Kathleen Quillinan

Kathleen Quillinan began her professional life as a classical musician, teaching opera singing and piano at the University of the Western Cape. After 8 inspiring years she returned to her alma mater UCT, to further her own singing studies. This adventure needed funding, so she created a foodie side hustle back in the late 90s selling baked and bottled goods from the verandah of her son’s school every Friday. Customers raved about the fresh pesto sauces Kathleen was making, and soon the side hustle became the main event now known as Pesto Princess, and singing happened only in the kitchen!

25 years on, Pesto Princess is a much-loved local food brand, with Kathleen in the role as Founder and Creative Director supported by a CEO and her team of 100 employees, most of whom are women. The 5 ranges of fresh, delicious products are available nationwide from the fridges of major retailers and distribution partners servicing chefs.

Kathleen believes that businesses are also a force for good in this world, and the Buy One Give One Campaign, in partnership with the NPO Ladles of Love is how Pesto Princess has chosen to make a difference. For every Pesto Princess soup sachet sold, a hot meal is given to a person in need through Ladles of Love. From 2017 to date, Pesto Princess has raised over R850 000 to feed those who are food insecure. The day Pesto Princess hands over R1 million will be one to celebrate!