“Food has a unique way of connecting people” — Ify Mogekwu on her journey from law to cuisine – ryan

Ify Mogekwu is a renowned food storyteller, culinary consultant, and award-winning entrepreneur redefining African cuisine through digital media, education, and brand collaborations. As the founder of Ify’s Kitchen, she champions mindful eating and vibrant flavours, reaching over seven million followers globally.

With a background in corporate law at ACAS-Law (now Dentons ACAS), she spent 14 years advising multinationals before transitioning to the food industry. She has hosted a DSTV cooking show, developed online courses, and consulted for top food brands. In this interview with Chisom Michael, she discusses African cuisine, digital storytelling, and culinary innovation. Excerpts:

Can you share the story of how and why you started Ify’s Kitchen? What inspired you to transition from a successful legal career to pursuing your passion for food and culinary storytelling?

My journey into the world of food began long before I left my legal career. While I enjoyed my work at ACAS-Law and built a successful career advising corporations on governance and compliance, I always harboured a deep passion for cooking and storytelling. I found that food has a unique way of connecting people, celebrating culture, and empowering individuals to express themselves.

In 2016, I took action and founded Ify’s Kitchen. It was an intentional choice to redefine how we view everyday cooking, transforming it into a creative, accessible, and joyful experience. I wanted to share vibrant flavours, authentic recipes, and the rich culinary heritage of Africa with a global audience, all while championing the idea that cooking is for everyone.

Transitioning from law to food wasn’t without its challenges, but the desire to empower home cooks and demystify the art of cooking fueled my decision. Today, I’m grateful to be living my passion and inspiring others through culinary storytelling, proving that when you follow your heart, you can create a legacy that nourishes both the body and the soul.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting Ify’s Kitchen, and how did you overcome them while balancing your legal career at the time?

Balancing a demanding legal career while launching Ify’s Kitchen was certainly challenging. One of the biggest hurdles was managing time, juggling a full-time role as a lawyer with the creative and operational demands of building a new brand. I often found myself working long hours, dedicating evenings and weekends to developing recipes, filming content, and engaging with my audience.

Another significant challenge was stepping into an unfamiliar territory. Transitioning from a structured legal environment to the dynamic world of culinary storytelling required me to learn new skills rapidly—from video production and editing to digital marketing and community management. I overcame these challenges by being intentional with my time, prioritising tasks, and gradually building a team that shared my vision.

Ultimately, my passion for food and the drive to empower others through accessible cooking kept me motivated. I realised that my background in law provided me with a unique perspective on discipline, strategic thinking, and attention to detail—qualities that have been invaluable in growing Ify’s Kitchen. Through persistence, continuous learning, and a supportive network, I was able to overcome these challenges and successfully transition to a full-time career in culinary storytelling.

You’ve built a community of millions of food lovers across your platforms. What do you believe is the key to creating such a strong and engaged audience in the digital space?

I believe the key lies in authenticity and consistency. From the start, I made it a priority to create content that not only delivers delicious recipes but also tells a story—one that resonates with the everyday experiences of my audience. By staying true to my passion for food and cultural heritage, I’ve been able to foster a genuine connection with viewers.

Engagement has been built through a two-way conversation: I always listen to feedback, incorporate viewers’ ideas, and engage with them in the comments section. Consistency in both quality and messaging has helped build trust over time. Ultimately, it’s about creating a community where people feel empowered, valued, and inspired to explore the transformative power of soulful cuisine.

You have excelled in law and the culinary industry. What advice would you give to other women looking to break into the culinary industry or pursue unconventional career paths?

I’d say the most important advice is to believe in your unique value. Your diverse experiences are an asset, not a liability. For me, transitioning from law to the culinary world was all about trusting my passion and recognising that the skills I honed in one field—discipline, critical thinking, strategic planning—could be powerfully applied to the other.

I encourage women to embrace unconventional paths without fear. Stay authentic, invest in continuous learning, and build a supportive network. Whether it’s breaking into the culinary industry or any field that calls to your passion, never let traditional boundaries limit you. Instead, use them as a stepping stone to create your own innovative and impactful career journey.

Above all, remember that your voice and vision matter—empower yourself and others by sharing your unique story.

How do you see the role of women in shaping the food industry, particularly in Africa, and what steps do you think can be taken to empower more women to take on leadership roles in this space?

Women have always been at the heart of Africa’s rich culinary traditions, and today they’re increasingly shaping the industry with innovation, resilience, and leadership. I believe that empowering more women in the food sector starts with celebrating their contributions—whether as home cooks, entrepreneurs, or industry experts—and creating platforms that amplify their voices.

To further empower women in this space, we need to invest in mentorship programs, provide access to business and culinary education, and foster networks that encourage collaboration. When women are supported to take on leadership roles, they not only drive creative culinary innovation but also inspire communities and future generations to challenge norms and pursue their passions. Through intentional policy changes and active community engagement, we can continue to redefine the food industry in Africa and globally.

Your work celebrates African and continental cuisines. How do you approach showcasing traditional recipes while also incorporating modern culinary techniques to appeal to a global audience?

I believe in honouring tradition while embracing innovation. When showcasing traditional recipes, I start by deeply understanding the history and cultural significance behind each dish. This forms the foundation for authenticity. Then, I experiment with modern culinary techniques to enhance flavours, textures, and presentation, making these recipes accessible and exciting for a global audience.

It’s about striking a balance: preserving the soul of the original dish while infusing it with contemporary twists that resonate with today’s food lovers. Whether it’s through refined plating, innovative ingredient substitutions, or creative fusion elements, my goal is to celebrate African and continental cuisines in a way that respects their heritage and excites modern palates.

You’ve collaborated with over 30 brands and served as a brand ambassador for major companies. How do you ensure that your partnerships align with your personal values and the vision of Ify’s Kitchen?

When considering brand collaborations, I prioritise partnerships that reflect the core values of Ify’s Kitchen—authenticity, quality, empowerment, and a genuine passion for food. I take the time to understand each brand’s mission and ensure their messaging aligns with my own, as well as with the vision I have for celebrating African and continental cuisines. This means I only partner with companies that I truly believe in, ensuring that every collaboration adds value to my audience while staying true to the integrity and storytelling that define my work.

What impact do you hope your online cookery courses and food consulting services will have on aspiring chefs and home cooks, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa?

I hope that my online cookery courses and food consulting services empower aspiring chefs and home cooks to embrace the transformative power of cooking. My goal is to demystify culinary techniques and inspire creativity, enabling individuals, especially in Nigeria and across Africa, to confidently explore and innovate with our rich culinary heritage.

By providing practical skills, strategic guidance, and a platform for storytelling, I aim to nourish both talent and passion, fostering a community that celebrates the art of cooking while championing local flavours and global standards. Ultimately, I envision a future where every home cook and emerging chef can access the knowledge and resources needed to thrive, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in the food industry.

You’ve won multiple awards, including the GAGE Award for Food Vlogger of the Year and the YouTube Black Voices recognition. How do these accolades influence your work, and what do they mean to you personally?

These accolades are truly affirming—they not only validate the hard work and passion I pour into Ify’s Kitchen but also serve as a constant reminder that our vision resonates with so many people. Winning awards like the GAGE Award for Food Vlogger of the Year and receiving recognition from YouTube’s Black Voices inspire me to continue pushing the boundaries of culinary storytelling. They motivate me to keep delivering authentic, innovative content that empowers and celebrates the rich heritage of African and continental cuisines.

On a personal level, these honours are deeply meaningful. They reinforce my belief in the transformative power of food and storytelling, and they remind me that when you stay true to your values and vision, the impact you make can extend far beyond the screen. Ultimately, they drive me to strive for excellence every day and to empower others to embrace the art of cooking as a way of nurturing both body and soul.

Beyond food, you’re passionate about youth empowerment and mentorship. Can you share how you incorporate these values into your work and what initiatives you’re most proud of in this area?

I strongly believe that empowering the next generation is just as essential as celebrating food. Beyond creating culinary content, I integrate youth empowerment and mentorship into my work by actively engaging with aspiring chefs and creative minds. I host free online workshops and mentorship sessions where I share not only cooking techniques but also the lessons I’ve learned from my professional journey, encouraging them to pursue unconventional career paths with confidence and purpose.

In addition, I’ve consistently supported youth empowerment programs through brand partnerships, volunteering my time and expertise to mentor emerging culinary talent. These collaborations allow me to give back and help build a stronger, more empowered community in the culinary world.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of Ify’s Kitchen, and how do you plan to continue redefining the African culinary industry on a global scale?

My vision for Ify’s Kitchen is to transform it into a global culinary hub that not only celebrates Africa’s rich food heritage but also pioneers innovative culinary trends. I plan to continue redefining the African culinary industry by forging strategic global partnerships, expanding our educational platforms, and showcasing traditional recipes with modern twists that resonate with audiences worldwide.

By nurturing local talent, investing in technology, and leveraging immersive storytelling, I aim to create a dynamic space where traditional flavours meet contemporary techniques. This will empower both home cooks and professional chefs to embrace innovation while staying rooted in authenticity.

Ultimately, I envision Ify’s Kitchen as a catalyst for cultural exchange—a vibrant community that inspires and empowers individuals to explore, create, and share the transformative power of African cuisine on a global stage.