are not just chefs; they’re entrepreneurs who bring fresh ideas to the table,” Ksibi notes. The initiative also emphasizes sustainability, helping chefs adopt eco-friendly practices and reduce waste. “We’re not just changing the culinary landscape,” she says. “We’re shaping a more inclusive and environmentally conscious industry.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite the progress, challenges persist. Many women chefs face financial constraints, limited access to resources, and societal expectations. “It’s not always easy to balance family and career,” Marie-Clarisse admits. “But the support from Meet My Mama has made it possible.” The company’s Mama Academy offers tailored guidance, ensuring each participant can navigate the complexities of running a business. “We’ve seen women from all walks of life thrive,” Ksibi says. “From immigrants to locals, they’re reshaping the catering market with authenticity and innovation.”
The Future of Culinary Leadership
As Meet My Mama continues to expand, its influence grows. The company’s mission is not only to empower women but also to celebrate the diversity of global cuisines. “We’re reflecting contemporary society in every dish,” Oudahman explains. “From Congolese to Peruvian, each flavor tells a unique story.” This blend of tradition and modernity is key to their success. “The future of French gastronomy lies in its ability to embrace new voices,” Ksibi concludes. “Women chefs are not just changing the industry—they’re redefining it.”
Through stories like Marie-Clarisse’s and Milena’s, Meet My Mama demonstrates the transformative power of culinary artistry. By supporting women who began their journeys in home kitchens and brought their heritage to the forefront, the company is creating a ripple effect across the French catering scene. As these chefs gain recognition, they challenge stereotypes and pave the way for a more equitable industry. Their work is a testament to the idea that innovation often begins with a simple, heartfelt recipe.
