Lillian Elidah was born in Lusaka, Zambia, but most of her childhood was spent in Sweden, where she graduated from college. She decided to become a professional chef, and trained at Cesar Ritz Culinary Arts Academy in Switzerland where she achieved a Foundation Degree in Culinary Arts.[1] After training in Switzerland, she worked in France as a chef where she was mentored by Anthony Leboube.[2]
At the age of 19, she became the food writer for the Zambian national newspaper The Post, the youngest writer they had on staff.[3][1] She started her own catering company, Twaala Catering,[1] and opened a restaurant named the Twaala Restaurant. At the restaurant, she serves European/African fusion cuisine.[4] Her entrepreneurial work was highlighted in a report by the private enterprise programme Nyamuka Zambia, funded by the UK Department for International Development.[5]