Labours of love: Salina & Rahim
Salina and Rahim of Joli, partners in both work and life, on bonding over food, finding inspiration through differences, and their dream meal of Malay and Peranakan dishes
“COOKING HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY WAY OF SHOWING CARE, AND HIS APPRECIATION MAKES IT A SHARED ACT OF LOVE”
Portraits: Orlando Gili
Unsurprisingly, given the small scale of Borough Market’s businesses, a significant proportion of our stands and stalls are run by couples whose relationships extend through life as well as work: husbands, wives and partners, in various combinations. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, some of these traders have shared with us their love stories and life lessons.
Here, we hear from Salina Campbell, who together with her husband Rahim, runs Joli, a street food stand in the Borough Market Kitchen specialising in traditional Malaysian clay pot cooking.
How did the two of you first meet?
Salina: Some connections feel instant and undeniable. Interestingly, I met my mother-in-law before I met my husband. She often said I should meet her son, and we were eventually introduced at an Eid celebration. From the start, I was struck by his gentle voice, thoughtful intelligence and kind, composed nature. There was a quiet sincerity that put me instantly at ease.
How central to your connection is a love of food?
Salina: Food has a way of bringing hearts together. Our love of food is one of the strongest threads in our relationship. A shared meal is more than nourishment – it’s time, attention and intention. Cooking has always been my way of showing care, and his appreciation makes it a shared act of love. Our meals have become little anchors in our busy lives, when we pause, reconnect and savour each other’s company.
What’s the best thing about working together?
Salina: Partnership deepens when life and work intersect. We’ve learned to balance strategy with empathy, navigate differences thoughtfully, and make decisions that honour both the relationship and the work. Everyday tasks become opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.
What advice would you give a couple who are thinking about starting a business?
Salina: The relationship always comes first. Focus on building trust, communicating openly and respecting each other’s strengths. Differences aren’t obstacles; often, they’re where fresh ideas emerge from. Conflicts will happen but approaching them with patience and understanding turns challenges into opportunities. When your personal bond is strong, your shared ambitions have the best chance to flourish.
Describe for us your dream romantic meal.
Salina: Romance is often found in the simplest moments. My dream romantic meal is heartfelt and home-cooked: a spread of our favourite Malay and Peranakan dishes, shared by the beach as the sun sets. It’s not about fancy settings; it’s about presence, laughter and conversation. Those quiet, thoughtful moments, shared with love and care, are the truest kind of romance.
