Furahi Consulting Studio is a boutique consulting firm helping nonprofits, social enterprises, and food businesses build financial sustainability, expand programs, and translate data into decisions that serve their communities.
Furahi Consulting Studio — furahi meaning joy and happiness in Swahili — was founded on a simple belief: the best consulting doesn't just look at your balance sheet. It looks at your community, your culture, and your people.
We are a boutique firm led by a Congolese-born entrepreneur and a doctoral researcher in workforce development. We bring both lived experience and academic rigor to every engagement — so our recommendations are grounded in your reality, not just a generic framework.
We specialize in nonprofits, food and culinary businesses, and mission-driven organizations ready to build financial independence without losing what makes them powerful.
Every engagement is tailored. We offer project-based, retainer, and hourly models to meet organizations wherever they are.
A consultant who has built businesses, conducted rigorous research, and served communities — not just advised on them.
Esther Ngemba believes that every person and every community has a story worth sharing — and that when we listen to those stories, we can build bridges, inspire change, and create real opportunities for growth.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and resettled in Cleveland, Ohio in 2011, Esther founded Furahi: A Taste of Home — a social enterprise that used the story of Congolese cuisine to bring people together, fund 24+ scholarships for girls in the DRC, and provide over 200 meals to the local community. It proved what she has always believed: a compelling story can be the foundation for a sustainable, impactful business.
As Communications Director for Freedom BLOC, Esther led community unification during a challenging period — using shared narratives and data-driven engagement strategies to grow community engagement by 35%. As a consultant to One World Kitchen, she has helped immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs tell their own stories while building the financial models they need to thrive.
Today, through Furahi Consulting Studio, Esther brings together her expertise in financial strategy, creative direction, marketing, and cultural entrepreneurship to help mission-driven organizations grow with their story — and their soul — intact. She is an MBA candidate, founder of two businesses, and a passionate advocate for the power of storytelling as an engine for economic opportunity.
When she is not consulting, you will find her in the kitchen, at the gym, or with her family.
Real work. Real communities. Real results. Here is a sample of what we have built alongside our clients.
One World Kitchen had graduated 30 students from 14+ countries but needed a clear financial path forward. We conducted a full financial viability evaluation, built data-driven growth projections, and developed the strategic framework that enabled the program's successful expansion into catering services — creating new jobs for the newcomer community.
Founded and scaled Furahi into a full-service culinary experience business offering private cooking classes, catering, and private dinner parties at Ohio City Farm — while maintaining deep cultural authenticity. Developed the business model, pricing strategy, and brand identity that positioned Furahi as a premier destination for African culinary experiences in Northeast Ohio.
Unapendeza by Furahi was built as a social enterprise from day one — African-inspired kitchen and lifestyle products with 10% of profits dedicated to girls' education in Africa. Developed the full business model including product lines, corporate gifting strategy, e-commerce infrastructure, and impact measurement framework.
Whether you have a clear project in mind or are just starting to explore, we would love to hear from you. Every engagement starts with a free 30-minute discovery call.