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

Nelson Grillz - Nelson Ogun #Inthespiritofenterprise - HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

It's Tuesday already. The first Tuesday in October too!! Plus it's our 53rd independence anniversary in Nigeria. Happy anniversary? Yes, Non? We can choose to rant and rave about the state of the nation, but truth of the matter is, ranting and raving won't change anything. We have to choose to do something, no matter how little. Only we can be the change we seek. So while we are at it..... HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY NIGERIANS!

That said, I am moving on swiftly.....

Time is ticking away. I have had such a busy week; so bad that I couldn't do my Thursday nor Friday posts. You've got to forgive me people! Blogging is not a piece of cake. Anyway I am here now, so let's make up and be friends again, shall we? Thank you.

My first son is a very picky eater, most times I have to threaten him or give him and incentive to eat his food. So whenever he finds something he likes and doesn't complain about, it's somewhat an event. On our way back from a play date a few Saturdays back, we drove by Otedola Estate in Ojodu and I saw that Nelson (you'll get to know him in a bit) had started a barbeque grill right there, I was impressed and decided to try out some. Lo and behold, uncle Ibukun finished almost a whole one and was going, "oh mummy, this is awesome"! Na lie! Needless to say, every time we find ourselves in the neighborhood, barbeque turkey must happen, except on those days when he knows he shouldn't just try me. You know naa...

I found this move to start a barbeque grill impressive because unlike many of his peers, Nelson has decided not to wait for this "government" that many of us expect way too much from, or "the Nigerian god" that is sort of a magician (pray and do nothing and all things fall into place, bam!).

This is why I asked if he would like to be featured in my #inthespiritofenterprise series and I was glad that he said yes!

Enjoy.....

Tell us about yourself

My name is Nelson Ogun, I am from the Owan-West Local government area of Edo State. I was born into a family of five on the 3rd of February. I studied Political science and Public administration at the University of Benin, Benin City.

Tell us about your business

The brand name of the business is Nelson Grillz. We sell Barbeque chicken/turkey and chips as well and have plans to include fish soon. 

The business is still very young as it only became fully operational on July 20th 2013. 

What Inspired you to do this?

The first time the idea came to my mind was summer of 2008 during the ASUU strike (Hint Hint to all the current ASUU victims, hehe) that lasted for about 4 months. I was tired of staying at home doing the same routine everyday so I thought up a way I could make money while the strike lasted. At that time I had no Capital and little or no idea about the business (like production of the grilled chicken, managing the business etc). Back then though, I got a little discouragement from friends and family because they thought it wouldn't be a lucrative one considering the location I chose inside my estate(a small suburb). For a couple of years the idea was locked up in my head, but I was doing some grilling for family cookouts and hangouts, which is where I got my main experience from.

During my NYSC year I decided to save up some reasonable amount of money, which is what I used as capital to fund the business and eventually Nelson Grillz was born.

What has the experience been so far?

Well there have been the very good days and those days you feel or ask yourself  "am I making the right decision?". Truth is I love what I am doing and I'm very passionate about it so I don't see my self giving up or backing down. Someone once told me "the most successful people in the world are very stubborn" these are the words I live by.

The reception from Family and Friends since Nelson Grillz commenced has been HUGE! In fact the first few weeks into it, they were my main customers, all thanks to them though for their support.

Now that the business is approximately 2 months old, residents of the estate patronize me a lot and give me their support as well. I shared fliers one time and that has also helped in bringing customers from other places while some people come based on recommendation.

What are the major challenges you face?

The biggest challenge thus far has been buying my stock (the chicken/turkey) because its very scarce. Also electricity to store is a problem. This sometimes cripples me because I can't buy my stock in large quantities as I'd love to.

To place your orders for parties and merriment (hehe)

Call - 08162042676, 07089944367

Mail - nelsonsearching365@yahoo.com

BB Pin - 2754bf5d

If you would like to be featured on our Tuesday segment, please mail mofolusadesonaike@gmail.com.