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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Entrepreneurs' Watch - Wole Sawe Edition

Successful business owners of privately held companies are like your favourite pair of shoes- they are worn, torn and experienced at handling things. The wisdom and success they have accrued will have come through hardwork and some tough lessons.
Having the opportunity to receive some real life tips on how they attained their success can be invaluable.
That's why the first edition of " Entrepreneurs' watch " for 2017 is focused on one of Ibadan's foremost entrepreneurs, Mr. Wole Sawe ( @wolesawe) of @xquisitushers.
Ibadanslayers had an exclusive interview with this awesome entrepreneur.
Enjoy reading.....

Q:  Can you tell us a little about you and your business?
Wolesawe:  My name is Wole Sawe, a graduate of Guidance and Counseling from the University of Ibadan. I run Xquisit management concepts which is specialise in events and Ushering management. I am a brand and events strategist, i plan & coordinate events and also consult for people and brands

Q: When you started out in the business, what specific idea, purpose or vision was your key driving force?   WoleSawe: Xquisit was born out of a vision to be an added value to lives and also help the unemployment rate in the country by providing weekly job service to young people.

Q: Were there any key incidents or life-changing events that inspired your decision to become an entrepreneur?   WoleSawe: Nahh really,  I've always had passion for doing things on my own which made me an enterprising person since I was young  till date

Q:  How would you describe your entrepreneurial journey so far?
WoleSawe: So far, it's been fulfilling, I enjoy what I do and I've never had any regret.

Q: Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
WoleSawe:  I made up my mind to create job opportunities and add values to lives and brands. It has always been what I wanted to do, that's what contributed to my success.

Q: What's an average workday like for you?
WoleSawe: Most times, its critical thinking on how to grow the business and being an added value to people I meet and where I go to.

Q: What would you describe as your major setbacks and what lessons did you pick from them?
WoleSawe: To be candid, none. Although I really don't like the way things are going in the sector . We work with a lot of ladies at the agency ,  they come, steal your ideas and pitch it to other agencies.  I am not actually moved about it though, because I'm original and photocopy ko easy ✌✌. For me, its a challenge/ competition and I like it.


Q: Most outstanding accomplishments so far in the context of your business? WoleSawe: Hmm... I will say the title of my awards "most outstanding"  I was awarded one of the Ten (10) outstanding young persons (TOYP) in Nigeria by JCI International and also The most Outstanding youth in Oyo State by Screams Award . In terms of events, we have worked with big brands, event planners and top government officials both within and outside the country.

Q: What are the three pieces of advice you would offer entrepreneurs starting out today?
WoleSawe: Using myself as an example,  Entrepreneurs starting out need to have these three things: The number one thing is prayer,  second is hardwork, third is consistency

Q: Any questions you expected to be asked in the course of this interview that didn't come up? Pls share with us.   WoleSawe: I like when people ask, where do you see yourself in two or three years? How do you intend to give back to the society?   For my giving back, we are having an audition very soon, about 150 people have applied, I am happy and at the same time unhappy about it. I wonder if about 150 people actually need the job, its sad that we dont have the capacity to accommodate such a large number due to the already number of 150 ushers we have been working with.  We would probably have to empower some people, We liaise with brands to train those who don't get picked for free and we are hoping alot of entrepreneurs in the city would partner with us on this.