Who is Zana?
Farzana Alvarado, known on social media as Chef Zana, is a professional chef and entrepreneur. She is a member of the SA Chefs Association, World Association of Chef Societies, and only female member of the SA Chefs Gauteng Committee. In addition, she is a South African chef brand ambassador for the World Wide Fund For Nature Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF SASSI). She is also a published author. Her first book, Shadows – An Anthology of Poetry, was published in 2001.
Chef Zana is a woman who is very comfortable with who she has become over the years. She is a woman who strives for excellence because she believes mediocrity is never an option. She is one who takes calculated risks, dreams big, sets goals and always pushes the boundaries to achieve more.
What inspired you to become a chef?
There were many experiences that paved my journey to culinary school. Each was a valuable contributor, because I was never always a chef. I worked for many years as a PR, brand and marketing strategist in SA and abroad, and was even a radio news anchor for a few years. This gave me the opportunity to travel, and experience different cuisines and cultures. I fell in love with art of food. Not just cooking and plating, but the deep history behind each dish. Each dish tells a story about culture and tradition. I learnt that the best way to experience a culture, is through its food. In 2005, I worked on the PR for the first ever “Taste of London”, where I watched Michelin starred chefs in action, and got to interact with many of them. At the time, there was not much innovation happening in terms of food trends in South Africa, especially not in the Halaal consumer market. This itself was a huge motivator. As a Muslim, I felt, and still feel, I need to use my skills and passion for the culinary arts to change the dynamic.
From the moment I enrolled at culinary school, my intention has always been to bring innovative and global flavours to the Halaal consumer, creating an all-encompassing culinary experience.
You are also a business owner. Tell us more about your various businesses.
I have three business, all have the same theme, and are interlinked. However each one provides a different service.
The first is a catering company, Zana Alvarado Collection, providing a collection of bespoke menus for small to medium sized events. I prefer to maintain a hands-on approach in my client relationships, as it gives me more control in creating a one of a kind experience, that is intimate and memorable. After all, I am in the business of making people happy, through my food.
I am also the owner of Mestizo Taste Latino, a food outlet that focuses on Latin American flavours. We were the first in South Africa to cater the trendy Quesabirria tacos, and Peruvian Cilindro chicken. I am particularly proud of our range of craft mocktails, which are made with natural products and fruit. These will be available in store and will soon be available via a delivery service in Johannesburg.
Then, my passion, and true labour of love, I am the co-founder of Adrelatin Entertainment which was born in 2009. This company provides live Latin entertainment for events. Part of its portfolio includes the trademarked event, “Fiesta Latina” South Africa’s Annual Latino Food, Culture and Music Festival, which, this year, celebrates its 10th anniversary. It was the first environment friendly festival in SA and went totally green in 2016. It is also the only Latin festival of its kind on the continent, and attracts cross border attendees.
What do you think of the youth of South Africa and Africa?
I think the youth of this country and the continent at large, have a huge responsibility on their shoulders. The economic future of each country is in their hands. Africa is an untapped reservoir of potential, that needs to be harnessed and nurtured. There is great talent amongst our youth, but not much opportunity for development or growth. There are numerous socio-economic factors, and primarily lack of finances, that hinder progress. Emphasis needs to be placed on skills development across a variety of industries. I personally think that entrepreneurship needs to form part of the education curriculum, starting at primary school level. Entrepreneurs are not born. They are made and shaped. Children can be taught to have an entrepreneurial mindset, to see possibility in everything. This is vitally important, as one of the characteristics of an entrepreneur is to look for solutions instead of seeing problems. If we can teach youth that, from a young age, we will have a continent full of people with self-belief, good work ethic and a burning desire to succeed in their industries.
What is your five year goal?
Five years is a long time. I’m too impatient! I’m the kind of person who wants to see results fast. Whilst I know that all things are a work in progress, I tend to take my five year plans and break them down into 2 or 3 goals per year. Each goal contributes to the overall success of the five year plan. This allows me to measure my progress, fine tune things for the following year, and learn lessons along the way. It also helps me to focus and pay attention to detail. It gives me something different to look forward to next year. At the conclusion of the five years, I would have achieved the plan gradually through consistency. My goal for this year is to conclude product development, launch my own premium product range, and an online store. To find out what’s coming next year, watch this space!
What advice do you have for the youth?
If you want to achieve something, know that no one is going to do it for you. You have to do it yourself. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and put in the hours. There is no instant formula for success or wealth. With determination and smart work, you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it, and don’t sway from the path. There will be plenty people who tell you it can’t be done. Show them it can.
Share three tips for entrepreneurs.
1. Believe in yourself, even if no one else will.
2. Keeping your feet on the ground and head out of the clouds, is a skill that will take you a long way.
3. And most importantly, know what you strengths are. If you remain true to yourself and never lose sight of who you are, then you will build a solid foundation for success.
What is the one quote that you live by?
“It is better to try and fail, than fail to try.”
This quote keeps me going when the going gets tough. Failure is not a negative thing. It’s a positive thing, because it teaches you something, and that lesson is the key to being better the next time.
Follow Chef Zana for inspiration and delicious recipes on Instagram & TikTok @chef_zana
Facebook @ChefZana
