Sarah Kayanja: From Kitchen to Catwalk

When passion meets purpose, extraordinary things happen. For Sarah Kayanja, founder of SallKay Catering and Events, years of experience in the culinary world sparked a desire to create something truly her own—a brand that marries exquisite food with unforgettable experiences. But her creativity didn’t stop in the kitchen. From crafting bespoke menus to designing elegant ladies’ hats for races and special occasions, she has turned her hobbies into thriving businesses. Guided by innovation, craftsmanship, and a love for delighting clients, Sarah has built a unique empire where flavor and fashion collide, and every detail is infused with care.

“Creativity has no limits—whether in the kitchen or on the catwalk.”

What inspired you to start SallKay Catering and Events?

I started SallKay Catering and Events because I felt that after years of being employed in the industry I had the knowledge and passion required to venture out on my own, under my own brand. I recognised a gap in the market – great food and truly collaborative event coordination. From that recognition, SallKay was born, pairing both delicious food with bespoke client engagement and interaction which ensures the client feels well looked after. This is what I aim to do with each service delivered by SallKay Catering and Events, and the fulfilment from customer satisfaction inspires me each day. 

How did your passion for food lead you to become a chef and chocolatier?

I have always been interested in food and right from school I knew that I wanted to become a chef.

My passion for food first began when my siblings and I would help our mother cook meals for family dinner and functions. The knowledge passed down from my mother inspired me to create fun and exciting dishes for my own children in the future. 

However, immediately after completing school, I went on to obtain a Higher Diploma in Catering and Food Management and have never looked back. 

With each new recipe and combination, my love for food, flavours, and the art you can create grew, which developed itself into trying chocolate. 

I first made chocolates for my children, which they loved! I felt so rewarded by how much they enjoyed it, and my passion for it grew from there, with the hopes of spreading this joy with others. 

What motivated you to start making ladies’ hats as a business?

For 18 years I worked as a contract lead chef for Ascot Hospitality.  During Royal Ascot, I saw a lot of ladies’ hats and thought to myself, I can make something just as good if not better. I have always been creative, whether it be food or crafts, and this was just another way my creativity manifested itself. 

In 2023, four of my friends were coming from America to attend the Royal Ascot, and I promised they could borrow a few of the fascinator and hats I had in my loft.  

Unfortunately, the five hats I had required good time mending, this is where my creativity came in handy. I remember that night, I researched how to make fascinators, hatinators, what materials I would need and the measurements; which colours go best together and so on. The research felt endless! 

What I discovered was that this was something I could do. People up and down the country enjoy going to the races. It gives individuals an opportunity to dress up and have fun with friends. Hats and fascinators can be expensive, but I believe that if someone wants to attend the races, or go to a wedding, or a fancy event and look beautiful whilst doing so, it should be accessible and affordable to all. Thus, SallKay Ladies Hats was born.  

How do you combine creativity and craftsmanship in your hats and culinary work?

That is a good question. Craftsmanship and creativity are intrinsically linked and necessary for both of my lines of work. Both require colour combinations and design.

 With the hats, I start with an idea, then work out the technical details of turning the idea into reality. What material, measurements etc – thereby using my craftsmanship. The creativity of course comes into play with the colours and designs. 

In culinary, of course you have to use the blending technique, science, and a particular conception to transform ingredients into edible art, not forgetting that plating techniques, and personal expression to give it that “Wow” factor. 

Can you share one of your most memorable events or catering experiences?

My most memorable event, was when I went to Boston, MA for a convention in May 2025. I realised that hats are bulk to transport and it’s difficult to tell what colours would people like to match their dresses if they want the hats right there and then.

What I decided to do was to make different colours of brims and bases in different designs.

I packed my materials and all the necessary small equipment to use. I was blown away by the numbers of customers who came with their evening dresses a found hats that they were able to match! Every evening in my hotel room, I was embellishing hats and fascinators for my customers in the moment. Such is my desire to ensure the client gets exactly what they want and their vision come to life. People could not believe how I was doing it, and that to me was a memorable event.

“Passion turns skills into businesses and ideas into experiences.”

What challenges did you face when turning your hat-making hobby into a business?

There are a few challenges I have faced when turning my hat making hobby into a business. First of all, finding good quality materials at affordable prices is definitely a big challenge, as I want my customers to have good quality hats. Increasing my storage capacity because hats are both bulk and delicate is another challenge. 

I’ve overcome these challenges by sourcing good suppliers to work with in order to obtain affordable materials so that my clients in turn can have affordable hats. I have upscaled where I make my hats, prioritising space to ensure efficiency. 

Designing, making, marketing and attending events all takes a lot of time. It’s a big job for one person to do. But I am passionate and driven and that is was keeps me going, ensuring I can deliver quality products whilst also still enjoying the process! 

How do you stay inspired and come up with new ideas for your hats or menus?

I love traveling, undertaking new experiences, learning about other cultures and attending fairs and events both in the UK as well as the USA. I find that by striving to continually learn from the world around me keeps me inspired and gives me new ideas.

What advice would you give to women who want to turn their passion into a business?

Never give up keep – working towards your dream. What may start out as a hobby could grow into something more? Join new communities like Global Woman Club, and when you join, always show up, you never know who you will meet or when you will get a chance to be handed the microphone.

How has showcasing your hats internationally shaped your business and perspective?

It has taught me a lot about the market, presentation, and the need to be aware of regional tastes and variations. What may appeal in the UK may be different to what appeals in the US. It’s important to stay on top of trends and always look for what’s new and exciting. How better to do that than immerse yourself in cultures all around the world. 

Looking ahead, what are your dreams for SallKay Catering

My dreams for SallKay Catering are a modern catering business, cantered on sustainability, innovation as well as leveraging technology to create personalised experiences.

Sustainability as a fundamental pillar and strict food waste reduction will be implemented to align with global goals of tackling climate change.