Cooking Up Futures: A Conversation Close to My Heart
On the Move with Margaret
“Last week, I had the privilege of sitting down with the wonderful Margaret Hirsch while she was visiting the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Our conversation was one that felt especially meaningful to me, because it touched on so many of the things I hold closest to my heart, food, education, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the incredible journey of turning passion into purpose.”
For me, food has never simply been about what is plated in front of us. It is about people. It is about opportunity. It is about nurturing confidence, building skills, and creating futures. Over the years, I have come to see that the kitchen can be one of the most powerful classrooms in the world. It teaches discipline, resilience, creativity, teamwork, and pride. These lessons extend far beyond the stove.
Speaking with Margaret Hirsch gave me the chance to reflect on the journey that brought me here, from my early years in professional kitchens, to building a business with heart, to creating a space where young chefs can learn, grow, and believe in what is possible for themselves. It has never been only about culinary excellence, although that is always the standard we strive for. It has also always been about uplifting others and opening doors.
Mentorship plays a deeply important role in this. I believe that when someone is seen, encouraged, and guided, their entire path can change. So many young people have passion, but what they need is support, structure, and someone who believes in them enough to say, “You can do this.” That is something I have always wanted to offer through my work.
Building something meaningful takes time. It takes courage. It takes consistency. And it takes a willingness to keep going even when the road is not easy. Passion is important, but passion alone is not enough. Success in any career, and especially in hospitality, is built through hard work, humility, commitment, and the willingness to keep learning every single day.
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands was the perfect setting for this conversation. There is something so grounding and inspiring about being surrounded by natural beauty, fresh air, and a sense of calm. It reminded me again why South Africa is such a remarkable place to live, work, and build dreams.
I am grateful to Margaret for creating space for conversations like these, conversations that go beyond business success and speak to legacy, purpose, and the power of investing in people.
If you missed the episode, I would love for you to take a moment to watch it. I hope it encourages you, whether you are a young chef starting out, someone considering a new path, or simply a person with a dream in your heart. We all begin somewhere, and with the right guidance, determination, and passion, extraordinary things can grow.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Watch the interview here:
In this episode of On the Move with Margaret, I visit the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to speak with chef, entrepreneur and educator Jackie Cameron, founder of the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine.