A veteran chef has turned personal loss into purpose, launching a new food venture in St James on what would have been her daughter’s 21st birthday.
Chef Shakira Drakes on Thursday launched Kira’s Cuisine, at Husbands Heights Park.
From left – Nikwa Scantlebury, business owner Shakira Drakes and Sakarah Thomas. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt/Barbados TODAY)
Drakes reflected on the emotional journey that led to the establishment of the business, which she said was opened in honour of her late daughter.
“I’m very proud to say that I started my business yesterday on my daughter’s birthday. She would have been 21,” she said. “I wanted to do something really amazing to reflect my resilience, my humbleness and my art.”
Drakes, who has spent close to a decade working in the culinary industry, said her career began at Open Kitchen, where she started on the salad station before working her way up to supervisor. She later gained experience at several well-known establishments, including Sandy Lane, Pier One and Fusions Rooftop.
“It was a long journey,” she said, noting that her most recent managerial role inspired her to pursue business ownership. “I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I wanted to do this for myself and for my children.”
She credited close friends and supporters for encouraging her to take the leap into business, particularly Taahir Bulbulia and representatives from Barbados Trust Fund Ltd, who assisted her in securing the location for the venture.
Drakes explained that although she had initially been interested in acquiring a food trailer, finding a suitable location proved challenging.
“Every week we were still connected until one time it was like I gave up. I wanted to throw in the towel because it was very depressing,” she recalled.
However, she said Bulbulia encouraged her to remain hopeful before eventually calling back with good news.
“He said: ‘Kira, I get a spot for you.’ From there it was nothing but up.”
Kira’s Cuisine offers a wide range of menu items, including chicken platters, tacos, fried fish platters, blackened fish platters, subs and wraps. Drakes also highlighted that the menu is certified halal.
It is opened Monday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm, while Friday and Saturday opening hours are 11.30am to 9.30pm. It is closed on Sundays.
(SB)
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