We had the good fortune of connecting with Veronica Ogbeide-shoyinka and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Veronica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I became a mother and wanted to stay close to her son. I felt the need to quit my demanding job in social work and relocated to LA for more support. I cooked for people for fun, and people enjoyed the taste if my food so much that they offered to hire me for events. Soon after a few friends suggested I make the food available on a more consistent basis, and that was when I decided to open a restaurant.

What should our readers know about your business?
Restaurant business is not easy. It’s challenging to have all pieces in agreement at the same time, that’s whether you have desires from the customers — not every customer has the same needs. Our latest challenge was opening our new building during the 2020 pandemic. I have learned to stay focused on the goal and to not get overwhelmed by obstacles that are out of my control. One of the biggest lessons that I hold on to is that kindness can pave ways for you, and although it may take discipline, everyone is deserving of a meal and a kind smile.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a little bit older now and prioritize my rest, but I still love to have fun. Nigerians are known for exciting parties so that would be my first stop. We soon hope to host events in our space on our top floor and would highly recommend dinner and lounging right and the restaurant. Other than that, our restaurant is located right down the street from the Forum, Sofi Stadium and Intuit dome where I’m sure you could catch a game, concert and unique expo, come down to Veronica’s Kitchen for a meal and just a short trip to a coastal view in a beach city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God is my strength foremost. I am grateful for the favor he has placed over my life. My Nigerian community, the community of Inglewood and my family. I wouldn’t be where I am without my community pushing me and and supporting me. I have been operating in Inglewood for over 30 years and grateful for the City of Inglewood staff and residents that help my business what it is today. My late mother’s encouragement and the cooking skills she gave to me early on in life, my son, my first business partner.

Website: https://veronicas-kitchen.com

Instagram: veronicaskitchenla

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