Entrepreneurs' watch - IroyalCocina Edition

 This week's edition of entrepreneurs' watch is focused on another of Ibadan city's finest entrepreneurs. A young woman who has carved a niche for herself in the baking world amongst other ventures.
Ibadanslayers had a wonderful session with her and we are sure you will gain one or two tips from this week's edition. Enjoy.

Ibadanslayers: Can we meet you?

Iroyal:  My name is Ifeoluwapo Opajobi. I am the CEO/Creative Director of iRoyal Cocina which specializes in Cakes, bartending services(cocktails & mocktails), finger foods, desserts & grills for events.
            
Ibadanslayers: Could you please share with us the most critical talent you possess in your role as a business owner?

Iroyal: The most critical talent I possess as a business owner is the act of business management. The ability to manage my business perfectly despite any obstacles or hindrances that come my way.
              
Ibadanslayers: When you started out in this business, what was the process of financing like?
Iroyal:  When I started my business, financing the business wasn't easy at all for me because I had just completed my service year and you know a typical nigerian youth at that level wouldn't even have much savings as a result of the Nigerian NYSC monthly "low income". So I just had to start with the very little I had saved up to buy the basic tools and equipment to get me started in the business.

Ibadanslayers: What are some of the biggest lessons that have impacted the way you work?

Iroyal: Well....some of the biggest lessons that have impacted my business and helped me a lot so far and is still helping me are, the lessons of "putting God first in every job", "always giving a client more than what they ask", "treating every client like a King" and "giving clients the wow factor that always make them come back for more".
            

Ibadanslayers: If you were to do some venture again, what would you differently?
                 
Iroyal: Hmmm, what I'll do differently if I was to venture again. If I'm going to venture into business again, I'll start off in a much better way and I'll make sure I double the efforts I started off with previously.
Ibadanslayer: What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Iroyal:
My most satisfying moment in business, lol. Nothing is more satisfying than getting 100% positive feedback from a client, I mean that's just the definition of fulfilment in business to me.

Ibadanslayers: Any challenges faced as an Ibadan based entrepreneur?

Iroyal: Of course there are challenges I've faced as an Ibadan entrepreneur. You find situations where a client has a classy taste and knows you're good enough to deliver then comes at you with ridiculous prices just because they feel "this is Ibadan now, things ain't usually expensive here", like who does that? But the beauty of it is that Ibadan is taking a new turn and people are beginning to have broadened vision to be able to see that what we have here in our city can not be compared or underrated and the people who know the worth of what we carry and deliver, respect it and treat us right.
Ibadanslayers: In your opinion, what are the top three qualities needed to be a successful entrepreneur in Ibadan?

Iroyal:  In my opinion, the top three qualities needed to be a successful entrepreneur in Ibadan are Passion, Consistency & Hardwork.
Ibadanslayers: Where do you see your business in the next five years?

Iroyal:  Hmmm that's a big one. Well....in the next five years, I see iRoyal Cocina as one of the leading brands in Nigeria.
           
Ibadanslayers: Any word of advice to budding entrepreneurs out there?
 Iroyal:My advice to budding entrepreneurs is, "Fall in love with your business, be consistent. The bad days will come, yes you can't help it and you just have to be determined within you about what you want for your life and where you're headed. Have someone who has been in the business for long as a mentor to guide you and direct you when you get stuck. Just be unique and do you, there is enough room for you in the sky to spread your wings so just keep spreading them. The world awaits you"

A big thank you to the amiable CEO of Iroyalcocina for the amazing session.
Keep soaring!
Keep repping Ibadan city!

Ps- Don't forget to drop a comment 💋💋
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