People assume that one needs a huge sum of money to start a business but oftentimes, what most small scale business ventures require is the dedication to thrive and be consistent. In this interview with Mrs Blessing Felix who sells finger foods such as roasted yam, plantain and sweet potatoes, she tells Community Bell how she has sustained her business for over three years.
What prompted you to start this business?
My husband is the breadwinner of the family and he is always trying his best but I just felt the need to support him and add whatever I can in my own little way. I couldn’t keep on waiting on my husband for little things I needed. Anything could happen in life so one must be prepared so you don’t get shocked. We support each other to run our family.
How much did you start with and how much is your business worth?
I started with N6,000, it was just smoked yam and sauce but as time went buy I added other things and I haven’t looked back since then. These days when I’m going to the market I spend as much as N15, 000 so it keeps getting better, it’s a good venture as long as one is consistent.
What should one look out for when starting up a business like this?
Location is key, as you can see, this is a junction, and it has to be somewhere busy, if it’s not somewhere busy, that can be frustrating. Also, one has to be good especially with the sauce, satisfying the customers is paramount so the sauce has to soothe every taste bud.
What are the things you dislike about your line of business?
Those times when yam or plantain is not in season because customers don’t want to understand that there are times that these things won’t be easily accesible and they will be expensive. So, what I do is to focus more on things in season like potatoes. Again, smoking yam under this hot sun is not funny (laughs), but there is nothing I can do about it I just have to find a way to deal with that, that’s where commitment comes in, these are some of the things that people like us in these line of business do not like.
What pushes you every day to open up for business?
Apart from the need to support my family, the satisfaction my customers derive from eating my finger foods. There are days when I am not available they usually tell me how much they miss my smoked yam, I feel contented with the fact that they appreciate my effort which is good enough for me, that’s what gives me the zeal to wake up every morning to do what I know how to do best.
Advice for those who believe starting a business requires a huge sum of money
I believe those who are in this are just not ready to work, honestly, in this country as long as what you are doing is legitimate, you can succeed. With N1,500 or less one can start zobo business, truth is starting small makes you think of possible ways to improve the business, I believe in being deliberate in whatever we decide to do.
