Today we’d like to introduce you to Meymuna Hussein-Cattan.
Hi Meymuna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Well, to start – I am a Top 10 CNN Hero for my work with the refugee community. I’m the Founder and Executive Director of The Tiyya Foundation. Our programs support families of refugees, immigrants, and displaced indigenous communities. I later co-launched a social enterprise restaurant, Flavors from Afar, located in Little Ethiopia, with my friend Christian Davis where we feature international cuisine created by refugee chefs.
The restaurant has obtained a Michelin Bib Gourmand and is listed as one of the Top 101 Restaurants in LA which has guided me to culinary school. I’m now a student at the Institute of Culinary Education in Pasadena.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I had a tough time over the years with establishing The Tiyya Foundation. My mother and I started the organization together in her garage with very minimal resources. After she retired from the work, I acquired government funding but was not prepared for cuts toward refugee aid. I had to lay off staff, and by 2019, I was the only employee at Tiyya. I now have a remarkable team of 12 members, and I know it had a lot to do with being honest about sustainability.
I explored the concept of social enterprises and haven’t looked back. I think all nonprofits, regardless of size, should diversify our incomes. Flavors from Afar is located in Little Ethiopia. I hope more people get the opportunity to try our international dishes created by refugee chefs from around the globe.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Flavors From Afar is a restaurant with a rotating international menu. We partner with The Tiyya Foundation each month to locate refugees and asylum seekers interested in sharing their traditional, home-cooked dishes. By partnering with refugees, we bring authentic cuisine to Los Angeles that highlights different cultures and flavors often unavailable elsewhere. At our core, we believe that sharing a meal is a delicious opportunity for cultural exchange. I love what we do because it provides a unique space to celebrate the talents of refugees rather than leading with their traumas.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Best advise I’ve received was to “make friends before there’s an emergency”. I think that philosophy is why we kept our doors open during the pandemic. The art of networking is very delicate. You want to stay authentic and consistent with people. It’s so easy to blur the lines with transactional relationships. Your network should be your tribe that you truly look out for – and they do the same for you. The mentor relationship is most important, I don’t know what I would have done without proper guidance.
Pricing:
- Catering starts at $50 per person
- Menu options range from $4 to $40
- Meet the chef nights are hosted last Wednesday of each month! $125 / person (or $150 a the door)
- Private Dining $165 / person for groups of 5 to 10 includes a feast from all items on the month’s country highlight. & a traditional coffee ceremony
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meymuna.com
- Instagram: @meymunacattan
Image Credits
Photos by Matthew Palanca, Mythos Media
