A former police officer has created an Indian cuisine empire enjoyed by thousands in her own kitchen.
Kim Ghali ditched crime for curries after 25 years working in the police force.
The 57-year-old from Rownhams faced a new chapter in her life and decided to take the plunge and pursue her passion by launching Kim's Curry Club.
“I always loved cooking and I started doing it for friends and family”, she explained.
It was at a friend’s party where Kim met a like-minded business owner who persuaded her to follow her dream.
Kim said: “It’s quite a scary thought, trying to launch a new business, but I did.
“I completed the course for my food hygiene, then I was brave enough to set up my Facebook page.
“I started properly in 2019 and my system was customers would order by Sunday and I would cook it all on the Thursday for them to collect from my home on Friday, complete with cooking instructions.
“My aim is to get people trying a dish they would not normally have.”
But it was make or break for Kim and her beloved business when Covid-19 struck in 2020.
Despite the challenges faced, she was able to adapt – and her business was booming.
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She said: “I thought Covid would end my business, but in fact, it turned it around as all the takeaways were shut.
“I was cooking about 60 meals a week for contactless collection.
“Throughout the pandemic I also delivered boxes of individually wrapped meals to nurses on the Covid wards in hospital, and key workers.”
Kim now offers a variety of services, from food collection services to creating buffet spreads and catering for events.
She is particularly proud of keeping her prices low throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.
Kim said: “The demand for my food is incredible, and I am making about 20 to 25 meals every two weeks.
“My customers are my family and I love my business as I love cooking and meeting people.
“I was born here but I am originally from Punjab, and it is all a big part of our culture, offering people food and drinks.
“I have learnt to keep my food simple, I am never going to make anything complicated.”
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