Rising Stars: Meet Anita Freeman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Freeman.

Anita, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hello, I am Chef Anita Freeman. I am originally from West Africa, my food business is Ma.BCuisine. It all started at a young age, I like to jokingly say I was “Forced into cooking”. West African culture and values have a standard that females learn to cook. As a youth with a high metabolism, I can proudly say I ate my grandparents out of home lol. My grandmother asked me to join her in the kitchen to learn how to cook all the amazing food I loved to eat.

If I love to eat it I have to know how to cook it. Once I create a family of my own in the future I can feed them not only delicious African food but authentic West African Cuisine. The original “Ma.B” my grandmother Betty Suah was able to get me in the kitchen as a kid and I never left since. It is truly my happy place. I’ve always been a food enthusiast but I started my business while attending North Carolina Central University ( The best HBCU).

With the support of my friends, family, social media, and community, I started Ma.Bcuisine in 2018. It was named after both Betty Suah (grandmother) and Betty Weah my little sister. I am dedicated to serving everyone’s diverse authentic West African Cuisine. As the 2019 Jollof Rice Champion in NC I am still holding my title and currently sharpening my skills as an entrepreneur while offering Pan orders and catering services inquires by email: Ma.bcuisine@gmail.com

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road but every L has been a Lesson and I’m blessed to still be open to learning and developing critical skills as an entrepreneur and a black woman in America.

Liberian people say ” Not because of a bad dream you will not sleep. This parable explains that bad things will happen in life (bad dreams) but it’s temporary and peace or joy will come after and you will benefit (sleep).

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an entrepreneur, the current head Chef with Ma.Bcuisine Authentic West African Cuisine serving the Raleigh/ Durham area. I specialize in bringing a taste of Africa to every table given the opportunity. I am known for my delicious meals, creativity, winning the NC Jollof War, and still hold the title.

Most importantly, I am known for being authentic and unapologetically African. I love being West African and our rich culture and cuisines. Ma.BCuisine stands out because it is the epitome of African cuisine. A Little of everything in each bite. Africa is diverse like Liberian Jollof full of flavor Ma.Bcuisine shares that flavor, culture, and experience with everyone.

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Be a lifelong learner in all aspects.

Contact Info:

• Email: ma.bcuisine@gmail.com
• Instagram: @Ma.Bcuisine
• Facebook: Ma.Bcuisine