The Story of Mama Kuku’s Homestead
Imagine this: In Amuzi, Nigeria, my paternal village, a gentle mist hangs in the air as I awaken. I’m nine years old, nestled in the warmth of my bed, slowly becoming aware of the world around me. The soft patter of rain mingles with the distant crowing of roosters. As I stir, a tantalizing aroma wafts through the air - rich, savory wood smoke from nearby kitchens where the day's first meals are being prepared. This comforting scent beckons, inviting me to rise and explore the world outside.
I venture into the forest. There, amidst swollen rivers and trickling streams, I discover a world of wonder—slugs and snails— creeping and crawling through undergrowth.
A few paces away, I spot Mama ke ukwu’s shiny brand-new motorcycle parked under our grapefruit tree. I look left, I look right— the coast is clear. As I lift my leg to climb on, I’m met with her swift pursuit—flip-flops raised high. Tiny but mighty, she was a force to be reckoned with!
Every morning, when I’m near, I embark on a ritual: fetching firewood for Mama ke ukwu. She lives in a modern house but chooses to cook by fire in her mud hut. Her hut is simple yet filled with warmth—a sanctuary of savory wood smoke and baked earth that draws me in like a moth to a flame.
As I enter her hut, the village shuffle hushes behind earthen walls. Familiar scents envelope me in an atmosphere rich with tradition. Though I never received warmth from my grandmother directly, her cooking rituals wrapped me in a sense of belonging that felt almost mystical.
Fast forward to 2014. I’m now a mother of 3, jogging the Trinity River, Texas trails when a tendril of that familiar warm, woody scent catches my attention. I follow it through the oak trees. . . to a burly man feeding mysterious wood to his smoker. When he tells me it is mesquite, I feel an electric connection—a realization that this scent resonates deeply with feelings of home, no matter where life has taken me. . . carving the path to this exciting journey into heliciculture.
Today, Mama Kuku’s Homestead is a testament to this journey—a place where I carefully curate high-quality products, from educational resources to gourmet ingredients to innovative skincare. Each offering showcases the versatility of these remarkable creatures and reflects my commitment to sustainability.
Now here you are—come join my celebration of life's unexpected turns and embrace the magic found in little things.
