Could you please tell us a little about yourself?
I am Blessing Obi, a certified professional in journalism and online media analysis with an experience spanning over four years. Currently, I work as a media/research analyst in a public relations and advertising firm while running my business known as BMFOODS.
That’s awesome, could you tell us more about BMFOODS.
BMFOODS is a food business which focuses on producing snacks like plantain chips. While it was officially founded in June 2018, it has been a dream for years. I got trained at Fate Foundation under the Next economy project upon completion of my NYSC.
I was struck by the high degree of entrepreneurship, yet saddened by the endless waste of farm produce like plantain and simultaneous stagnation of the local marketplace. The fact that our local farm products were in their thousands of tons exported on a daily basis saddened me.
I started out with the need to help put an end to the high wastage of food, and also reduce unemployment in my community. Hence I explored the possibility of Agricultural processing (providing growth avenues for entrepreneurs, unemployed youth, and farmers alike). Combined with my love for healthy snacks, I was driven to team up with a friend to transform one of the most cultivated farm produce (plantain) into variety of snacks to be consumed locally and internationally.
Here we learn the importance of partnership, identifying a need and striving to provide a solution.
How do you define success and what major challenges have you experienced growing your brand?
It is basically about achieving one’s set goals. It is not just about money and fame, It is way more than. Success for me is knowing I have made a positive impact in the life of others and in my community. It is discovering who I am and the gifts I possess. Also, utilizing those gifts.
You have been doing very great with your brand, what has been your expansion strategy and where do you see your brand going in the next few years?
We intend to expand to other pastries using plantain. We are not limiting our production to just plantain chips. In expanding, we employ credibility, setting clear objectives for our company and aligning our goals.
What concerns do you currently have about your company?
We have lots of concerns as a company but the rise in price of materials, unfriendly government policies and change in customers’ pattern/taste are our major concerns.
What is the toughest decision you have had to make concerning your business in the last few months?
In other to promote our business, we made hard decision of sponsoring summits and fairs with our promotional packs of chips for free.
What keeps you motivated as an entrepreneur?
The need to create something different: I found out that most plantain chips I buy around me where mostly very hard and thus, making it difficult for kids and those with tooth issues to consume. I was motivated to create a better one, my goal was to make my chips as light and crispy as ‘Pringles’ and after much research I got the slicer and technique to achieve that. I am still motivated to do so much more.
How do you wind off from the day’s stress?
I go see a movie or make embroideries.
What movie, no matter how many times you’ve seen it, do you have to watch when it’s on?
I have a lot but will go with “GOD’S NOT DEAD”.
Describe a time you felt you were right, but you still had to follow directions or guidelines?
When I wanted to start a business but had to take directions from the training I got at Fate foundation and up until now a lot of mistakes I would have made in business have been avoided thanks to those guidelines.
At Developing Afrika, we believe so much in reading books, “What book would you suggest everyone on the team reads?
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy would be my first choice.
What is your advice to every entrepreneur and aspiring entrepreneur out there?
I would say “have passion in what you do, believe in yourself, build a strong network and work hard”.
What issues would you suggest has to be tackled to bring about a better Africa?
They are numerous but unfavorable economy, policies and environment would top the list. Also, loans and grants should be made accessible to those at the grass root level.
What are your business social media handles (Instagram, Twitter and Facebook)
@Bm_foods on all platforms
