In the heart of Ghana’s culinary scene stands a woman whose journey began with a passion for food and a bold decision to follow her heart. Christine Avah is the founder of Kristies Hutbits, a successful food company she launched in 2011 after dropping out of university during her first year. What began as a small venture in front of her parents’ home has now grown into a reputable brand serving corporate clients with healthy, delicious meals.
When Just4WomenAfrica asked Christine what inspired her to start Kristies Hutbits, she didn’t hesitate to share that her love for wholesome, tasty food was at the core of it all. “I grew up in a house where my mother and grandmother were always cooking,” she said. “Our home was known for good food, and my brother’s friends would often come over just to eat. That environment shaped my love for food.”
Recognizing a gap in the market for healthy, home-cooked meals, Christine decided to take a leap of faith. “I was excited to be in university, but quickly realized it was all theory and very little practical work. I wasn’t enjoying it,” she recalled. Instead of continuing down a path that didn’t fulfill her, she made the difficult choice to leave school and pursue her passion. Her parents, understanding her determination, supported her by giving her space in front of their house to start her business.
Initially, Kristies Hutbits relied heavily on walk-in customers, but Christine soon realized that the inconsistency of foot traffic made the model unsustainable. A breakthrough came when she was offered the opportunity to provide lunch for a corporate client. This opened a new chapter for the business. She gradually closed the walk-in section and shifted her focus to corporate catering, a move that provided greater stability and growth potential.
When asked if she regrets leaving university, Christine confidently said no. “Occasionally, it crosses my mind,” she admitted, “but I’m happy where I am now.” She acknowledges that completing her education could have given her a business advantage. “A few years ago, I had the opportunity to take a business course. I realized if I had done it earlier, I would have had deeper insight into running a business. But being in business already helped me ask the right questions and relate better to what was being taught.”
To women who feel limited by a lack of formal education, Christine had this to say:
“Life itself is an education. We learn every day, especially from our mistakes. Not everyone is cut out for university, and that’s okay. Vocational schools are just as valuable. They help people develop their strengths and talents. University doesn’t guarantee success. I know many people who went to vocational school and are now thriving. So, I always say—university is not a must.”
Christine’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t without its challenges. “When I started, I didn’t have everything I needed. If I had a big order and didn’t have the right equipment, I’d borrow from a family friend who owned a restaurant,” she shared. One person she speaks highly of is the owner of Club House in Accra, who offered her tremendous support in her early days.
For the first five years, Christine reinvested every cedi back into her business and didn’t pay herself a salary. “It wasn’t until I applied for a visa and was asked to provide a payslip that I realized I needed to officially pay myself,” she explained. She determined her salary by researching what professional cooks typically earn and added herself to the company’s payroll.
Looking ahead, Christine hopes Kristies Hutbits will continue to be a family legacy. She’s already involving her daughter in the business. “She helps out during midterms and vacations,” Christine proudly said. “I’m putting systems in place so that when the time comes, she can take over.”
Balancing life as a CEO, mother, and wife isn’t easy, but Christine makes it work. “I plan my day and my week. That’s how I manage everything,” she said. Her story is a testament to the power of following your passion, trusting your instincts, and staying grounded in hard work.
Christine Avah is not just feeding people—she’s inspiring a generation of women to believe in their dreams, embrace their paths, and never underestimate the power of doing what they love.
