Looking back then looking forward with Shwen Shwen.
This year will be uniquely etched in our memories for how testing it has been, but it is one on which we can reflect back and truly appreciate how adaptable and resilient we can be, when we put our minds to it. It has been tough on the hospitality and leisure sectors who without doubt deserve a better year in 2021. 2020 also gave us hope, whilst sadly and tragically off the back of yet another brutal murder with the world watching, the spotlight was thrown on racism and inequality. As a black-owned business it’s great to feel there is a new space for black imagination and innovation, and with a new found awareness of equality issues, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.
What is the most important lesson you learnt this year?
I learnt that working hard is important but believing in yourself matters even more. The first lockdown dealt a killer blow to the supper club events and weddings I was due to cater for this year and I was selling my product at a local farmers market which closed, leaving online sales as our only channel to market. Good products can be sold honestly, authentically and if underpinned by a much greater purpose then your discerning customers will buy them. So I learnt to believe in myself and Shwen Shwen’s great products and following our successful re-brand we also believe in our customers who ‘get it’ and can see what we are trying to achieve. Thank you.
What is the best thing that happened?
The re-branding of Shwen Shwen was a highlight this year, but the best thing was born out of challenge. The first lockdown found us with a product surplus due to event cancellations, and market closure. So we donated our product to our hardworking NHS staff, which brought us joy and satisfaction on so many levels.
What did you enjoy most?
I enjoyed the mandatory family time that the lockdown brought. My husband and I and our two children watched a few more films than we would normally and when we did all succumb to the dreaded Coronavirus we isolated together and looked after each other until well again. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who are suffering with this unpleasant virus this Christmas, and we hope the vaccine makes an impact in the fight against it in 2021.
What are your plans for 2021?
We have now secured a private dining venue in Kent and can cater for small groups of between 10 and up-to 15 people for themed private dining experiences, such as: Valentines, Mothers-day, Sierra Leone Independence dinner, Fathers day, Eid, Halloween, Black History Month, and of course a Christmas party 2021. Whilst we are happy to deliver our Sierra Leonean (seven course) tasting menu, we are also happy to create bespoke menu’s and rest assured EVERY event will leave a lasting memory. We’re taking pre-orders now!
Vino Bianco – Spumante Extra Dry from Shwen Shwen.
Our range of drinks and mixers work well with Prosecco and so we did some research, reached out to a contact and are thrilled to announce the following:
“On the finest hills in Valdobbiadene, Conegliano, Italy, there is a single vineyard owned by a family that harvest the grapes by hand.
This is not supermarket Prosecco – Shwen Shwen is now working in partnership with this vineyard to bring our discerning customers something really FANCY! It’s extra dry, floral, aromatic, and fruity, it’s perfect for dinner parties. We are taking pre-orders now!
Expanding our product range.
In 2021 we intend to add to our product range and build out our online shop. We have some additional product ideas but they are top secret for now, so watch this space.
With this said I would like to offer you all our warmest wishes from Shwen Shwen and wish you a very Happy New Year.
Maria.