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What’s your academic background? I’m a graduate of the University of Benin. I studied Biological Sciences- Zoology, and majored in Hydrobiology. Describe your business We are a food delivery company based in the heart of Ikeja, with weekday services to offices where we serve pre-ordered food. Our customers place their order via phone calls, emails, SMS and BBM and they get it delivered to their desk within the hour. We cater for home parties, kids’ parties, family luncheons and dinners, breakfast seminars, and corporate luncheons. When did you start this business? The company is a year old this April. Why did you decide to do this? Creative cooking has always been my pleasure. I started by mixing veggies when I was a little girl before the age of 5, though the “meals” could not be eaten, and as soon as I was given the opportunity as a teenager, I took over my mum’s kitchen. My gratification was the compliments I got from those who ate my food; I always knew that food service was it for me. It has always been my delight to excite people with what I cook. I made pastries and cake in the university and since then carried on the spirit. I was between jobs in 2011, and I invested the time developing new skills in the kitchen. It was expensive, but it was my passion. I went back to work, but kept the ball rolling. I made different dishes and drinks that family and friends served to make their parties a delight. I’m currently a banker, but because of the desire to be a professional, I started taking gourmet classes, and soon started showcasing my skills at birthday parties and small gatherings. Today, I run a home based deli- ROLLA Deli. What were your biggest challenges starting out? My biggest challenge still is managing the business with my job. It’s a big demand as you cannot serve two masters at the same time. I look forward to a time when all I have to wake up to is my kitchen, and my family, and still have all the bills paid. What has been the response from customers so far? The response from customers has been good. We have come this far thanks to them. And for the very wide range of taste buds that we have to delight, I hope that in a short time, the brand would be known for the specialties we offer, and our promise of satisfaction which we fulfill. What is your long-term vision for ROLLA Deli? The long term vision of ROLLA deli is to be a one-stop food mart with easy cooking solutions, and deliciously made food. With the passion of the team, this vision drives us daily. Who are your mentors? My first mentor is my father. I have watched him accomplish big things with a little ignite, he is such a support, a listener and he counsels me. My pastor, Rev Chris, who makes me see that I have greatness inside of me, is also my mentor. If you could go back to the beginning, what would you do differently? If I could go back to the beginning, I would change a number of things. That’s not possible now, but from lessons learnt and experiences regretted, I would always put business propositions in black and white. In your opinion, what qualities are a must for a successful entrepreneur? Business success factor: everyone has something unique to give- your unique selling point. You find it in your passion. Your willingness to give service in the direction of your passion will put you in a shiny class of your own. Our passion to delight is a unique success factor. You must be innovative, because your ability to improve on your product and service would keep you in demand even in the light of the changing world. Self improvement and development is also important to keep up with trend. The path to your success you must tend yourself. Determination and the ability to learn and bounce back are a must. What is your philosophy of life? The seed of greatness is inside everyone. What you desire you can achieve, as all that is required is in you. What’s your advice to would-be entrepreneurs? It’s an adventure, so there must be passion, there must be readiness and you have to be courageous, with tenacity. There is a reward for every well thought-out enterprise. Contact: rolladeli@gmail.com, 08034026630

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This article was first published on 1st April 2013 and updated on January 30th, 2017 at 2:04 pm

jehonwa

Joy Ehonwa is an editor and a writer who is passionate about relationships and personal development. She runs Pinpoint Creatives, a proofreading, editing, transcription and ghostwriting service. Email: pinpointcreatives [at] yahoo.com