Meet Bengala Ngobene | Founder & CEO of Chakalaka, LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bengala Ngobene and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bengala, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve grown to understand that there is risk in every decision you make, especially in the entrepreneurial journey. Risk-taking has been a constant in my life and career, shaping not only my business but also my mindset as an entrepreneur. I expect challenges when pursuing success, and when making decisions or executing my ideas, I always do so with a readiness for the risks involved. Taking calculated risks has taught me resilience and allowed me to build a stronger foundation for my business, Chakalaka.

If I hadn’t taken the risks that I did from moving to a new country, investing in my passion, and launching a unique line of sauces, I would never have had the opportunity to overcome the challenges and grow Chakalaka into the brand it is today. Each risk I’ve taken has brought new lessons, fueled my passion, and reinforced my drive to deliver an excellent product and service to my customers. Taking risks is a powerful tool It has allowed me to carve out a distinct space for my brand and push myself to continuously innovate and expand.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Chakalaka, we’re all about bringing unique and vibrant flavors to the world. We specialize in creating gourmet sauces, relishes, and condiments that reflect the rich tastes of Southern Africa but are crafted to complement any cuisine. What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and authenticity, every bottle is handmade with fresh, natural ingredients, and each recipe is designed to enhance meals without overpowering them. I’ve prioritized building a brand that not only stands out but also captures a powerful curiosity, drawing attention and separating itself from the others. This was my most important part of this project.

I’m especially proud of the journey it took to bring Chakalaka to life and the loyal customer base we’ve built in a relatively short time. Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. It’s been a path filled with challenges. Creating my recipes took years of trial and error and I took each mistake as an accomplishment, grateful for what it taught me. To be able to curate products that stand out, failure was my professor. When I finally decided to launch the brand Chakalaka, I started with limited resources and I had to be resourceful, operating in a small, non-compliant facility and navigating the logistics of scaling production. The biggest challenge was securing funding, but by continually reinvesting in the business and finding creative ways to grow, I pushed through each hurdle. Through this journey, I’ve learned valuable lessons especially resilience, patience, and the importance of maintaining a vision even when circumstances feel overwhelming.

What I want people to know about Chakalaka is that we’re not just about adding heat or flavor to your meals. We’re about enhancing experiences in a healthy and confident way while bringing a piece of my heritage to each table. My story is one of perseverance, passion, and community, and I hope that when people try Chakalaka, they feel a part of that journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting West Palm Beach, Florida, I’d plan an itinerary to showcase the best of what this vibrant city has to offer. From local food spots and unique experiences to beach relaxation and nightlife.

Day 1: We’d start with breakfast at Subculture Coffee in downtown WPB, where they serve some of the best coffee and light bites in town. After fueling up, I’d take them to the Norton Museum of Art to explore the impressive art collection. For lunch, we’d head to Grato, a chic Italian spot with amazing wood-fired pizzas and pastas. In the evening, we’d check out Rosemary Square for dinner at The Regional for upscale Southern-inspired dishes and maybe stop by Copper Blues Rock Pub for live music and craft beers.

Day 2: We’d have a beach day at Palm Beach itself, followed by a relaxed lunch at Pizza Al Fresco, a hidden gem in the charming Via Mizner. In the afternoon, we’d stroll along Worth Avenue, an iconic shopping street, to take in the beautiful architecture and boutique stores. Dinner would be at Buccan, one of my favorite spots known for its bold flavors and a lively atmosphere.

Day 3: We’d go a bit further afield, starting with a drive to Delray Beach for brunch at The Grove. Then, we’d spend the day exploring Delray’s arts scene at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. In the evening, we’d return to West Palm for dinner at Table 26, their seafood is incredible, and the cozy atmosphere is perfect for unwinding.

Day 4: We’d dive into some local history with a tour of the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Afterward, we’d have lunch at Avocado Grill in downtown WPB, known for its fresh, tropical-inspired menu. The rest of the day would be a mix of relaxation and water activities—maybe a sunset catamaran cruise or a paddleboarding session on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Day 5:*We’d start the morning with a visit to Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, a serene, hidden gem filled with lush greenery and impressive sculptures. Then, lunch would be at RH Rooftop Restaurant for an upscale experience with great views. In the evening, I’d take them to The Square Grouper Tiki Bar in Jupiter for live music and drinks with a laid-back beach vibe.

Day 6: We’d go on an outdoor adventure at Okeeheelee Park, where we could try kayaking, biking, or even fishing. For dinner, we’d head to Grease Burger Bar for classic burgers and a great selection of beers, followed by a night out in downtown Clematis Street, known for its vibrant nightlife and live music venues.

Day 7: For the final day, we’d enjoy a laid-back brunch at Hullabaloo before spending a last few hours at the beach or taking a scenic boat tour along the coast. To wrap up the week, we’d have dinner at Topside at the Beacon, with panoramic ocean views to toast a fantastic week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my wife. From the very beginning, she believed in my dream and has been my unwavering support through every challenge and victory. The journey of building a business is often filled with ups and downs, and having her by my side has been invaluable. Her encouragement and belief in me have driven me forward, keeping me focused and grounded even when things felt overwhelming. Thanks to her constant support, I’ve been able to pursue my vision for Chakalaka with confidence and clarity. She deserves immense credit in my story, and I’m incredibly grateful for her presence in this journey.

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