Above Whispers WomenPreneur Series is a platform to showcase amazing business women. Young women who have taken the bold step to starting a business and fighting the odds surrounding entrepreneurship in Africa. We share in their journey, share in the challenges and growth process to inspire other women. We believe that when a story is shared, there is a leap in the heart of those struggling with doubts. The purpose of this, is to push that woman out there to engage in what she has been afraid of, by reading through the inspiring stories of other women.
This week, we got into an interview with the CEO of Amaz Foods, Ms Adebukola Margaret Adekola. This amazing entrepreneur shares her journey with us to inspire everyone out there who would like to take a step into this journey. Adebukola Adekola is passionate about making good products that can be exported across borders. She is truly inspiring and we know you would enjoy every bit of this interview.
Ms. Adebukola Margaret Adekola, CEO Amaz Foods
AW : How would you introduce yourself to people who have no idea about you and what you do?
I’m ADEBUKOLA MARGARET ADEKOLA. I’m the director of of Amaz Foods. I have bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. I also have a certificate in French studies and some other professional courses.
AW : What motivated you into this line of business?
I’m a lover of good food, perhaps I was raised with one. Hence, anywhere I go, I always look out for good food . This quest led me to learn more about catering in 2013 with the soul aim of making delicious meals for my family and never for commercial purpose. But as destiny will have it, my food became sought after which made me see more beyond family services; hence , I extended the service to the populace. This background exposed me to varieties of Foods, Spices and Condiments in the market. In due time, I became curious about the composition of these items and I realized some are substandard and other imported products are readily available within our reach with better prospects only if we can exert efforts and make good products off them. For instance, our Locust Beans product was birthed out of the non availability of pebbles free Locust Beans in my PPA community during my service year. It sounded so impossible to many that a corper produces Iru(Locust Beans) But today, it a greater story as I have successfully made a brand of it; in a more unique way, with sweeter flavors, home friendly and can be exported across the world at ease.
AW : As an entrepreneur in Nigeria, especially one dealing in the business of food, we often hear that this field is overly saturated, how do you cope and what keeps you ahead?
The assertion is very much correct. I believe no matter how saturated the field becomes, standard is the key for anyone to out stand the crowd. Perhaps we live more in a competitive environment; hence one should create a niche for one’s self and master it professionally. That’s why, I choose to be an authority in my field and my professional touch makes me outstanding and different from others.
AW : Do you think the Nigerian market is ‘entrepreneur friendly’?
This is a very relative perception. We approach issues from different stands and our outcome depends on our approach and inputs. However, given Nigerian demographic and economic composition, the country is a fertile land to sow. It has a lot of potentials to annex for greatness. Just as good as this sounds, Nigeria market is not friendly given Nigerians luxurious habits and quest for foreign products. This pisses entrepreneurs off when their products are not appreciated.
AW : Tell us about your brand
I manage Amaz Foods Company. Amaz specialises in the transformation of redundant and raw food materials to ready to use foods, spices and condiments. In this categories, we have grinded Ginger, Tumeric, Ogbono, Crayfish, Soup spices, Egusi, Chili pepper, Ofada rice, Locust Beans etc. We manage events, catering, cook for households, and deliver varieties of full pot of foods as requested by our customers. We source foods and raw materials for households, food and pharmaceutical companies locally and internationally. We have more to offer!
AW : How did your educational/ family background influence your business journey?
While I can conclude that my education is a strong pillar sustaining my entrepreneurship journey; my upbringing provides the foundation that grows my entrepreneurship spirit. Even when I never knew that it’s called entrepreneurship, I started it when I was a toddler with petty savings to raising of birds and animal for end of the year sales. I fetched fire woods in the farm after work to make money as well as food crops. Hence, my varsity knowledge broadened the scope better making me to appreciate the two variants(Education and my background) that shaped my entrepreneurship journey. My background creates and develops in me the spirit of diligence, optimism, foresight, excellence, passion while education helps me to embrace my being, improve and promote my self worth as well as to stand to present and defend myself.
AW : What’s your 5 year plan for your business?
Amaz Foods 5 years plan includes to have a full operation site for production. Secondly, is to have a well distribution chain for our products. Similarly to have pitched our offices in major state capitals of the federation. Also to have commenced a sustainable supply to foreign market. Among others.
AW : Share some of your success stories with us.
In the last 2 years of the official operation of Amaz foods, Amaz have introduced and managed a minimum of 8 products to the market. Amaz have successfully registered some of her products with food organizations in Nigeria. Amaz sustains a production system that is capable of uninterrupted supply of products to the markets. We are moving!
AW : What have been the challenges or the greatest challenge so far?
Obviously, the company is challenged in so many ways ranging from finance to capital installation, human and technical resources but I can confidently say that passion, optimism, diligence, commitments and focus turns a good tide to me and the challenges seems non-existence!
AW : How would you advise those who want to begin a business like yours?
To be an entrepreneur in our nation today it requires vigor, commitment, passion, focus. The terrain is not friendly for so many reasons; but with the right state of mind, good company and goodwill, progress and success smiles as often at moments you least expect!
AW : What’s your social media handles?
WhatsApp +2348038739553
AW : Who are your mentors in your industry?
Fasasi Adekunle Malik
AW : What keeps you going?
The journey is tough but the grace of God alongside the support of good people around me keeps me going!
