Taofikat
Founder Slush Queen, Lekki.
@slushqueenng / 08179547831
Motunrayo is a psychologist who found interest in the foodservice industry and decided to carve a niche by becoming a Vendor of flavored frozen drinks in Lagos.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your background –
Taofikat –
My name is Motunrayo Taofiqat. I studied Psychology at Cape Coast University Ghana. I have an A‘level Certificate in Law, Business Studies and Literature. I started Slush in 2016.
I have a full time job so ‘Slush Queen’ is my passion project, but I am planning to take it full time soon.
Starting days for business including funding?
Taofikat –
During 2016 summer, my sister and I were having a discussion on items we craved for and looked forward to having in the summer while growing up. It was at this point the idea came to mind.
In the early stages, I rented slush machines for 15 thousand naira overtime i reinvested profits from the jobs we were getting and bought my own at (N500,000)
What steps have you taken to make sure your brand remains relevant and competitive in market place?
Taofikat –
We source our products from a reputable company in the UK. We make sure our products are mixed right and not watered down, and we offer great services to our customers.
Where do you see the brand in 5 years- 10 years?
Taofikat –
In five to 10 years, we should have opened a store or lounge where people can sit down, get Slush or drink and have a good time with friends.
Can you give us the most challenging experiences you have had?
Taofikat –
Staff has been the most challenging; I just get tired thinking of the staff stress. I am continuously changing staff because i am always reminding them on duties i have already trained them to do, it is very discouraging.
It is quite rare and difficult getting staff who can handle the business the way you would. I literally prepare my cocktail and mocktail mix. As a result of these challenges, I employed an assistant last year and the rest of my staff work on contract basis.
What is the worst entrepreneurial moment you ever had and how did you recover?
Taofikat –
We registered for an event where we were hoping to have great turnout and sales, we prepared a lot of products which ended up wasting as the sales was very very poor.
Why do you think most food entrepreneurs fail in their businesses?
Taofikat –
It could be due to inadequate start-up planning and lack of proper research.
How do you treat recipes and intellectual properties?
Taofikat –
I keep it to myself. I mix the concentrate and my staff just help with the finishing.
What piece of business advice would you give someone starting up?
Taofikat –
I would say, don’t rush into buying products. Purchase items when you need them. Imagine buying a fridge-full of perishable items and then the power goes out. Experiences like this could throw one off balance so must be checkmated.
Book and recommended resource:
Taofikat –
The Smart Money Woman by Arese Ugwu
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31430970-the-smart-money-woman
