We had the good fortune of connecting with Manu Olito Eleyi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manu, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, and my upbringing was shaped by the unique experiences of living both there and in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Growing up in two different countries had a profound impact on who I am today, allowing me to develop a deep understanding and appreciation for both cultures.

Living in Ottawa, I was immersed in a multicultural and diverse society. On the other hand, my time in Kinshasa provided me with a strong connection to my Congolese heritage.

Growing up between these two countries, I learned to navigate diverse environments, adapt to new situations, and embrace change.

Overall, my background and upbringing have profoundly influenced my character and values. They have given me a global perspective, a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, and a desire to bridge gaps between cultures.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I run a luxury catering business

As a young Black chef with no culinary background, achieving the highest role in my field is truly a blessing. My journey in the culinary world has been marked by perseverance, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

What sets me apart from others is my unique perspective and the experiences that have shaped me. Coming from a non-traditional culinary background, I bring a fresh and innovative approach to my craft. I combine traditional techniques with my own cultural influences, creating dishes that are both familiar and exciting.

I am most proud of my ability to overcome challenges and continuously learn and grow.
I faced numerous obstacles along the way, but I never allowed them to deter me from pursuing my dreams. Each setback became an opportunity for me to learn, adapt, and come back stronger.

The lessons I have learned along this journey are invaluable. I have learned the importance of resilience, patience, and the power of self-belief. I’ve discovered that failure is not an endpoint but a stepping stone to success.

My story is a testament to the fact that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their goals with dedication and hard work. I want the world to know that success is not limited to a specific race, gender, or background.

My brand represents resilience, creativity, and authenticity. I strive to create culinary experiences that not only delight the palate but also tell a story. Through my food, I aim to bridge cultures and spark conversations.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow put me on the spot lol! during the day it would definitely be all about sight seeing and check out all the landmarks of the city. At night we’d go to the restaurant that my mentor ( s/o JC) is running for good food and drinks , then we’d probably hit a club or something like that. Id also take the opportunity to bring him to the neighbor cites so that he would get a feel of several places and not just one

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Of course my parents! My grandma who is the foundation of who I am today! my significant other that pushes me every day to be better and supports me but also all my close family members that’ve been there since day 1 ( they know who they are)

Instagram: Chef_Overtime_esco / Overtime.cooks

Other: company email : Info@overtimecoks.com

Image Credits
The pics in grey jacket= Dinner with view The pics in black jacket = Lunatiqsoul

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.