Norwood entrepreneur aims big
Michelle Perumal's pop-up foo store is located in Norwood at Engen garage.
A Norwood food entrepreneur dreams of opening her own restaurant one day.
Michelle Perumal said it had been two years since she turned her cooking passion into a career.
“My cooking is driven by my passion, I didn’t go to school for it. I started cooking at the age of 11 years old which is also when I decided to experience making different dishes including baking.”
Perumal added having a pop-up food store on well-known premises was an advantage for her business.
“I started selling [food] near the Engen garage in 2021, I cook there once a week every Friday… It gets very busy because my customers are from Bramley, Norwood and other surrounding areas.”
The entrepreneur’s menu includes beef, chicken curry and vegan dishes which were doing well.
“For the pop-up store I do have a set menu and I also consider what clients want outside of the menu. I progressed to doing roti, mince curry and lamb briani which became popular.”
Perumel said although the pandemic had detrimental effects on the economy at large, her business thrived.
“The pandemic didn’t affect my business in any negative way. It gave it a boost since restaurants were closed and families ordered meals from my business. I would also cater for the functions that took place during that time.”
The entrepreneur shared tips on running a successful business:
- Start small
- Believe in yourself and never give up
- Keep costs low as possible but never compromise on your product
- Being an entrepreneur takes a lot of hard work, dedication and passion.
