CCBC Alumna, Food Truck Operator 23'
In just a month, Mimah gained the skills to launch a thriving food truck business, serving up West African flavors to eager crowds in and around Baltimore.
When Jemimah “Mimah” Yakubu launched Mimah’s African Cuisine in December 2023, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of sharing the bold and flavorful tastes of West Africa with her Baltimore community. But the journey to opening her food truck wasn’t just about passion—it required knowledge, strategy and preparation. That’s where CCBC’s Food Truck Operator Continuing Education Workforce Certificate came in.
“My inspiration for starting Mimah’s African Cuisine came from my deep love for West African food and culture, as well as a desire to share authentic flavors with a broader audience,” Mimah says. “Growing up in Nigeria, I watched my mother, a caterer with over 25 years of experience, create dishes that brought people together. I wanted to offer that same experience here.”
Mimah earned her food truck operator certificate at CCBC in October 2023 and turned her vision into a thriving enterprise just two months later. The program provided hands-on training in food truck logistics, financial management and regulatory compliance. Learning from instructors and industry professionals gave her the tools to navigate the complexities of running a mobile kitchen. She also learned how to conduct a SWOT analysis, her businesses’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, which she credits with helping her make better business decisions.
“I learned how to navigate the challenges of running a food truck and manage costs effectively,” says Mimah.
The program also helped me refine my business plan, ensuring I had a solid strategy to grow and sustain my brand.
At CCBC, she also benefited from the flexible scheduling and financial aid that was available to her as a Baltimore County resident.
For aspiring food entrepreneurs, Mimah offers simple but crucial advice: “Be ready to learn, adapt and put in the work. If you stay committed, the journey is incredibly rewarding.”
For those new to West African cuisine, Mimah recommends starting with the customer favorite of jollof rice, chicken and fried plantains.
Mimah’s African Cuisine operates Wednesday through Saturday at rotating locations, announced via social media and on her website, mimahsafricancuisine.com.