Let’s meet Oyekunle Oyeyinka Deborah who saw the need to supply kunnu and zobo at a wedding ceremony and then turned it into a business, and she is also a chef. Let’s read about her business journey.
Tell us about yourself
I am Oyekunle Oyeyinka Deborah. A graduate of Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology, Oyo State, From the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension. I am from Osun State but based in lagos.
What does your business do and how it started
I am a Chef, I am also a beauty consultant. I started my business with the production of “Kunnu and Zobo” which I made as part of the drinks we gave to those who came to my brother’s introduction ceremony although we served other drinks but I intentionally made those two drinks available.
Many took the drinks and gave good remarks. I decided to turn it into a business after graduation. Then about the beauty products, I started in 2019. The beauty products are made by a top brand from Sweden that has a branch in Nigeria. The product doesn’t bleach and it helps to solve skin challenges. So this motivated me to join the business.
How do you solve your customer’s challenge?
For the beauty products they always give good remarks about the effectiveness and quality but they also do complain about the company price. So how I solve it is to forfeit some of my own personal profit so they can afford the company price.
Then as a chef, I don’t have a price challenge, sometimes I am not always available to prepare drinks/orders or to render services. So I always try to make it up when am available and tender an apology for the times not able to deliver.
Who are your ideal customers?
My customers for my food and drinks are everyone because everyone craves good food and natural quality drinks. Then the skin care products are available for all family members including kids. So I would say anyone who craves for a healthy living is meant to be my ideal customer. And to crown it, children have patronised me, including men and women.
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
My typical day is always full of activities and a bit busy.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Being an entrepreneur has affected my life and family positively in several ways. As an entrepreneur in the food industry, they are always happy that they would see good foods and drinks. And as for the beauty products they are glad they have easy access to quality skin care products without paying for delivery like others or going through difficult moments before getting the items. It also helps them to maintain their natural colour and glow. It also helps us to spend wisely.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is I don’t want my business to be stagnant. I always pray for divine connection and grace to expand to different places home and abroad.
How do you define success?
I define success as the ability to reach my aim or purpose and to continue to grow. Success is also the achievement of my personal/desired goals.
What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
My favorite aspect is the reviews I get about my products and services. Good customer care. Some said my drinks are like juice from above.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
LWhat I would do is “Law/Business Law” as per my career. But as per business, I would still remain in this field.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
They are
(i) Communication skills
(ii) Sales skills
(iii) Focus/Consistency/Persistency Skills.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration is “Dangote and My Mum”
What advice would you give to people who want to become entrepreneurs?
I would advice potential entrepreneurs to be focused/determined. They should believe in themselves. They should start somewhere. When challenges come they should be strong to face them and believe that they can overcome them and get to the top.
What business-related book has inspired you the most?
The book is “How To Build A Solid Team” by “AHAOMA MBADIWE MADUFORO”
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would be the title
If I am to write a book about myself. I would be “The Unshakable Giant”
Please share the contact details you wish to be made public
My contact details are;
Instagram handle: @oyekunleoyeyinka
Email: oyekunle.oyeyinka@gmail.com
phone number: 07058216239 not a WhatsApp line only calls and texts messages.
