What does it take to transform a simple home baking project into a beloved, influential brand serving some of the biggest names in business? In this episode of Conversations & Plugs, we meet Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka, the powerhouse entrepreneur behind Spez, a Kenyan enterprise redefining what it means to create unforgettable food experiences. 

From baking cakes in her mother’s kitchen to dazzling corporate giants with gourmet spreads and themed cafeteria days, Esmeralda’s journey spans 16 years of reinvention, resilience, and relentless learning. In a candid, no-holds-barred conversation, she opens up about: 

• Learning the Hard Way: How early missteps with finances and hiring shaped her fierce commitment to competence, consistency, and character. 
• The Profound Power of Profit: Why chasing big-name clients and vanity metrics can’t compare to building a truly sustainable business. 
• A COVID-Era Comeback: The surprising gift of a global pandemic—a forced pause that led to a leaner, wiser, and more focused enterprise. 
• Expanding the Vision: Her ambition to scale beyond Kenyan borders and bring intimate, creative food experiences to tables across Africa. 

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking for practical insights, a seasoned business owner craving a fresh perspective, or simply a foodie fascinated by the story behind the dishes, this episode delivers a feast of inspiration.