In this interview with ADERONKE ADESANYA, UK-based Nigerian chef and fashion entrepreneur, Akinola Collins Akinkunmi, speaks about challenges he faced in his business, career and lifestyle.
How did you get the passion to become a chef?
My dad motivated me to be a better chef that I am today. I have two sisters but he always preferred I made food for him because I was good with adding spice and he loved spice. I don’t know how I managed to do it but I fell in love with cooking since then and wanted to do more. So, I watched cooking videos to recreate them and mine always come out perfect. Cooking is what I have passion for. It’s more like therapy for me. I am happy in the kitchen and I love to eat homemade foods rather than take out. Cooking and fashion are both creative outlets that allow you to express yourself in unique ways. You can merge the two by experimenting with different styles and colours in your cooking or by incorporating food-inspired elements into your fashion choices. For example, you could wear a dress with a fruit print, or create a dish inspired by your favorite designer. It’s all about passion and creativity.
How long have you been cooking?
I have been cooking for a very long time but professionally for two years. I used to cook for large numbers of friends and at home I was always the person who goes to the kitchen to make food. I realised I was always happy doing it so I decided to start cooking professionally. I am currently taking a one month short cookery course in Edinburgh New Town Cookery School.
How were you able to come up with the name Chef Billy as you’re fondly called?
Chef Billy was arrived at by just an additional title to my nickname BILLYDBAG and name of my fashion brand, ZonkwithBilly. When I started putting out cooking contents, it was easy to just add the ‘Chef’ to Billy. That was how I got the name Chef Billy.
Did you go straight into entrepreneurship after graduating or you had a paid job?
I have always done business right from when I was in secondary school. I used to sell phones and other gadgets to my friends back in school. My parents complained when they saw me with gadgets like mobile phones, games, MP3 players and more. They wanted me to just face my studies. After my secondary school education, I worked at Computer Village, Ikeja where I learnt how to buy, sell and repair laptops and phones before I gained admission into the university. So I would say business has been in me. The urge to make money and multiply little funds to sustain my need has been part of me growing up. Life after school was never hard for me because I was still selling and buying to my mates and even elderly people to sustain myself.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by the challenge of creating something new and delicious. As an entrepreneur, I’m motivated by the opportunity to turn my passion into a successful business.
What challenges did you face in the beginning of your career?
I faced a few challenges when my career was just starting. I would say the first challenge I faced was with my parents. I had really strict parents growing up. Meeting with people I don’t know to transact business with was not cool for them. They always thought I was aiming to become a rogue or a hoodlum. I had limited time to spend outside. I could not come home with things I wanted to sell because of the fear they may think I’m involved with stolen properties. I never had the freedom like other hustlers I knew because my parents provided what I needed but I just wanted to make it out on my own and be able to sell and buy. And as a chef, one of the biggest challenges I faced was learning how to balance creativity with practicality – creating dishes that were both delicious and cost-effective. As an entrepreneur, I had to learn how to manage my time and resources effectively, while also building a strong team to help me achieve my goals.
Have you ever received a bad review of a meal made by you?
I have gotten bad reviews on two occasions. Everyone is entitled to his/her own comment, I don’t feel bad each time there are bad comments. Instead, I look into the comments and allow them to motivate me to do things better. We are all humans and nobody is perfect.
What are your fondest childhood memories?
I grew up with my siblings in Jos. We had wonderful childhood memories, we were just those kids who came back from school and were surrounded by a tall fence. So we played with ourselves. I enjoyed the Sunday outings with our parents after church service. My closest people are my siblings. I have three siblings; two sisters and a brother.
What was the motive behind your brand ZonkwithBilly?
Looking classic and affordable has been part of my goal. I think it’s important to be smart with your money and prioritise your spending. You don’t have to break the bank to look good. There are plenty of ways to dress stylishly on a budget. ZonkwithBilly sells affordable and quality merchandise. For any class you find yourself, there is something nice for you.
How has your cooking career been in the UK?
Cooking in the UK, I would say, is one of the best decisions I have taken. I have been exposed to other types of ingredients and dishes I would like to try and I am looking forward to working with some top restaurants in the UK as well as some other restaurants back in Nigeria whenever I am given the opportunity
What project are you presently working on?
We have a Pop Up Party where everyone can come and get new affordable designs. I have been working on the date that will be announced on my social media pages. Everyone is invited and we have good different merchandise coming.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
I study 10 hours, sleep 5 hours daily — Imo first-class graduate with perfect 5.0 GPA, Igboanugo
Igboanugo Annastatia, who graduated with first-class honours, in this interview, reminisced about memorable moments that…
PHOTOS: How Aquatech College was demolished ‘with students on site’
It was a traumatic experience for students of Aquatech College of Agriculture and Technology on Thursday, as…
Nigerians have slammed Former Governor of Ekiti State Ayodele Fayose over his sudden support for President Bola Tinubu, saying he only…
VIDEO: My father deflowered me at 10, made love to me thrice weekly, Lady opens up
A young Nigerian Lady identified as Precious has revealed the horrifying ordeal of how she has been sexually abused by…
Ronaldo beats Messi to become world’s highest-paid athlete
For the first time since 2017 (and third time overall), Cristiano Ronaldo has topped Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, earning…
THE ongoing horror in the South-East being perpetrated by suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of…
and then