Mofolusade Sonaike..... memoirs

A compilation of my journey from my early blogging days.

This gives a brief insight into how I got here..... It's not complete yet though. I will get back to it soon hopefully. I like to hear from you. Send me a message at mofolusadesonaike@gmail.com

Enjoy.

The Entreprenership Journey

Fresh graduate

My very first Job and resignation

First City Monument Bank experience

Banking Consolidation Season

Goodbye FCMB

Hello Lagos Business School

Shell Internship

Heart Break from Shell

Dangote Cement experience

A new department, new experience

Trezorlandia - My first business

A job, A business and family

FoodConvee - Tele Ogundipe #inthespiritofenterprise

Once in a while, you just want to be treated to a good meal of "swallow" as we like to call it, paired with a correct Nigerian soup that has all the different types of meat and some snails. I know we are all claiming "fitfam" these days, but hey no harm in a good home cooked Nigerian meal. The challenge many of us have though is the time! Oh la la. Boy does it take time to put the soups together. Even tougher sometimes is getting the seasoning mix right, so you don't end up eating bland food or over seasoned food.

Our feature today is a woman who saw these challenges and decided to tackle them head on. In 15minutes or less you can have your Egusi or Ogbono ready to eat by just adding water and Palm Oil! How cool is that? Let's meet her...

Enjoy!

Tell us about yourself

My name is Tele Ogundipe. I have a Bachelors degree in Agriculture from Obafemi Awolowo university, Ile ife. I also have an MBA from Esut Business School. I have attended the School of entrepreneurship, (Edc) Pan Atlantic university.

Life is neither a tempest nor is it a midnight summer's dream. Every disappointment is a blessing in disguise.

Tell us about your business

Foodconvee is into the Processing of local food items for easy cooking with no preservatives.

What was your inspiration for starting this business?
Several reasons.
I observed that these days cooking is quite a chore due to hectic work life . Hence the resort to Asian easy to prepare and tasty Noddles. I believe in Nigeria and therefore decided to put Nigerian difficult to cook soups together. Process with spices for easy cooking and awesome taste.

How did you get funding for your business?

Initially savings, family and friends. I recently took a soft bank loan.

What opportunities have you been able to leverage on in your business so far?

I have had access to trainings and seminars from EDC, Google, Poize media Association. I am also a beneficiary of the Technology incubation Centre and manufacturers association. I have had Food Processing trainings with the Nigerian stored products research institute.

What Challenges have you faced so far and how have you been able to overcome them?

I have faced lots of challenges especially in terms of product acceptance. Being a new and unknown product consumers are a bit hesitant. But once the product is tested the feedback is always positive.

How will you summarize the journey so far?

The journey has been slow but steady

Given the Chance, will you do this again?

Yes

What lessons have you been able to learn from your journey so far that others should know.

Never give up on your dreams. The journey may be slow and long, filled with so many obstacles. But with persistent patience your are sure to make it to the end, the finish line.

How can people connect with you

Foodconvee. Com.ng, Facebook, Twitter.
017907615, 08140892759, 08173601628

Hurlarrs kitchen - Adeola Alabi #inthespiritofenterprise

Many of us are talented at one thing or the other, we take these gifts for granted and never really consider monetizing them. Our showcase today turned her passion for cooking into a business.

Read how below;

Tell us about yourself

My name is Adeola Alabi. I am a graduate of Lagos state university where I studied business administration

Tell us about your business

Hurlarrs kitchen was founded almost 2yrs ago as a result of my passion for cooking. The services we offer include,
Cooking, baking, cocktails, deserts, finger foods, indoor and outdoor catering

What was your inspiration for starting this business?

Well school was on strike and I needed to do something to while away time. Since I was always cooking for people free of charge, I decided to start making money from it.

How did you get funding for your business?

Savings and help from family and friends

What opportunities have you been able to leverage on in your business so far?

I was offered a teaching opportunity at the reddish chronicle kitchen, it's a culinary school that teaches continental dishes. I actually teach their African food class and I have been with them for over a year now.

What Challenges have you faced so far and how have you been able to overcome them?

Costing has always been a challenge because of the way prices fluctuate in the market so when I started it was difficult to recoup even the capital but things are better now.

How will you summarize the journey so far?

It's been challenging, hectic and cooking is a lot of stress but it's what I love doing so it has been a learning process everyday and it promises to be a good journey.

Given the Chance, will you do this again?

Yes I'll do it over and over again

What lessons have you been able to learn from your journey so far that others should know

I think people should do what they are passionate about. Always do what you love, so even when things get a bit the difficult the love for it will keep you going and before anything trust GOD.

How can people connect with you

Instagram @hurlarrs_kitchen
Mail adehurlarr@gmail.com
Facebook hurlarrs kitchen
No 07080518080 or 08031861393

Giggles n Gurgles - Olunike Gbabe #inthespiritofenterprise

Many times, we have ideas but keep procrastinating because we feel we have all the time in the world until we get a sudden jolt and we realize it's now or never. Life is short. Nike was grounded after an incident for months and it was in this moment of helplessness that she realized she had to do something.

Enjoy.....

Tell us about yourself

I am Olunike Gbabe. I am a banker and an entrepreneur, happily married to an awesome man and blessed with two (2) energetic boys. I have a first and second degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife.

Tell us about your business

Giggles n Gurgles is a one-stop shop for all baby needs (feeding items, baby gears etc), clothing, shoes and accessories for children (new-born to age 12). It is a business borne out of passion. We offer convenience, quality and affordability.

Giggles n Gurgles was birthed out of my passion for seeing children looking well groomed without breaking the bank. I started the business in December 2011 from the comfort of my sitting room and today we own a brick & mortar as well as an online store.

I launched the Giggles n Gurgles brand as a result of the difficulty I experienced (and I know other moms also did) in getting a one-stop shop to shop quality and affordable clothing and shoes for my boys.

The passion to start was also fueled by my background knowledge in business which I gained working with my mom when I was growing up.

How did you get funding for your business?

I started very small with savings from my monthly salary.

What opportunities have you been able to leverage on in your business so far?

At the start of the business, I leveraged on relationship with friends within my social circle and colleagues at work and through them I was able to get referrals. Subsequently, our customer service orientation and product quality/affordability have enabled us retain our foundational customers and also attract/ retain new customers.

What was your inspiration for starting this business?

My inspiration to start this business and also keep at it has been God. I say this because HE gave me the inspiration to start when I was home for about 6 months recovering from an accident which made me immobile. Before the incidence of the accident, I had wanted to start a kids clothing business but always procrastinated.

What challenges have you faced so far and how have you been able to overcome them?

Some of the challenges we have faced like most other similar businesses has been the issue of new customers comparing our prices with that of products which are of lesser quality. However, the customers who eventually buy come back with testimonials of the durability and uniqueness of our products and also do repeated business with us.

How will you summarize the journey so far?

The journey thus far has been challenging but also very interesting, seeing the business grow from the confines of my home in December 2011, to opening a brick and mortar store in June 2012 and launching an online store in December 2014. My major joy comes from the positive testimonials from customers who patronize us and also seeing my vision of offering people convenience, durability and affordability in clothing their kids (and making the kids giggle…) come into fruition.

Given the chance, will you do this again?

I would say an emphatic Yes.

What lessons have you been able to learn from your journey so far that others should know?

The major lesson is to commit all ones plans, ideas and ambition totally into God’s hands. He desires that we succeed in our endeavors even more than we do, He has never failed! Also as an entrepreneur, I have learnt to be focused and to combine my passion with tenacity.

I would encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their passion. Whatever factors that cannot stop you from starting cannot stop you from fulfilling your dreams. Start somehow and leave the rest to God.

How can people connect with you?

Our physical store is located at No 2 Ladipo Olukoya Street, Off Oyedele Ogunniyi Street, Anthony Lagos. You can also visit our online store www.giggleskiddies.com.
We are also on facebook: www.facebook.com/gigglesngurgles, on instagram @giggleskiddies. We can also be reached directly via telephone on 08036685443, 08095933933.
Our BBM pin is 7B7DB25C and my Email address is nike_fawole@yahoo.com.

Be rest assured that we have competent hands to attend to you when you reach us on any of the above medium.

APPLY FOR THE ROAD TO WOMEN’S BUSINESS GROWTH PROJECT

The Road to Women’s Business Growth project is a unique initiative which will build the business skills of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

The project aims to increase women’s access to financial services and markets and empower them to grow profitable and sustanable business, ultimately promoting their long-term economic independence.

There is no registration fee. However, please note that participants are requested to cover travel/transportation costs to the project’s training centres located in three cities: Lagos, Abuja or Uyo.

Project Structure

The project will focus on providing support to women entrepreneurs through its two phased approach:
Phase I

500 small business owners will be trained in financial literacy and investment readiness over six (6) weeks, including two classroom workshops and four weeks of e-learning (January – March 2016).
Phase II

100 top performing women entrepreneurs (out of the 500) will receive intensive business support in the form of tailored business training and services and ongoing mentoring over six months (from May 2016).

To be eligible for this program you need to:

1. Own a business in Nigeria.

2. Operate a business in a high-growth sector.

3. Have 3 – 49 staff.

4. Have an annual turnover of N3-20 million.

5. Have English language fluency

6. Have a business which has generated profit for at least 2 years.

7. Have a strong desire and commitment to grow your business.

8. Have basic computer literacy

9. Have a need for additional investment and have had no previous access to formal financial services

Application Process

The deadline for application is 5pm on 10 December 2015. Applications will be evaluated as they arrive, and selections will be made on a rolling basis. Places will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Selection results will be announced in January 2016

APPLY NOW

For questions please contact Lola at Lfalokun@pau.edu.ng or call 08174583173.

Huawei - She Leads Africa Fellowship Application

Hello Fam,

You must forgive me. I have been lazy and maybe quite tired a bit too. Health is wealth, so I had to slow down a bit, I can't come and die on this hustle. Lol.

So this opportunity is urgent, if you haven't seen it. It closes on thursday, if you want to give it a shot, please hurry and submit before thursday. All the best....

Details...

The Huawei-She Leads Africa Fellowship is the first program of its kind to provide female tech entrepreneurs from across Africa the opportunity to visit China to receive a behind the scenes experience at the technology giant, network with peer entrepreneurs and develop relationships with investors and companies interested in doing business in Africa.

Eligible applicants must be women between the ages of 18-40 who are building a technology business focused on Africa.

Applications close on April 30, 2015.

Questions can be sent to info@sheleadsafrica.org with Huawei Fellowship in the subject line.

Click here to apply.

Also, please email a pitch deck to info@sheleadsafrica.org with the subject line: Huawei Fellowship - First Name, Surname by April 30th.

A pitch deck is a presentation, usually powerpoint, that summarizes your startup idea and business model for potential investors. 

For more guidance, you can find examples at http://www.pitchenvy.com/ and http://bestpitchdecks.com/. 

Other useful articles: + How to pitch your startup in 3 minutes: http://on.mash.to/1npHqR5 + 3 simple ways to pitch your startup today: http://linkd.in/1rlVrA3 + 5 practical tips to perfect your startup pitch: http://on.mash.to/107mdR9

30 Metres Resources - Omotoyosi Bibiire Salihu #inthespiritofenterprise

Hi Guys, +Tuoyo Ikomi  and +Gbubemi Atimomo formed and Itsekiri alliance and concluded on the show that Human Resource Management and Marketing are both as important skills as the other for entrepreneurs to have! As hard as Kenny and I tried, we didn't quite bring the house down. hehe. Thanks for tuning in and please tune in again next Tuesday. If you haven't downloaded the app please look for the enterprise radio Nigeria app on google playstore, blackberry appstore or in your IOs appstore.

How many of you have noticed that getting drivers, house keepers etc has become a nightmare lately? My Dad has been trying to get on for so long now with no luck. So there is a need here, non? Yea, that's what Toyosi saw and this is why she decided to set up 30 Metres resources. She's our #inthespiritofenterprise feature today. Read all about her.

Enjoy........

Tell us about yourself

My name is Omotoyosi Bibiire Salihu, founder 30 Metres Resources. I have an LLB, B.L degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University. I am passionate about service excellence and delivery.

Tell us about your business
30meters Resources is a Domestic Recruitment company sourcing for Drivers, Nannies, Housekeepers etc.

Our Mission is to provide peace of mind for our Clients so they can do other meaningful work. With a vision to revolutionize the "Omodo" Sector and show people it is a profession like any other.

I'd been nursing this idea for a while, I finally summoned the courage and took the plunge on the 1st day of September 2014 when I placed the First Driver with a Client.We currently operate from my Living room which doubles as the Lagos Arm of our Law Firm. Most of our transactions are done online until we have agreed on terms and conditions. 

What was your Inspiration for this business? 

We have left the business of people catering to our Families for too long with charlatans. The downside is we get House helps and Drivers with myriad of issues ranging from theft to kidnapping.

It is time to dignify people who take care of our homes so we can concentrate on our businesses and professions. Our slogan is saying "No to Modern say Slavery".

Whether we agree or not, our Domestic Staff are like a life wire (I know this!), that's why we need dependable hands.

The people that bring in Helps from Cotonou 7 out of 10 times do not pay the Helps. Their salary is shared between them and their Parents, nothing goes to the Help.

It is time for a mindset change, it is time to treat Hired helps as Human Beings.

How did you get funding for the business?

I started the business mainly with funds from my Savings. I previously worked as the Station Manager of Rainbow 94.1 FM and I knew one day I had to do recruitment services. I just was not sure what sector to recruit in. 

I was in charge of recruiting as Station Manager, I had experience to work with.

How will you summarize the journey so far?
Domestic Recruitment is very challenging. The Staff themselves need a mindset change same as their bosses.

The Staff already have a set opinion of people they would work for; the Bosses already think they are worthless people. The Circle is a vicious one.

It will take time to balance these preconceived notions. This is more from the Bosses, an Oga thinks nothing of it to begin to curse his Driver or even sleep with/rape his maid.

The Driver/Maid also thinks nothing of it to rob the Oga at a given opportunity. I have had cases like this.

Also, we have no Laws safeguarding the rights of Domestic Staff, the Labor Law touching on it is so ridiculously worded.

In other climes, Domestic workers have unions, they have minimum wages etc. They have a structure to cushion them.

In Nigeria, citing an example ; As a personal driver in the employ of Chief Lagbaja, there is no chance for growth, no promotions, so the Driver must be paid well so he can cater to his own needs.

How would you measure your success in achieving your goals so far?

We have barely began to scratch the surface. The scope of what we are challenging frightens me, but it is doable and we are at least going to try.

How have you impacted your community?

A lot of our Youth are not employed, a lot are unemployable. A lot are involved in Get rich quick schemes. If you look around, you will find casino like kiosks all around, Alcohol intake is also on the rise....All of these suggests idle youth.

So Job creation is a first. We started out with people in our Community giving them first choice. Most of them see Domestic jobs as demeaning and below thier station. Our impact is to make them see that sometimes these Jobs can drive you to do better, they can be a means to an end.

Our impact is minute now, but we have started.

What are the main challenges you have faced so far and how have you managed them?

One of the main challenges of the business as I mentioned earlier is the Mindset of both employer and employee. We try to go to the Home of the Employer to find out how if our Staff is okay, regular communication is important.

Another one is the help running away, I haven't experienced this because we drum it into the Help's ears that working as Maid is not slavery.

If you cannot work with a person, let us know,do not run away.

The rest are trade secrets. We cannot divulge for security reasons.

What are the main opportunities that you have been able to leverage to get where you are today?

My Law Degree is very helpful here, I have 6 years cognate experience practicing Law.

I had a show on Radio called the Law and You, I usually would get Lawyers to speak on a broad spectrum of issues, this has also helped me carve out a mission statement with which to work by.

I am also a Mother, I know exactly how it feels to have Maids and Drivers so I am in a position to recruit.

Given the chance will you do this again?

Domestic Recruitment is very Interesting, I would do it again because I absolutely love it and it does not bore me.

What advice will you give to other entrepreneurs looking to launch

Research, Research, Be Realistic and Be Passionate

Connect with us

Email - 30metres@gmail.com

Call- 2348034770177, 2348081872113

Reelfruit - Affiong Williams #inthespiritofenterprise

Hi guys! Don't even bother asking where I have been. What can I say, life happens. In other news, I debuted my radio show on enterprise radio today!!! Whoop whoop! It's called "Strike the anvil" and it airs on Tuesdays from 9am to 10am west African time. You can call in to contribute or protest, hehe. The whole idea is to hit the nail on the head about entrepreneurship in Nigeria and Africa. You can stream directly from the site or download the app at www.enterpriseng.com. I look forward to having great conversations with you! You can listen to the premiere on soundcloud here - http://goo.gl/uqHnUx

In case you've forgotten and this is my fault, I know, It's Tuesday, #inthespiritofenterprise!! In the spirit of enterprise we have a wonderful ground breaking entrepreneur story to share today. I am super excited to introduce to you, Affiong Williams. All you weight watchers, here's a cool way to get your fruit on!

Tell us about yourself 

My name is Affiong Williams, 28 Year Old entrepreneur, building a fruit processing company in Nigeria, and eventually other countries in Africa. I studied a general Bsc degree in Physiology and Psychology, and followed up with a diploma in business management. However, my most valuable education came through work experience. I am quite simple. I take pride in it. I am quite motivated (I have run 2 marathons (42 KM) and 1 ultra-marathon (50KM) before I turned 26). I am very ambitious. I am clumsy, passionate, curious (I love travel), introverted and a bit of a nerd. I hope to hold political office in the future (Power to the women!! Yaay), and I also hope to live in different countries in Africa.


Tell us about your business?

ReelFruit offers healthy snacks (dried fruits and nuts) to the growing class of people who are looking for healthier eating and lifestyle. My decision to launch ReelFruit was borne out of my general decision to venture into the Agribusiness sector. I believe that Agriculture has huge untapped potential both in wealth and job creation, however, like any other business, it requires large investment, patience and expertise. I was excited about value addition to fruit products, so I decided to start with dried fruits as a way to preserve the shelf life of fruits and reduce waste.

What inspired you to go into agro food processing?
I am motivated by a number of things, but what drives me most is the possibility that I can change a community, and the agribusiness sector. The values that drive our business are rooted in our long term vision, that through agribusiness , we can change lives. Nigerian products can be made to world class standards, and can be sold anywhere in the world. This is reflected in our short term plans, of launching products that reflect the quality of a world class product, as well as our medium term plans of launching a world class factory. Anything we do will be novel, we will drive innovation and bring change to the agribusiness industry. We don’t want to work within the inefficiencies that plague the sector. We want to be a driving force of change

What are the products you currently have in the market?

Our range currently includes dried mango, pineapple, coconut, banana, a fruit and nut mix and cashews. We are currently present mainly in Lagos, but we are excited to be growing into other regions of the country and beyond Nigeria. We have sold our products in Ghana, South Africa and even the United States

How has the market acceptance of these products been?

Market Acceptance has been a constant challenge. Although we know customers like our products, marketing and awareness is one of our biggest hurdles. It is very expensive to create large marketing campaigns, and we don’t have to budget for that. We try to be creative and use as many free forums as possible to get the work out there about our products.


How did you raise funds for your business?

My savings in the beginning, friends, family and fools as well. :-) ReelFruit has won 2 business plan competitions, which came with some funds. Now we are at a stage where we are getting investors who are excited about the vision of the company and its potential.

What are the main challenges you have faced along the way and how have you managed them?
There are so many challenges, and you cannot plan for all of them. I could go on all day about challenges. The biggest challenge is that most things take longer than expected, so one must always leave a little room to accommodate delays in business. I have also had a lot of “unexpected expenses” which always increase our operational expenses. I have had a mild case of dubious suppliers and even dubious products sold on the market which spoil after 1 month of use.

For all challenges, I try as much as possible to seek counsel from people who have been in similar situations before. I would suggest that entrepreneurs invest time in expanding their network. The value of a solid network is huge. I have been so positively surprised by how helpful people (who didn’t know me prior) have been. I would recommend that people take time out for personal development by seeking out people in their industries that they can learn from. Many challenges offer great opportunities for one to learn about their businesses more intimately, so challenges are not always a bad thing…In retrospect, of course.

How would you summarize the experience so far?

Challenging, enlightening, interesting. I have had so many opportunities open up since starting my business. I have vastly increased my network to include other passionate Nigerians who are doing wonderful things that will be big in a few years’ time. Through my experience, I have ascertained what my purpose is on this earth- an achievement that has truly liberated me. All in all, It has been rewarding, and most importantly, the future looks very bright.

Given the chance, will you do this again? 

YES! I would start earlier.

What advice will you give to someone setting up a new business in Nigeria.

In business, I advise everyone to take it a step at a time. Before I got an office, and hired staff, I started the business in my room, working alone, going from pillar to post, and testing the products with customers. Pay close attention to market feedback, and be willing and flexible to your products and services to fit the market needs. You have to be patient, committed, persistent, and hold on to your big ambitions.

Visit - https://www.facebook.com/reelfruitng

follow - @reelfruit

website - http://www.reelfruit.com/

Call -  +234 8165376179 or +234 8184680334