Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruma Kashoro.
Hi Ruma, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story really starts with my family being from Tanzania. Growing up, I was surrounded by multiple cultures, the food, the fashion, the etiquette, the music, the art. That exposure sparked a deep curiosity in me about how culture shapes the way we live and connect, and food became my entry point into understanding all of that.
In 2015, I turned that passion into action and started a meal prep company in Atlanta. It took off pretty quickly, to the point where I made the decision to leave my corporate job and pursue entrepreneurship full-time. I was creating custom meal plans for athletes, entertainers, and everyday people who wanted to eat clean, and that journey led to being featured in Jezebel Magazine.
Fast forward a few years, I competed on Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay. Being surrounded by chefs from so many different backgrounds — and learning directly from Gordon — really expanded my perspective. After the show, I saw an opportunity for Atlanta — something I felt the city truly deserves.
That’s when I created Mix & Simmer. It’s a traveling culinary and cultural experience that brings people together through food, music, and art. Each event highlights a different country or culture and turns it into a full sensory night ,curated menus, live DJs, art installations, and cocktails, all intentionally designed to create connection. At its core, Mix & Simmer is about slowing people down and reminding them how powerful shared experiences can be.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was not the smoothest road. I faced many challenges along the way. Job losses, fighting the uphill battle of entrepreneurship, navigating a new world in event planning, with no assisted funding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I now work a 9-5 at Forbo flooring as a Sales Executive.
But my passion project still holds. After years of working in hospitality, my interests in the arts, and music. I am a culinary creative known for curating cultural dining experiences that blend food, music, and art. What sets me apart is that I design experiences around energy and connection, not just menus. I’m most proud of building a community through Mix & Simmer where culture is celebrated thoughtfully and people leave feeling more connected than when they arrived.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice is to start before you feel ready. Clarity comes from doing, not overplanning. When I first started, I thought everything had to be perfect. The branding, the menu, the audience, but what really mattered was showing up consistently and learning in real time.
I also wish I had understood earlier that progress isn’t always linear. There are seasons where things take off and seasons where you’re laying invisible groundwork. Both matter. Don’t confuse a quiet season with failure.
Lastly, protect your curiosity and your community. Stay curious about cultures, people, and ideas, and build relationships with people who genuinely support you. Skills can be learned, trends change, but integrity, consistency, and how you make people feel will always set you apart.
Pricing:
- Dinner tickets include a multiple course menu from highly trained chefs, open bar, a live performance, and more surprises.
- After party includes entry after the dinner to dance, connect, and experience the culture through sound.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Mixandsimmer @Runitback.ruma
Image Credits
Visage Temps, Olive Norman
