@mogeemagic / 07089673839 : @podchocolates / 0909 222 0563
She was discouraged a lot of times, but the obsession for her brand wouldn’t let her sink or feel crushed. She is very passionate about Cupcakes and chocolate making, listen to the podcast to learn how she built her brand.
Podcast Show Notes
Can you pleases introduce yourself and tell us about your background –
My name is Moji Aina. I am the CEO of Chocolatiers Wonders – (a chocolate company) & MOGEE Magic – (a confectionery brand)
My educational background is in Natural Science and Operational Research. I have been making chocolate since 2008, in 2018 I started using locally sourced cocoa pods.
Starting days for business including funding?
For the chocolate, I had to buy a chocolate mold and for the cupcakes i started off using my home equipments.
Which of these brands are you known more for?
I think it’s still the cupcake. The chocolate brand is relatively new and people rarely patronize locally made chocolate in Nigeria. But I’m kind of pushing more the chocolate brand because chocolate industry in Nigeria is totally unpacked and I think there are so many opportunities in there and I have made it my goal to create awareness and kind of get more people into the industry.
How has your business evolved over the years?
For me, I think one of the biggest changes has been with structuring my business. Previously, when I travel on vacation, I’d pause the business and let my customers know I’m away. I have since put structures in place and even if am not around things go on normal without any customer knowing I’m away. We now have efficient structures and systematic operations.
What have you done to make sure that your brand remains competitive?
For me, I think maintaining quality and trying not to introduce too many products at the same time.
Can you give us the most challenging experiences you have had?
Apart from the everyday Nigeria experience, we spend a lot on diesel; power is an issue
Cookies by Mojee
What advice would you give someone starting up?
I would say,
- Whatever venture you want to go into, know it like you know the back of your hand
- Learn – I mean if you can get trained by the best, go for it
- It is not all about the recipe, so learn more of the techniques
- Overhead cost can be overwhelming, so you have to do your numbers and know if it is worth it.
What advice would you give your young self?
Please be patient and don’t be too much in a hurry
Books and Resource recommendation:
E-myth revisited by Michael E. Gerber
https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280
Key Points
- Whatever venture you want to go into, know it like you know the back of your hand
- Learn – I mean if you can get trained by the best, go for it
- It is not all about the recipe, learn more of the technique
- Overhead cost can be overwhelming, so you have to do your numbers and know if it is worth it
- Please be patient and don’t be too much in a hurry.
