Full Story – Legacy Edition

My name is Margaret Kunwi Dumizo. I was born in the Grassfield region of Cameroon in West Africa, a place where food is more than sustenance — it’s a celebration of culture, family, and love. Each of my names carries a meaning rooted in my heritage:

• Margaret – widely associated with the precious gem, the pearl, symbolizing rarity, purity, and value.

• Kunwi – “God knows” in our Babungo vernacular.

• Dumizo – “Sitting up” or “Rising above” in our Babungo vernacular.

My culinary journey began long before I ever stepped into a professional kitchen. It started in Cameroon, in the warm, bustling restaurant run by my late mother — a remarkable woman whose love for cooking and community left a lasting imprint on everyone she served. I was only eight when she passed away, but her memory and passion continue to guide me daily.

She wasn’t just a cook. She was a healer, a nurturer, and a symbol of resilience. In her restaurant, people came not only to eat but to be comforted — to gather, to celebrate life through food. I remember the aromas, the laughter, and the way her food brought people together. It was magic — and it stayed with me.

Years later, I moved to the United States and began a career in IT, working with respected financial institutions. But no matter how far I climbed in that world, my heart always pulled me back to my roots — to the kitchen, to the flavors of home, and to the dream of keeping my mother’s spirit alive.

At 40 years old, I chose to launch Motherland Gourmet as a tribute to my mother, who passed away at just 32 when I was eight years old. The numbers told their own story — 8 + 32 = 40 — a full-circle moment that felt destined. She would have been 64 this year. Rest in glory, Mama — your legacy lives on in every spice blend, every meal, and every smile we share.

Motherland Gourmet is more than a business. It’s my love letter to my mother. Every spice blend I create and every dish I share is a tribute to her legacy. This isn’t just about cooking. It’s about preserving culture, building community, and reminding the world of the beauty and richness of African cuisine.

Through Motherland Gourmet, I hope to inspire others to cook with pride, to celebrate our stories, and to always remember where we come from. My mission is to keep her name alive — one bottle, one meal, and one memory at a time.