Wichita Mensah of North Atlanta on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Wichita Mensah and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Wichita, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes, the moment my sister graduated for her Master’s degree with honors.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Wichita Mensah, but in the food world I go by Noudoudou.

I’m a cook, storyteller, and content creator who celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of West-African cuisine. Through my Noudoudou platform I share recipes, travel-inspired cooking videos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of African dishes—from jollof rice and thieboudienne to vibrant stews and market-fresh sides.

What makes Noudoudou special is the way it connects culture and creativity. I draw on family heritage and the diverse foodways of Africa while showing how these dishes can fit beautifully into modern kitchens everywhere. My goal is to make African flavors approachable, spark curiosity, and inspire people to gather around the table.

Right now I’m focused on growing the Noudoudou community, developing new recipe series, and partnering with local chefs and markets to bring more African food stories to a wider audience

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has shaped me most is the one I share with my parents and my sister.
They’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders—constantly hyping me up and reminding me that I can chase any dream. My parents raised me to be unapologetically myself: whether I’m coloring my hair, leaving medicine to study law, or starting a cooking blog, they’ve never questioned my choices. Their unwavering belief in me taught me to trust my own voice and to embrace change with confidence. That steady support is the foundation of the woman I am today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—back in 2021 I hit a point where I almost gave up. I was juggling school and the start of my career while rebuilding my life in a country where I didn’t have any family support. The weight of doing everything alone—new culture, new responsibilities—felt overwhelming. But that challenge forced me to dig deep, trust my own resilience, and lean on the quiet strength my parents and sister had always modeled for me. Pushing through that season showed me that I can create a home and a future anywhere, even when it feels impossible.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—the public version of me is absolutely the real me. I’m naturally quiet and observant, but I’m also unapologetic about speaking my mind. I share my opinions and beliefs even when they go against the grain, and I don’t adjust my tone or personality depending on who’s in the room. What you see online or in person is the same person my family and closest friends know.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only ten years left, I’d stop caring—completely—about what anyone thinks of my choices. I’d live life wide-open: be silly, be weird, let the darker, quirkier sides of me show without hesitation. I’d focus only on experiences and people that light me up, and leave behind the need for approval.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nou_dou_dou?igsh=N2R1NW1lZGhrYnNr

Image Credits
Noudoudou all rights reserved