By Joy Ofasia
From waking up as early as 4am to help her mother sell food at Honiara Central Market to running her own catering business, Wendy Kealau’s journey is a story of determination, resilience, and the power of starting small.
Based at Naha 2 East in Honiara, Wendy is the owner of Wendy’s Delicacy, a home-based catering and local food delivery business that serves individuals, government ministries, offices, and corporate clients.
Her passion for cooking began in childhood, inspired by her mother and grandmother, who taught her that preparing food could be more than a household responsibility.
“I saw how cooking could do more than feed people. It could support a family, pay school fees, and help us overcome financial challenges,” Wendy said.
As a young girl, she helped her mother prepare and carry food items such as buns, fish and chips, and ball rice to Honiara Central Market for sale. Those early experiences taught her the importance of hard work, commitment, and earning an honest living.
Wendy began her business venture in 2016 under the name Ezen’s Catering. Last year, she rebranded the business as Wendy’s Delicacy, while expanding its services to include local food delivery to better meet customer needs.
Like many small business owners, Wendy has faced numerous challenges along the way. Financial constraints, rising ingredient costs, transportation expenses, and difficulties securing suitable business premises have tested her resolve.
After previously renting commercial spaces, she eventually decided to operate from home when rental costs became too difficult to sustain.
Wendy credits training opportunities provided through YECSI for helping her strengthen her business management skills and remain focused on her goals despite the challenges.
Today, Wendy’s Delicacy provides employment for five people, including a person living with a disability. As the business grows, she hopes to create more job opportunities for women and young people.
“For me, success is not only about making money. It is about starting with very little, overcoming challenges, and continuing to move forward even when the journey is difficult,” she said.
Looking ahead, Wendy plans to upgrade her kitchen facilities, invest in additional equipment, strengthen her branding, and secure more long-term catering contracts. Her vision is to establish Wendy’s Delicacy as a trusted and recognised local catering brand in Solomon Islands.
She also hopes her story will encourage others, especially women and young people, to pursue their ambitions.
“I would like to encourage other women and young people not to be afraid to start small,” Wendy said.
“You may not have all the resources you need at the beginning, and there will be challenges along the way, but do not allow those challenges to stop you from pursuing your dreams.”
