Today we’d like to introduce you to Jameelah Abdulsalam
Hi Jameelah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Shawarmites started from my love for cooking and my wish to offer something different and memorable at after-parties. While working full-time as a Salesforce Functional Consultant and Business Systems Analyst, I wanted to create something special that would stand out. The idea came to me when my sister friend asked me to come up with a unique dish for a small celebration for her 40th birthday in Ohio.
What began as casual kitchen experiments and small cookouts quickly grew into something bigger. I realized there was a chance to shake up the usual party food options by introducing the rich, delicious flavors of shawarma—a popular Middle Eastern street food—to a new crowd.
Most after-parties serve the same types of food, which can get repetitive. Shawarmites was all about offering something fresh and unexpected, something with bold, tangy, and spicy flavors which comes from our homemade dressing that would surprise guests. The aim was to give people a food experience they wouldn’t forget, even after the music stopped and the party ended. This idea turned into a full-blown business, driven by the goal to serve delicious, one-of-a-kind shawarma.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey with Shawarmites has definitely had its ups and downs. Being one of the first to introduce shawarma as a standout after-party food brought several challenges. One major obstacle was getting people to embrace something new and different from the usual party fare. But with the help of friends in the Planning and Events Industry, the words got out to people who were seeking the same thing, something different from the usuals. I’d like to thank these friends.
Another challenge came when other businesses began to notice our success and started offering shawarma themselves. This increased competition, but we stayed true to our commitment to authenticity and flavor.The win is in our secret homemade dressing which is still unmatched with others. Shawarmites remained dedicated to delivering the rich, original taste that makes our shawarma a hit at any event.
Balancing these challenges with my full-time role as a Salesforce Functional Consultant and Business Systems Analyst required a lot of dedication and time management. Additionally, sourcing the right ingredients and ensuring the highest quality at every event was an ongoing task. Despite these hurdles, Shawarmites has consistently been a crowd favorite, with our focus on genuine flavor and a memorable food experience always winning people over.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Shawarmites is all about bringing a fresh and unique experience to the after-party food scene. Our mission is to break away from the standard options and offer something that guests will remember long after the event. We specialize in serving authentic shawarma, a flavorful, savory Middle Eastern street food with a twist of spiciness from Nigeria that combines marinated meats, fresh veggies, and our signature dressing, all wrapped in warm, soft Lebanese Pita bread.
What sets Shawarmites apart is our commitment to authenticity and quality. We don’t just serve shawarma; we serve an experience. Every wrap is prepared with care, using high-quality ingredients to ensure that each bite is bursting with flavor. Unlike others who may have jumped on the shawarma trend, we stay true to the uniqueness of the flavor ensuring that it remains authentic and delicious and that has never changed which earned us the reputation for being a standout at any event. Whether it’s a corporate function, a wedding reception, or a birthday bash, Shawarmites’ stations is always a hit.
This dedication to authenticity makes us a standout at any event, whether it’s a small gathering or a large celebration, We are most proud of the reputation we’ve built for delivering consistent, high-quality shawarma that people love. It’s incredibly rewarding to see guests light up when they taste our shawarma for the first time and to hear how delighted and satisfying we made their event special. At Shawarmites, it’s not just about serving the wrap; it’s about creating memorable experiences that bring people together over something delicious and unexpected.
We’ve recently expanded our menu to include a delicious tropical organic mango smoothie, which has quickly become a hit alongside our shawarma at events. This refreshing addition has been particularly popular with kids and teenagers, though the adults love it too! The smoothie brings a fresh, fruity twist that complements the savory flavors of our shawarma, making it a favorite choice for everyone at the party.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is that Shawarmites is delivering an authentic, memorable experience with every wrap we serve. It’s not just about offering food; it’s about creating moments that bring people together and leave a lasting impression. I believe that great food has the power to connect people, spark joy, and make any event unforgettable.
Authenticity and passion are at the core of everything we do. I want every bite of our shawarma to reflect the rich flavors and traditions of its origins. Staying true to this authenticity, even as the business grows, is crucial because it’s what sets us apart and keeps our customers coming back for more.
I am also deeply committed to quality. Ensuring that each wrap meets high standards, from the freshness of the ingredients to the care in preparation, is essential. This dedication to quality and authenticity is why people trust Shawarmites to make their events special, and it’s what drives me every day.
Another aspect that truly stands out to me is the relationships I’ve built with my clients over time. Many of them have become friends, and some even feel like family now. This is a testament to the level of customer service we provide and our unwavering commitment to fostering genuine, lasting connections with everyone we serve.
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Image Credits
kola production
