From Fashion To Marathon Chickens

Talah da Costa is the guy to call if you’re craving delicious homemade traditional Oshiwambo food.

Da Costa is also an Instagram influencer, online fashion retailer, and what he likes to call an “unapologetic” photographic model, who recently made an appearance in KP Illest’s ‘Jealousy’ music video.

Having matriculated just last year, he has a large following on social media and was encouraged to create a business based on his love for food.

With time on his hands and using his experience selling apparel via his Instagram store T M Fashion Collection, he set out to start ‘Talah’s Cookery’ in November 2019.

“The demand kept increasing every day, so I kept increasing production,” he says.

Now the fully fledged business boasts a menu that sells whole marathon chickens, tripe, angel fish, lunch packs, mahangu porridge and vetkoek.

The secret to his success, Da Costa says, is passion for his work and for quality.

“You must be energetic and know your way around the kitchen if you want to succeed. If you cook a particular thing, make sure you’re consistent with the flavours and aromas to keep customers loyal. I prepare my meals with love, passion and the same energy every day,” he says.

In March Da Costa had a stall at the KasiVibe Festival, which exposed him to even more clients.

Such opportunities have been scarce, he says, referring to regulations to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, which has created a demand for cooked food.

Despite this, Da Costa says even preparing a few marathon chickens a day is better than none.

“My goal is to one day be a recognised business owner in Namibia who delivers quality service to customers. I would also like to create employment opportunities for the jobless and inspire my community.”

Da Costa attributes his fighting spirit to his journey in life thus far. He remembers walking to school every morning as a child, which taught him to never give up.

“I’d like to be remembered as an icon who lived a purposeful life by serving and helping those in need,” he says.

Find Talah da Costa and Talah’s Cookery on social media @talahdacosta_official.

– annehambuda@gmail.com or @anne_hambuda on social media.

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