Ifeoluwa Anani is the Ceo of Careplus Caterers, a full-service catering company that offers a variety of services and Exquisite magazine got the opportunity to have an interview with her. Let’s read her success story!
Tell us about Yourself
My name is Ifeoluwa Anani, the founder and CEO of Careplus Caterers. I have a passion for cooking and creating delicious food that brings joy to people’s lives. With an educational background in food science, I hold an OND (Ordinary National Diploma) in Food Science, which has equipped me with knowledge about food safety, nutrition, and culinary techniques.
In addition to my expertise in the culinary field, I also have a B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) degree in Business Administration. This educational background has allowed me to combine my love for food with essential business skills, enabling me to effectively manage and grow my catering business.
To further enhance my professional capabilities, I pursued a Master’s degree in Human Relations. This program has provided me with a deeper understanding of interpersonal dynamics, leadership, and effective communication, which I apply in my interactions with clients, employees, and partners.
Careplus Caterers is the culmination of my culinary passion, business acumen, and dedication to providing exceptional service. I established the company as Careplus Global Services Ltd. in 2010, and since then, we have been committed to delivering high-quality catering services for a variety of events.
We prioritize using fresh, high-quality ingredients and providing outstanding customer service to ensure that every occasion we cater to becomes a memorable experience.
What does your business do, and how it started?
Careplus Caterers is a full-service catering company that offers a variety of services, including weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and more. We specialize in creating custom menus that fit our client’s specific needs and budgets. We also offer event planning and coordination services to help our clients make their events as stress-free as possible.
My business started with my love for cooking and my desire to create a business that would make people happy. I started by catering small events for friends and family, and eventually, I started getting more and more requests. I quickly realized that there was a need for a catering company that offered high-quality food and excellent customer service, so I decided to turn my passion into a business.
How do you solve your customer’s challenge?
We solve our customers’ challenges by providing them with delicious, high-quality food that is prepared to their exact specifications.
We also offer a variety of services to help our customers make their events as stress-free as possible, such as event planning and coordination. We are committed to providing our customers with an exceptional experience, and we go above and beyond to make sure that their events are perfect.
Who are your ideal customers?
Our ideal customers are busy professionals who are looking for a catering company that can provide them with delicious, high-quality food without the hassle. We also cater to families and individuals who are looking to host special events.
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
My typical day starts with me checking my emails and responding to any urgent messages on Whatsapp and Instagram. I then meet with my team to discuss our upcoming events and make sure that we are on track.
I spend the rest of the day working on various tasks, such as planning menus, sourcing ingredients, and coordinating events. I also make sure to take some time to meet with clients and get their feedback.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
I have to work long hours, which can sometimes be difficult to balance with my family commitments. Also, I have to travel frequently for business, which can also be challenging for my family.
But, being an entrepreneur has also allowed me to spend more time with my family than I would if I was working a traditional job. I can set my hours, which allows me to be more flexible with my family schedule.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by the challenge of running my own business. I love the feeling of being able to create something from scratch and seeing it grow and succeed. I am also motivated by the opportunity to help people and make their lives better.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is failing. I know that running a business is risky, and I don’t want to let my team or my family down. I am also afraid of not being able to live up to my expectations.
How do you define success?
I define success as being able to live a happy and fulfilling life. I want to be able to do work that I am passionate about and that makes a difference in the world. I also want to be able to provide for my family and give them the best possible life.
What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
My favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur is the freedom it gives me. I can set my hours and work from anywhere in the world. I also have the freedom to be creative and to come up with new ideas.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
If I had the chance to start my career over again, I would focus more on building relationships with my clients and my team. I would also spend more time planning and strategizing.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
1. Resilience: Entrepreneurs need to be able to bounce back from setbacks and keep going.
2. Communication: Entrepreneurs need to be able to communicate effectively with their team, their clients, and their investors.
3. Problem-solving: Entrepreneurs need to be able to identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration has been my husband. His unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in my abilities have been instrumental in my entrepreneurial journey. Together, we have overcome challenges and celebrated milestones, making him an invaluable source of inspiration in my life.
His passion for entrepreneurship and his dedication to our family has motivated me to pursue my dreams and build a successful business. I am truly grateful for his constant support and inspiration.
What advice would you give to people who want to become entrepreneurs?
My advice would be to follow your passion and believe in yourself. Take calculated risks, be prepared to face challenges, and surround yourself with a supportive network. Seek knowledge and continuously learn from your experiences. Most importantly, never be afraid to dream big and strive for greatness.
What business-related book has inspired you the most?
While many business-related books have inspired me, one that stands out is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. It provides valuable insights into building and scaling a business in a fast-paced and ever-changing market. The book emphasizes the importance of customer feedback, iteration, and continuous improvement.
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
If I were to write a book about myself, I would name it “From Passion to Success: A Culinary Journey of an Entrepreneur.” It would delve into my experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the culinary industry and share insights and lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Please share the contact details you wish to be made public.
For any inquiries or to experience our exceptional catering services, please feel free to contact Careplus Caterers on Instagram @carepluscaterers or WhatsApp (+234) 08091205575 and call only (+234) 08023073204. We look forward to creating memorable culinary experiences for you and your guests.
