Ash Thekiso made his first soup at the age of 6 with his grandmother, Agness Seane, who worked as a domestic worker in Honeydew in Johannesburg.
“I’ve been cooking my whole life but I was only ever convinced that I want to be a chef at 23, while working for Ndalo Media as a lifestyle features writer on the Destiny Man publication,” he said. “I went on to study culinary arts at Capsicum much later, finishing in 2019. I told myself that I would never cut onions or be the cleanup guy in anyone’s kitchen and this was when Mmilo Foods started. I had tried different businesses before, from a PR business called Brand Catalysts to an event business named Eashes event, but nothing ever felt at home like working with food and people.”
What inspired you to become a chef?
My grandmother, Agness Madicheke Seane. She was a kick-*ss cook.
Why specifically cater to the fitness industry/space?
I am mostly known for operating in the fitness and health space because I started the business by doing meal preps for my friends and people I knew when they saw me eating mine or whipping them out of the fridge on any given day.
What have been some of your greatest achievements?
Opening my commercial kitchen in Bryanston and garnering a growing audience of loyal clientele.
What have been some of your greatest challenges, and how did you overcome them?
My greatest challenge is cash flow, like any small business in SA, we struggle so much with bread and butter issues that we can’t afford to focus on too many other things. But I believe that funding comes from monthly clients who pay us for our services. It is not easy getting any sort of resource from the government or the private sector. But as long as I grow my clients, I am good.
What can people expect from your meals?
Beautiful, healthy meals that won’t leave you half asleep in the middle of the day. I love working with African Asian fusion dishes.
What is your philosophy in life?
Kindness. (Alter ego would say, “Never miss a party”)
If you could have dinner with anyone – dead or alive – who would it be and what would you serve?
My grandmother. I would serve tjotlo (pulled beef) with mabele (brown maize porridge).