In a quiet neighbourhood of bustling street vendors, Sheri Masri, a 37-year-old single mother of three, has found a way to make ends meet while nourishing her community with homemade dishes.
Every weekend, her humble pop-up stall comes to life, offering warm meals to the locals – food that not only fills their stomachs but also carries the weight of her unwavering determination.
Sheri’s journey into the pop-up food business wasn’t a choice she had anticipated. Three years ago, life took an unexpected turn when she became the sole breadwinner for her family. With no steady income and three children depending on her, she had to find a way to survive.
Leaning on her love for cooking, which had always been her way of expressing love and care, she decided to turn it into her livelihood.
“I remember my first pop-up,” Sheri recalled with a soft smile. “It was nerve-wrecking. I wasn’t sure if anyone would buy, but I knew I had to try.”
She started small – selling homemade shepherd’s pie at a shopping complex. The first day was a mix of emotions, but to her surprise, she sold out. Word spread quickly, and soon, her loyal customers began looking forward to her weekend pop-ups. Each meal she prepares is a reflection of her roots, offering dishes that are simple yet full of heart.
However, the road hasn’t always been easy. As a single mother, Sheri’s days are filled with a whirlwind of responsibilities. In the early hours of the morning, while the city is still asleep, she’s in the kitchen, chopping ingredients and preparing her signature dishes. By the time her children wake up, breakfast is ready, and soon after, she’s off to set up her pop-up stall. Between managing her business, raising her kids, and running a household, Sheri rarely has time for herself.
“It can be overwhelming,” she admitted. “There are days when I feel like giving up, but when I see the smiles on my customers’ faces and know I’m providing for my children, it makes it all worth it.” The community has become her biggest supporter. She is often invited to set up her stall, and regulars often stop by not just for the food, but for a chat.
“They’ve become like family,” Sheri shared. “They know my story, and some of them have helped spread the word. It means the world to me.”
Despite the challenges of being a single mother and entrepreneur, Sheri dreams of expanding her business. She hopes to save enough to open a small eatery one day – where she can serve her food full-time and create a stable future for her children. Until then, she’s grateful for the opportunity her pop-up venture has given her. “Life has been tough, but this business has given me hope,” Sheri reflected.
“I want my children to see that no matter what challenges come our way, we can rise above them.”
Through hard work, determination, and a love for food, Sheri is not only feeding her community but also showing her children the power of resilience. Her pop-up may be small, but her spirit is mighty, and her story is one that inspires all who meet her.
Sheri is moving forward. By October, she’ll be opening her first kiosk, where she’ll sell her signature dishes as well as a new product, lekor. – Fadley Faisal
