Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of Adaobi Olaye nee Atuanya. Born on August 12, 1978, Adaobi has embraced a life filled with faith, love, and discipleship in Jesus Christ.
Education played a significant role in Adaobi’s life, as she attended Corona Primary School in Ikoyi, Federal Government Girls College in Onitsha, and went on to pursue higher education at the University of Lagos. Her thirst for knowledge led her to Law School in Abuja and culminated in completing a master’s program in Branding & Marketing Communication at the prestigious Brighton Business School in East Sussex, United Kingdom.
One of Adaobi’s notable involvements is with One Hope for the Heart and Kingdom Lifestyle Ministry, a USA-based non-profit organization that has been making a global impact since its inception in 1999. From Trinidad and Tobago to Costa Rica, Budapest to Houston, and many more locations, this organization has touched countless lives and communities around the world.
Adaobi’s expertise also extends to the realm of information privacy, consent management, and cyber & data security. As the Lead Consultant of DataProtectionServicesProfessionals, she has established herself as a leading figure in this field, providing valuable guidance and support to businesses and individuals alike.
In the world of catering and hospitality management, Adaobi shines as the Chief Executive Officer of Snackboxngfoods. Known for preparing meals that have been rumored to possess healing properties and even raise the dead, Snackboxngfoods offers a unique and exciting culinary experience. Their signature products, Snackbox Chinchin & Candied Nuts, have garnered a loyal following.
Let’s know more about her journey.
Tell us about Yourself and your business
My name is Adaobi Olaye nee Atuanya, A believer, lover and disciple of Jesus Christ. I was born on the 12th of August 1978, to the family of Dr and Mrs Egwuatu Atuanya who hail from Nkwelle Ogidi, Idemili Anambra State. I have 3 siblings, and I attended Corona Primary School, Ikoyi; Federal Government Girls College Onitsha; University of Lagos; Law School Abuja; & completed my master’s programme in Branding & Marketing Communication at the prestigious Brighton Business School, East Sussex United Kingdom.
I am a mom of 3 exceptional young ladies, aged 17,15, &9 years respectively. I’m a serial entrepreneur by necessity, as the ever-evolving economic landscape of our time requires those seeking to eke out a living to consider multiple channels in creating sustainable revenue streams.
As for my business : One Hope for the Heart and Kingdom Lifestyle Ministry: is a USA-based not-for-profit organisation which began in 1999. This global outreach has in over a decade supported communities across the globe from Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, Budapest, Houston, Chicago, Belize, California, New York, Seattle Washington, Dallas, Texas, Michigan, Mexico, Canada, Nigeria, India, Uganda, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana and has touched many lives through their outreach programmes to several communities such as; Training orphans from primary school to university stage, providing care support to communities in need, ordaining Pastors, physical & financial support to widows and single parent homes, and facilitating medical outreach to communities in need of medicines and or medical facilities, just to mention a few.
LeadConsultant, DataProtectionServicesProfessionals: a leading foremost consultancy practice in Information Privacy, Consent Management, and Cyber & Data security.
Chief Executive Officer, Snackboxngfoods: Catering and hospitality management outfit that prepares meals that have been known to heal the sick and raise the dead. Producers/Manufacturers of Snackbox Chinchin & Candied nuts.
Momager, Production and Retail Management Rep:
Slimesistersng: Premium slime company! We are a brand made for kids by kids!
We produce Gorgeous, colourful, stretchy, sparkly slime! Which is a rave with the young ones. We also provide slime-making party classes for your kids, parties, get-togethers or hangouts
How do you solve your customer’s challenge?
As a multi-entrepreneur there is no one-size-fits-all technique to solving customer challenges, I however generally adopt a very hands-on approach in handling client/consumer challenges.
One approach to solving identified challenges raised by clients/ consumers is to ensure we provide the client a platform to share their feedback candidly, positive or otherwise.
We itemize the issues raised and provide quick feedback on steps to be taken to resolve and or assure the client of our desire to provide a positive impact to address identified concerns.
Case in point, I recently had a client whose order for 100 chinchin & 100 candied nuts packs as wedding souvenirs was delayed due to delivery hiccups connected with the scarcity of fuel. In managing the client’s expectations, we ensured we provided constant updates and feedback on the alternative solutions we were adopting to ensure we made good on our commitment to deliver quality products in a timely, efficient manner to the client.
Who are your ideal customers?
@dataprotectionpro: companies who process consumer data in the course of executing their business operations, who are mandated by law to align their data collection, storage and management practices with globally recognised & regulated standards.
individuals (data subjects) seeking redress concerning the violation of their privacy rights.
Global Policymakers seeking to partner with privacy experts in research, policy Development & drafting.
complete catering service outfit for parties, events, conferences etc. Minimum order of 25 plates.
we supply supermarkets, pharmacies, retail outfits, schools & office canteens with our products: candied nuts, chinchin and sandwich packs.
We provide a fun, unique experience to kid-themed events such as parties & play dates with our slime party table set up where we teach kids how to make the most colourful slime! We also produce slime for retail which can be purchased as party favors and included in children’s party gift bags. Minimum number of orders 20 pieces.
We partner with communities, individuals and churches to deliver on God’s mandate to help the less privileged and promote the gospel of love for one another irrespective of tribe, race or religion. Please follow our page on Instagram @onehopefortheheart
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
As an entrepreneur, there are no typical days. Some days due to several obligations in multiple time zones, and required prep for my catering business, the day pretty much begins in the wee hours of the morning (3 am), while some days l open my eyes just before 5 am to pray and prepare with intentionality, for the new day ahead.
I typically don’t schedule any other meetings or engagements during the week between the hours of 7 am and 9 am, as I am an ardent member of the NSPPD prayer altar. Therefore my daily work schedule runs between the hours of 9.15 am – 6 pm. I intermittently take short breaks over the day to touch base with my kids, and my staff and to attend to chores.
At 6 pm, I shut down to focus on my kids and any other pressing obligations and wind down.
What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
The opportunity to Chart the road unmapped.
In my career as a privacy consultant, due to the emergent nature of the industry, there are exciting opportunities to create value and influence policy development.
Also at Snackboxngfoods, we enjoy developing healthy delicious recipes from scratch for clients who give us the freedom to create menus for their events.
It is easier to go along the path that has been forged by others before you. But the most rewarding trails are the ones we make for ourselves. Those are ones we can leave behind for others to follow. It also means we find new places few others haven’t gone before.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
I am blessed to have the support and approval of my family and friends in delivering on my career and business goals.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
- Set personal development goals earlier.
- Seek clarity from God on the distinctive steps to take to deliver on the vision and develop a sustainable business/ career plan that outlines my goals, niche, target market, financial projections, and operational/personal development strategy.
- Focus on developing my natural gifts, skill sets and area of competency. Focus on being good at what I do, and make daily strides to perfect my craft.
- Be open to learning from every experience, whether it’s a success or a setback.
- Continuous learning and adaptability are key to entrepreneurial success.
- Focus on understanding and meeting my clients /customers’ needs.
- Manage my finances wisely. Keep a close eye on cash flow, create a realistic budget, and be prepared for unforeseen expenses.
- Celebrate the wins and learn from the losses: It’s okay to feel like giving up sometimes, especially when you experience failure but don’t, learn from your mistakes, get back in the saddle and try again.
- Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and a supportive network. Learning from others who are knowledgeable or have been through similar experiences can be invaluable.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Patience/Resilience
- Critical thinking
- Risktaking
Who has been your greatest inspiration and what motivates you?
I am especially grateful for my wonderful family support system (my mum, brothers and sister) who have been my backbone through some very difficult times.
My greatest inspiration however has been God who has blessed me with several sources of inspiration most paramount of which is Jesus. He has also gifted me with the mentorship of a true warrior of God, Minister Miriam Ogolo Moore. When I see how God uses their lives to impact the destiny of people such as myself I am in awe and driven to serve God all the days of my life with all my gifts he has adorned me with.
What advice would you give to people who want to become entrepreneurs?
Create the atmosphere to birth your vision, Talk to God about your plans, and dream and project BIG in accordance with the instructions of the creator, write the vision and make it plain, and then send him the invoice…. He will deliver on it.
What business-related book has inspired you the most? (or, What is your favourite book?)
The Bible: Two specific books in the Bible positively inspire my vision for my business and
career; Proverbs & Psalms. (Proverbs 16 vs 3, Psalms 128 vs 1-2)
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
The Chronicles of a Jesus Baby: Ada’s memoirs.
Please share the contact details you wish to be made public.
Instagram: @dataprotectionpro
@snackboxng_meatmafia @slimesistersng
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaye-adaobi-463a8667
