African pastry delights (Photo by Christian O'Brien)

Private kitchen

Zamoa's Private Kitchen, located in the picturesque Chaoyang Park area of east Beijing, was opened in 2009. It now has five full-time staff and caters to both private parties and corporate banquets seven days a week. Her business still stays true to its roots and deals with deliveries across many districts in Beijing.

"I get up early everyday as I did and cook specific portions. I used to deliver myself but now I have four people who help me meet the orders," said Zamoa as she prepared an Afro-Caribbean fusion feast for ChinAfrica.

The homely feel of her private kitchen has become a popular alternative to the noisy dining areas that many of Beijing's African restaurants are located in. With African art deco juxtaposed with its Chinese surroundings, it feels as if a slice of Africa has been implanted in the bustling city.

It seems as if Zamoa is a culinary force to be reckoned with. Still looking to broaden her expanding horizons, she elaborates on her future business plans.

"I would definitely love to expand my business into a restaurant," she said. She is now in the process of opening another kitchen at a furniture center in the Gaobeidian area. "I feel that a private kitchen would work better in the hutong (old Beijing alleyway) areas as it has more character. I also have another bakery in the Shunyi District and plan on bringing two workers from Ghana to help me run the business," Zamoa added.

Advice to Entrepreneurs

> Conduct extensive research about what business you intend to start in China before you begin;

> Register your company and get all the necessary legal documentation first;

> Be mentally prepared - it can be a tough challenge;

> Give it 100 percent and be determined.  Don't just hope for the best but be the best at what you do;

> Keep your ideas close to your chest and work with staff on a need to know basis.