From Insurance to Jaffles: Durban Chef Sasha Small’s Leap of Faith Is a Story of Black Resilience

After nearly two decades in the insurance industry, Durban-born chef Sasha Small took a leap of faith to pursue her passion for food. For Rainbow Report, this is more than a career change. It is a story of Black resilience, community, and reclaiming space in an industry that has long sidelined our people.

Sasha Small, a chef, entrepreneur, and mother of two, says food is about far more than what appears on a plate. It is about bringing people together, creating lasting memories, and serving others. Raised in a spiritual family, she learned that generosity, kindness, resilience, and serving others were central to her upbringing.

“My parents taught me that true success isn