Member Spotlight: Neen’s Cuisine: A Legacy of Flavour, Family, and Entrepreneurship
For Gineen, food has always been more than just sustenance—it is a bridge that connects generations, cultures, and communities. As the founder of Neen’s Cuisine, she has transformed her lifelong passion for cooking into a thriving business that nourishes not just the body, but the soul.
Born and raised in East Preston, Nova Scotia Gineen grew up in a large, close-knit family, spending countless hours in the kitchen alongside her mother and grandmother, preparing meals for family gatherings, church events, and community dinners. These moments were more than just cooking lessons; they were an education in hospitality, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Her grandmother and aunt, both restaurateurs, paved the way for Gineen’s dreams of one day owning and operating a food business.
“I always knew I belonged in the kitchen, but as a child, I never imagined it would become my career,” Gineen reflects. “Looking back, those early experiences unknowingly shaped my understanding of how a catering business operates.”
Food, family, and friendship have always been deeply intertwined in Gineen’s life. The diversity of her friendships influenced her culinary approach, inspiring her to create dishes that celebrate a fusion of flavours from different cultures. “To me, friends become family, and family needs food,” she says. “With every plate I serve, I pour in the same love and passion that fuels my creativity in the kitchen.”
Though Gineen always dreamed of owning a restaurant, her career path initially led her to jobs that provided valuable business skills. However, nothing brought her the same fulfillment as cooking. When the world changed in 2020, she saw an opportunity to pivot and fully embrace her passion. Neen’s Cuisine was born, and with it came a growing community of customers, friends, and supporters who believed in her vision.
“For anyone thinking about starting a business, my biggest advice is to find something you are truly passionate about,” Gineen shares. “But passion alone isn’t enough—you need strategy, persistence, and the ability to adapt.” She emphasizes the importance of building a strong team, learning continuously, and hiring professional help when needed.
“Not every day will be a celebration. Some days will be tough, but the fulfillment of owning something you have built, something that serves and helps others far outweighs the challenges. To succeed, you must separate the romance of the dream from the reality of running a profitable business. When you approach your passion with both heart and strategy, success is inevitable!”
As a Black woman in business, Gineen’s journey has been both a challenge and a source of immense strength. Navigating systemic barriers and overcoming moments of self-doubt has shaped her entrepreneurial approach.
“Being both Black and female has often meant I’m underestimated. In many spaces, I’ve had to work harder to prove my capabilities and earn my seat at the table. But rather than seeing these challenges as obstacles, I’ve used them as fuel to push forward. It’s made me resilient, innovative, and determined to create spaces where others like me can thrive. This resilience is deeply embedded in my business practices.”
“I strive to create opportunities not just for myself, but for other underrepresented groups, especially other women of colour. I mentor and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs, offering guidance and support that can often be lacking in the business world. For aspiring Black entrepreneurs, especially within Black communities, I believe more programs should be offered to develop skills tailored specifically for entrepreneurship. The earlier we introduce and support these opportunities for our youth, the sooner we will welcome a new generation of successful business owners.”
Gineen prioritizes building genuine relationships, ensuring that every interaction with customers, suppliers, and partners is based on trust, respect, and mutual growth. “It’s about creating a legacy of empowerment, breaking down barriers, and demonstrating the power of perseverance.”
As a past participant of our SPICE program Gineen credits the invaluable resources and networking opportunities the program provided. “Entrepreneurship can be lonely, but with these programs, you quickly gain a community of fellow business owners who share experiences, ideas, and partnerships. It’s about being part of something bigger.”
This year’s theme for Neen’s Cuisine is not just about the present—it’s about shaping the future. As a third-generation entrepreneur, Gineen sees her work as an extension of the resilience and dreams of her ancestors.
“Everything I do is an imprint of my family’s hard work,” she explains. “Through Neen’s Cuisine, I’m not just preserving tradition—I’m building upon it. There’s immense pride in knowing that the recipes passed down through five generations in Nova Scotia have now become the foundation of a thriving and profitable business. With every dish, I honour my family’s legacy, celebrate my heritage, and create something meaningful for generations to come.”
Looking forward to 2025, Gineen has ambitious plans to expand Neen’s Cuisine by catering larger events, including weddings and milestone celebrations. She also aims to secure a permanent location where customers can experience the warmth and flavours of her cooking on a regular basis, until then you can find Neen’s Cuisine at Lake Echo Community Recreation Centre for weekly pop ups!
To achieve these goals, she is focused on increasing brand visibility through strategic marketing, community engagement, and networking with industry professionals. “By refining my craft, strengthening my team, and embracing new opportunities, I’m committed to making 2025 a year of significant growth and impact.”
Gineen’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community. Through her business, she continues to serve more than just food—she serves inspiration, empowerment, and a legacy of love!
Customers can stay updated on menus, events, and catering services by following Neen’s Cuisine on Instagram.