Hidden Gems: Meet Vasta Muhimpundu of Iwacu Flavors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vasta Muhimpundu.

Hi Vasta , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Absolutely. My journey began in Rwanda, where I grew up in a big family and started cooking from a young age. Cooking has always been more than just making food—it’s how I connect with myself. I’ve always found myself cooking for others, wherever I go. It’s is my love language!
Years ago, I started thinking about building something more intentional. I remember texting my sisters telling them about my “Iwacu Flavors” cooking business idea and asking their opinions on the name. Iwacu is a word in Kinyarwanda, our language in Rwanda, and depending on the context, it means “home” or a place of care and belonging. That’s exactly what I want my food to feel like—home.
Eventually, I moved back to Rwanda. I had been traveling there often and just felt this deep pull to return, farm, and create something rooted in fresh food. I wasn’t living on a farm, but I lived in a beautiful home in the city and farmed in the countryside. It was one of the most beautiful times of my life. I didn’t have a business plan,I was just doing it out of passion. I cooked amazing food, but I wasn’t yet sharing it at scale or in a structured way.
Then COVID hit. I was traveling when the lockdowns happened and ended up stuck in the U.S. At the time, I was also running my fashion brand, Iwacu Boutique. I had a team working with me, but I was personally funding everything and It became clear I didn’t have the structure to keep it going. So I had to pause everything.

In 2023, I went back to Rwanda for a collaboration with a business I’d connected with years earlier. I had once stepped in and cooked for their guests during lockdown when their chef couldn’t make it, and we’d talked about doing something together. When I returned to make it happen, the food experience was amazing—but the communication and planning weren’t strong. They wanted to add meat to the menu, and I wasn’t willing to compromise on being fully plant-based. So I had to walk away. It was tough, but it taught me about preparation and staying true to my values. I’m still in touch with them, and I hope we’ll work together again one day, with better alignment.

After that, I came back to the States, inspired by that experience and also by my own failures. I had done a few events that didn’t go as planned. And I’m not someone who enjoys failing, but those moments made me reflect deeply. Around that time, I also watched The Bear, and I just felt this fire to go for it. I enrolled in culinary school to sharpen my skills. The program wasn’t what I hoped for, but it gave me clarity. I realized I didn’t need to follow a traditional path. I was already living my purpose, I just needed to own it.
So in 2024, I officially launched Iwacu Flavors. While the name existed before, this was the first time I built it with structure, intention, and legal backing. It’s been one of the hardest years of my life, I’ve poured everything into this—mentally, financially, physically. Even when it’s hard, I believe in what I’m creating. I’m finally doing what I was meant to do: cooking, teaching, creating, bringing joy and bringing people together through food.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Almost everything about this journey has been a challenge. Running a business solo is not easy, it’s a constant learning process. For me, it’s been about learning as I go, making mistakes, and trying to do better every day.
One of the hardest parts has been having the mental and emotional strength to keep going, to not let outside energy affect me, and to keep showing up for myself. Tapping into your purpose isn’t easy. It’s nerve-wracking. But deep down, I’ve always known that I’m meant for greatness. I know I have a special energy, and I know I’m going to be great, it’s just a matter of getting through the hurdles life throws at you.
I once heard on The Futur podcast that every entrepreneur should go to therapy,and I believe that. Especially for someone like me, who had to unlearn a lot from childhood. Healing is part of the work. I can only be truly successful if I’m whole from the inside out. That’s what I’m working on,becoming the best version of myself so I can step fully into what I’m here to do.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Iwacu Flavors?
Iwacu Flavors is a plant-based personal chef business rooted in joy, culture, and nourishment. I specialize in creating vibrant, intentional meals that bring people together—whether it’s through private dining, cooking classes, community events, or curated culinary experiences.
“Iwacu” is a Kinyarwanda word that means “home,” and that’s what I want my food to feel like, comforting, welcoming, and made with care. I grew up in Rwanda cooking for my large family, and now I bring that same energy into everything I do: food that’s personal, grounded in tradition, and made to nourish the body and spirit.
What sets Iwacu Flavors apart is that it’s not just about the food,it’s about creating meaningful experiences. I don’t just teach recipes, I help people cook intuitively and connect with what’s on their plate. I use seasonal and whole plant-based ingredients, cook from scratch and center every offering around wellness, culture, and intention.

I’m most proud of the community I’m building through food, especially through my Plant-Based Academy and volunteer initiative, Together We Nourish & Serve. Whether it’s a Zoom class, a private dinner, or a pop-up, I want people to walk away feeling more inspired, more connected, and more nourished from the inside out.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I think what matters to me has shifted over the years, especially recently. Right now, what matters most is living in alignment with my purpose. I want to be everything I’m meant to be, and I believe that fully stepping into my purpose is what will bring me true joy and fulfillment.

It also matters to me that I create joy and a sense of belonging for others. Through my food, my presence, and my work, I want people to feel seen, nourished, and connected. That’s the energy I hope to carry into everything I do.

Pricing:

• Private in-home cooking experience: Starting at $375 for 1–3 guests
• Virtual cooking class (Zoom): $85 per person, up to 10 participants
• Plant-Based Retreats & Pop-Ups: Coming soon

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Iwacuflavors.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwacuflavors/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iwacuflavors1
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vastamuhimpundu/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@iwacuflavors-plantbased?si=-Y58GXkwdt7v3q_m
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/iwacuplantbasedacademy/