BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SETH SAHELY, one of the Federation’s accomplished private chefs, has been featured in one of the world’s top magazine for his culinary skills.
Sahely, a resident of Ponds Extension, Basseterre, St. Kitts, has been featured in the October edition of Mélange Travel Lifestyle Magazine - an entity that showcases the Caribbean culture through various individuals.
The jovial chef told SKNVibes that culinary arts were not the first choice in his a career path since he was focussed on being an entrepreneur. However, it was the joy and influence of his mother that led him to become a chef.
His mother, Wendy Sahely, better known as ‘Aunty Wendy’, has since retired from that field and she had passed on the ‘baton’.
“I am a chef for about 10 years, I would say. My mom was the one who caused me to become a chef. The fact that I grew up with her, where she had a restaurant and was a also caterer, is where I learned to cook - she has retired now. I always used to be in the kitchen cooking and I had a love for that.”
Recounting his early years as an entrepreneur when he was focussing on the growth of his establishment, Sahely said he was also catering for people from all over the world who would visit the Federation.
Sahely is of the view that he was recognised by the magazine through the many people for whom he catered, and that he was surprised when the publishers had contacted him.
“I was quite happily surprised when I got the call. I got an email first and then I continued to dialogue with the publishers, and I was surprised that this was really happening.
“When I checked and did my research, I recognized that it was real and an international magazine. I was very happy and was looking forward to being featured in this magazine.”
Taking a step back in time, Sahely said that after being encouraged by his mother, he woke up one morning and asked himself: “Why not open a business doing what I love?” And out of that thought his private establishment, Meaning Mealz, was established.
In his published feature, though he enjoys cooking any meal, there is a love for fish dishes.
The father of two boys, twins, noted that he is happy to be playing his part in developing and putting his homeland on the map.
He is very passionate about his profession and is known for encouraging young people to always entertain positive thoughts, which would enhance their upward mobility in whatever field they may choose as a career.
“I spend a lot of time being a role model and a mentor to the young people,” he said.
Further, he encourages youth people who have a passion to follow their dreams, pointing out that it is not going to be an easy road but it calls for sacrifice, dedication and hard work to reach the top.
“If you have that passion and drive, be consistent and focus; never give up and don’t be afraid to seek advice…”
Sahely is one of two Kittitians who were featured in the Canadian magazine.
