From Soul to Service: How Liyan Mayi Catering is Transforming Corporate Catering in Perth

When you think of corporate catering, what comes to mind? Pastries and sandwiches? Coffee and fruit platters? Liyan Mayi Catering is rewriting that script – bringing culture, connection, and culinary excellence to the table.

Founded in August 2023 by Yawuru Karajarri woman Rachel Tolentino Marshall, Liyan Mayi Catering is more than just food – it’s “Soul Food,” inspired by the legacy of family and the richness of culture. In fact, “Liyan Mayi” means Soul Food in Yawuru, the language spoken in the Broome region of Western Australia.

A Business Born from Grief, Grown with Love

For Rachel, the heart of Liyan Mayi Catering began with a loss – the passing of her beloved grandmother. A role model, best friend, and the woman who first taught her to cook, Rachel found comfort and healing in recreating her grandmother’s recipes. That emotional connection to food sparked a deeper purpose: to share that love and soul with others through meaningful culinary experiences.

“I felt like she was still with me when I cooked her recipes,” says Rachel. “That’s where I made the connection between food and feelings. I wanted to create that for others too.”

Kimberley Fusion Flavours with a Cultural Twist

Operating from both a licensed food trailer and her home base in Belmont, WA, Rachel combines traditional Aboriginal ingredients with modern techniques to create something truly unique in Perth’s catering scene.

From boab nut scones and finger lime meringue tarts to kangaroo sliders with bush tomato relish, the menus are a reflection of the land, heritage, and innovation. These offerings are infused not only with rare and sustainably sourced native ingredients, but with stories and memories that celebrate Kimberley culture.

More Than a Meal: A Commitment to Excellence

What sets Liyan Mayi Catering apart isn't just its distinct flavour profiles – it's the values baked into every dish. A 100% Aboriginal and female-owned business, Liyan Mayi focuses on exceptional customer service, flexibility for dietary needs, and culturally respectful experiences for every client.

Since its official launch in January 2024, the business has already experienced a 332% revenue growth – a reflection of not just demand, but deep customer satisfaction. Clients like Lifeline WA, St John Ambulance, and Wungening Aboriginal Corporation have praised Liyan Mayi Catering for its professionalism, authenticity, and deliciously memorable offerings.

Growth Guided by Strategy – and Community

Rachel credits much of her business growth to strong planning and the support of an incredible team of advisors – including Waalitj Hub, Jalani Media, and TNT Business Consultancy.

Liyan Mayi Catering is a registered Supply Nation supplier, a regular at business networking events like Black Coffee, and actively building a digital presence with the help of a professional branding and website launch in progress.

With a focus on eco-friendly practices, waste minimisation, and supporting other Aboriginal-owned suppliers, the business also embodies sustainability as a core value – both environmentally and economically.

What's Next?

Looking ahead, Liyan Mayi Catering plans to expand its team with a casual barista hire in 2025, develop even more innovative menu offerings, and continue growing relationships across the corporate and government sectors.

Rachel is also committed to sharing her journey with other aspiring Aboriginal entrepreneurs, especially women juggling motherhood and business. As a mother of five children under 12, she knows firsthand the challenges – and rewards – of building something meaningful from the ground up.

In Rachel’s words:

“I want people to feel the love and soul in our food, to make memories, and to know that every bite has a story behind it.”

With Liyan Mayi Catering, Perth is discovering that corporate catering can be more than transactional – it can be transformational.

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Follow the journey:

Instagram: @liyanmayicatering

Facebook: Liyan Mayi Catering