I started my business with N1000 and big determination to make it work —Ifeoma Omotosho Michael

Ifeoma Omotosho Michael is an entrepreneur who has stood out through branding and processing a common food into attractive brands though she has a B.A in Philosophy from the University of Benin as well as a Post Graduate Degree in Education. In this interview with ADEOLA OJO, she speaks on how she started a business in the Food Processing Industry and becoming known for pap production in spite of scornful comments from family and friends.

What inspired you to go into pap production despite your education?

The first thing I will say is that I was inspired and influenced greatly by my humble background; asides the fact that I love pap so much that I could take it as a major food every day, I wanted to break free from financial setbacks. Also, pap making helps me to express my creativity and I have taken it upon myself to propagate the message that pap is not something to be looked down on and you can enjoy a healthy and hygienically processed pap in diverse variants without fear

Did people look down on you or tried to discourage you when you started?

Of course; that is sure. It happened and I can’t say I was surprised. When you have a graduate who says she wants to be selling pap, you will also feel somehow; like maybe she’s not thinking right, having an unrealistic dream or just lazy and confused. A lot of people felt funny and I got negative comments from even family and friends

Are there many people in your line of business, what makes your service unique?

Of course, there are many people in this line of business but what makes Ogi na pap n more different is our well put together varieties of pap and our customers care service. The varieties are our unique selling point.

How have you been able to create a niche for yourself?

Well, excellence is what stands us out. Asides our beautiful packaging, we have been able to maintain natural taste while putting different flavours. Also, we have been able to balance the taste of adults and children in our product. And because Ogi na pap n more is in a class of its own, which is obvious in our products, we have been able to maintain our name and standard.

What innovation have you added to your business?

It is simple; this is basically the infusion of 100 percent natural ingredients that we use in all our variants of pap in addition to our packaging and our after sales service.

Will you say life as a female entrepreneur is easy?

Not at all; being a female entrepreneur is challenging

What challenges do female entrepreneur face?

I will say trying to juggle the home front and business at the same time. Creating a work-life balance is a major challenge

How easy is it to create a market chain?

It’s not easy at all

Have you ever thought of giving up?

Yes, I think of that often and at many times, especially in the beginning when it seemed I was on a journey to no clear destination

Do you think a man would have managed the business better?

No, not at all. There is nothing a man could have done that I haven’t done. Also, remember when it comes to food processing, women have a natural instinct for it.

Do you have any advice for women that want to go into your line of business?

I will say they need to be determined, courageous, be confident and develop a thick skin. Also, you must be proud of what you do and be able to tell everyone and anyone that you are a pap seller. Then, don’t wait until you have millions, start with wherever you can.

What will you say are the major requirements for a business like yours?

I will simply say manpower or physical ability because pap-making is tedious.

How financial intensive is it to start?

I started my business with N1000 and big determination to make it work

ADEOLA OJO