If you love good food, do not want to compromise nutrition and taste, or you are looking to balance time and effectiveness in your home, then HadizahProduce Limited is for you! Let’s read up on Maureen’s story the CEO of Hadizah produce
Tell us about Yourself
My name is Maureen Akumefula Awulonuh. I’m a Nigerian! When you come from two different regions of the country and grow up in another, then you know you’re simply a Nigerian.
What does your business do and how it started
HadizahProduce Limited is a food production company. Our products are designed to fit into the lifestyle of the busy Nigerian.
During COVID-19, the first thing that hit me was the changing face of the business we did mainly at the time. We cancelled some programs, and migrated some online but still had to put on a thinking cap for another stream of income. So, we came up with producing the Peeled beans… like how many people want to eat Moin-moin at odd times but put away the thought just because of the process!
We produce with the brand name Dazi. Our products are Dazi Peeled Beans, Dazi Peanut Butter, and Dazi Poundo Yam Flour.
How do you solve your customer’s challenge?
They come with different challenges. Some just want to know that your products are always available when they need them. Some want to be sure you’ve conquered the challenge of quality- you know maintaining the quality you started with. Some see you as a small business so you shouldn’t be as expensive as the big companies. So, we solve these challenges by staying true to the purpose that got us here in the first place. The purpose is to offer Convenience, Nutrition and Taste to our customers.
Who are your ideal customers?
If you love good food, you don’t compromise nutrition and taste, you are looking to balance time and effectiveness in your home, then you are our ideal customer.
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
Not a cliché but my day starts with God. How do you explain what happens while you are asleep? Since I run two businesses I check my itinerary and then the day starts for real. I don’t have a cast-in-stone order for my day…. Some days are slow others are faster…. But one thing is sure, I ensure that I do something for my business, for myself and something of worship to God.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Balance! There’s always demand for you, from all aspects of life but striking a balance is what glues it together. Also living a decluttered life. It’s easier to deal with issues when your mind is free of carry-overs from the previous day.
What motivates you?
Smiles. I don’t know if people know how encouraging a genuine smile is. When a customer’s smile of satisfaction flashes before my face…
But really, being useful motivates me. I don’t want to be in a place where I’m not useful.
What is your greatest fear?
At this stage in my life, none! Don’t get me wrong, I get worried by issues that creep up now and then, but to say I have fears???
How do you define success?
Success for me is when the day ends and you realise someone smiled because of what you did. Not despising what money can buy and money itself, but being rich in those things money cannot buy is a big-time success for me.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
People. How relationships translate to business opportunities and money making. years ago, I was in a commercial vehicle, they drove past a bus stop where a lot of people stood waiting for a bus, and the conductor shouted… See money! I did not understand them, but yes, people are very crucial to your success.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
I would get into being an entrepreneur a little earlier.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Clarity! Clarity of purpose, clarity of direction and clarity of goals/ objectives. Respect for the results irrespective of how small or big they come per time.
Respect! Respect for people and time, respect for your goals, process and method. And finally, Trust. Trust is that currency that puts you on the cusp of opportunities.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Success stories inspire me a lot.
What advice would you give to people who want to become entrepreneurs?
There’d never be a perfect time. There are more reasons to fail than there are to succeed. You best make up which it’s going to be for you…. And go for it.
What business-related book has inspired you the most?
Tipping point, who moved my cheese. I love the books of Nehemiah and Ezra in the Bible a lot too.
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
My grain of wheat. Only that it’s an actual book I’m working on.
Please share the contact details you wish to be made public.
Call line: 09154361159
Instagram : @Hadizahpl
Twitter: @ hadizahpl
