Would you give up a salary worth millions of Naira to pursue your true passion? This is exactly what Uzo Orimalade did. And since then, this investment banker-turned- foodpreneur who holds a degree in Law, an MBA, and an advanced diploma in International Hospitality Management & Tourism, has achieved numerous milestones.
Her brand, Uzo’s Food Labs is a growing food and home entertainment company that offers a wide range of services including providing premium baked goods to retail and corporate clients and consulting and training services to the hospitality industry.
The brand also has a growing media arm that includes food writing, content creation for online and terrestial television platforms as well as a merchandising arm that creates and sells products including our gourmet chin chin, aprons, oils and spices. The brand is the also the creator and promoter of the Garden to Table Nigeria movement that encourages people to grow at least one thing organically regardless of space constraints.
She has been featured on numerous prestigious platforms including CNN Africa, EbonyLife TV, Spice TV, to name a few.
We caught up with the busy mom and had a brief chat with her about her entrepreneurship.
What was that “Aha Moment” that made you realize that there was a possibility of monetizing your passion?
I was ready to leave the world of paid employment and venture into a world where I looked forward to going to work everyday. I was always complimented about my cooking and home entertaining skills so I decided to make a go at that and charge for what I enjoyed doing.
What steps did you take towards preparing for entrepreneurship?
Finances are a huge factor for any business. I began to save money from my monthly salary dedicated to acting as a cushion once I became a full time entrepreneur. I prepared a business case for the proposed business – at the time it was a boutique bakery that included market analysis, financial projections and start up costs. I started to buy equipment and tools for the business out of my salary as well and actually started test running the business while holding a demanding job. I wanted to test the market and see if this passion could actually earn money.
What’s the toughest part about entrepreneurship in your field in Nigeria?
There are 2 challenging areas: Infrastructure – power, water supply. Human capital issues – quality of staff, retention, willingness to work, integrity.
How do you overcome your most pressing challenges?
It is a daily challenge. The power challenge means having alternative power supply every day. We do not rely on government provided water and also have alternative water supply for the business along with a water treatment system.
From earning a monthly seven figure salary in banking, to the unpredictability of income in entrepreneurship. How were you able to cope when you first started out?
The financial cushion helped a great deal in the beginning. This meant that I could afford to let the business grow without dipping into the profits as a salary. I also had to put myself on a very strict budget and cut out spending on non-essential things. Spending on needs instead of wants.
How do you manage to achieve a realistic work-life balance as an entrepreneur, mom and wife?
Honestly, I am not sure I have work-life balance. I simply switch roles as circumstances arise. I work all the time so having a schedule helps. Time for mommy things like the school run, school activities etc. Time for the garden. Time for shoots. Time to write. I try to allot time to each activity. I also have support behind the scenes especially on the home front. I just have to be honest, it is not easy trying to juggle all the balls but I try everyday.
What’s your advice to women who would like to be entrepreneurs in your field?
Research is key. Learn everything you possibly can about the particular area you want to play in. When you do that, you should be able to identify any gaps in the industry which can be an opportunity for a new business. Prepare a realistic business case with financial projections. I suggest getting a 3rd party involved – to prepare or review so there is an unbiased set of eyes to sweat your assumptions. Finally, be ready to work very hard and soldier through when things do not go as planned.
The food industry in Nigeria is growing at a rapid rate. From chefs to foodpreneurs, vloggers and bloggers, it is fast becoming an overcrowded space. What do you think sets you apart from others?
The Uzo’s Food Labs brand is an approachable, relatable brand and I believe that is one reason that sets us apart. Even though the brand is in the food and hospitality space, it is not just focused on one area so we are able to attract a pretty wide audience. Our output and products are also unique – we thrive on being disruptive and I believe that is a huge factor.
How do you thrive as an African woman despite society’s myriad expectations of who you should be?
I know who I am and what my goals are and I go for them. The opinions and expectations of people do not really matter to me. I have my compass about morality, faith, decency, home life, work and I try as hard as I can to stay true to those points.
What’s next for Uzo?
More work. We have grand plans for the brand and are working on several projects at the moment. We plan to take the brand outside the shores of Nigeria, and roll out more products that will be more readily available in retail outlets.
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