At just 11 years old, Omari McQueen isn’t your typical pre-teen.
Armed with a passion for cooking and a heart for animals, he’s carving out his own path in the culinary world. From teaching himself to cook at a tender age to launching his very own vegan Caribbean pop-up restaurant, Omari’s journey is one of inspiration and determination.
Born and raised in London, England, Omari discovered his love for cooking at the age of seven when his mother fell ill with hemiplegic migraines. Wanting to alleviate some of the pressure on his family, Omari and his brother Laquarn took charge of the kitchen. Little did they know, this would be the beginning of Omari’s culinary adventure.
As Omari honed his skills in the kitchen, he stumbled upon a PETA UK video on YouTube that opened his eyes to the world of veganism. Intrigued by the idea of a plant-based lifestyle, Omari decided to not only adopt veganism himself but also to share his newfound passion with others. Armed with determination and creativity, he launched his own YouTube channel, ‘The Mari Maker Show,’ where he showcased homemade vegan dishes and shared cooking tips.
But Omari didn’t stop there. Recognizing the need for delicious vegan alternatives, he started experimenting with recipes and created his own line of vegan dips under the brand name Dipalicious. What started as a small venture soon blossomed into a full-fledged business, offering an array of vegan snacks, seasonings, and juice packs.
In 2019, at the age of 11, Omari achieved another milestone by opening his very own pop-up restaurant, Dipalicious, in Boxpark, Croydon. With a menu boasting tantalizing Caribbean flavors made entirely from plant-based ingredients, Omari’s pop-up became a hit among locals and tourists alike. His dedication to cruelty-free cuisine and his entrepreneurial spirit earned him widespread acclaim and recognition.
Despite his young age, Omari’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. He’s been honored with several awards, including the TruLittle Hero Award for Entrepreneur Hero under 12 and the Compassionate Kid Award from PETA. His compassionate message extends beyond the kitchen, as he spreads awareness about the importance of kindness and acceptance, particularly in the face of adversity.
Today, at the age of 14, Omari continues to inspire others with his passion for cooking and his commitment to making a positive impact on the world. With a new show on BBC and a forthcoming book deal with Scholastic, he shows no signs of slowing down. Through his culinary creations and his unwavering determination, Omari McQueen is proving that age is just a number when it comes to following your dreams and making a difference.
Muhammed Abubakar‘s remarkable journey from an airplane cleaner to a captain is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and unwavering faith in one’s dreams. Over the course of 24 years, he transformed his humble beginnings into a soaring success story, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Abubakar’s odyssey in the aviation industry began when he embarked on a quest for higher education at Kaduna Polytechnic. However, due to circumstances beyond his control, he missed the admission deadline, leading him to seek employment opportunities to sustain himself. Despite facing initial challenges, he seized an opportunity as an aircraft cleaner with Kabo Air, earning a meager wage of approximately $0.50 per day.
Many doubted Abubakar’s decision to accept such a low-paying job, but his determination and resilience propelled him forward. Through his diligent work ethic and dedication, he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually transitioning to ground staff and later securing a position as a cabin crew member.
Despite the improved pay and status, Abubakar’s aspirations extended beyond his current role. His unwavering dream of becoming a pilot continued to drive him forward, fueled by the support and encouragement of his colleagues and superiors.
With the backing of his managing director, Abubakar embarked on a transformative journey to pursue his pilot training in Canada. Despite financial constraints, he remained undeterred, leveraging his savings and the assistance of his company to obtain his private pilot license
