Faouziat Kabassi
Franchisee Fruitizz, Lagos
Aaron’s Lekki Mall, Suite 21, Plot, Admiralty Way, 12B Olubunmi Owa St, Lekki Phase I, Lagos
@fruitizzlagos / 08092033339
Fruitizz is a fruit restaurant that was founded in Benin (Cotonou) 5yrs ago. After working closely with her sister the Founder, Faouziat became a franchisee and decided to grow the brand and bring it to lagos home country.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your background –
Kabassi –
My name is Fauziath Kabassi Sikirou.
I studied Political Science and obtained MSc. in International Relations. The business is five years old in Benin Republic and three months in Nigeria. I came to Lagos based on my aspirations to build the brand in my home country. I also run an event planning business that is four years old.
Starting days for business including funding?
Kabassi –
Well, it was a lot tasking getting the right equipment and enough materials to get the business started. It started from little to where we are now. I had to spend so much money on the equipment, I kept reinvesting the profits from the first year of business.
When did your ‘aha’ moment come that you thought ‘I can do this’
Kabassi –
I had a friend that was very passionate about fruits that she juiced everything a lot. I was inspired and spent a lot of time researching and studying about the business and the health benefits of juicing . At the same time I started noticing new trends with healthy juices, and it took about two years of nursing the idea before the business actually started.
Can you describe your typical work day?
Kabassi –
When I wake up, I go to the juice bar to observe operations and see that all orders are being done right, and ready for delivery. We have clients on our subscription plan so we have orders going out morning and afternoon. I supervise the team and coordinate duties. Since we now have an outlet in Lagos, I shuttle between Benin and Lagos, managing both locations.
How do you maintain quality and consistency across two different countries?
Kabassi –
In my instance, we had to try various fruit vendors in Nigeria, until we got one similar to what we are used to in Benin. We keep the preparation process consistent so if we are cutting our fruits or veggies in a particular way in Benin, we ensure the same process is replicated in Lagos.
More so, I search for vendors that supply the best products and are readily available. But then, fruits are seasonal so we keep tweaking to figure out how and where to source from.
At some point, I moved one of my top staff to Lagos to help build the business.
What steps have you taken to make sure your brand remains relevant and competitive in market place?
Kabassi –
My main focus is in offering the best possible services to our customers. We have had a lot of customers try our product and become repeat customers. We also offer a lot of variety for customers so people can create their own unique blends. I noticed a big difference in customer preference between our Benin store and Lagos store; our Benin clients go for the sweet juices while Nigerian clients seem to show a preference for detox and healthy options. Having this knowledge helps us serve them better and ultimately; remain relevant.
Where do you see the brand in 5 years- 10 years?
Kabassi –
I see myself having so many branches all over Nigeria and beyond, and my brand becoming part of everybody’s healthy lifestyle.
Can you give us the most challenging experiences you have had?
Kabassi –
Setting up Lagos branch was very challenging. It was a case of making plans and having everything turn out a different way. At first when I made inquiries, I was told that much wasn’t needed to start up – you know, there is hardly anywhere to get information on what is required to start up a business like that here. So, getting and filing the right papers with regulatory bodies was very demanding. I didn’t get it all right following those advices until Government popped in, requesting for various licenses. It took quite a lot of time going back and forth to get the required registration done.
What is the worst entrepreneurial moment you ever had and how did you recover?
Kabassi –
Being broke when staff salaries are due to be paid; I have 4 staff in Lagos and over 20 in Benin.
Why do you think most food entrepreneurs fail in their businesses?
Kabassi –
We all think it’s easy, yes! And most people are never prepared ahead so when matters start arising, it becomes double difficult to resolve – issues of poor sales, staff and overhead. In fact, it is never as easy as we all perceive it. People should take time to examine what they are about to venture into to be sure they have what it requires of them before going into it.
What piece of business advice would you give someone starting up?
Kabassi –
- Just be strong
- Trust your dream and yourself, and
- Believe in your project.
- Be optimistic that everything will be alright and pay off in the long run.
What advice would you give your young self?
Kabassi –
I shouldn’t have rushed. There were things I didn’t think through before starting and as a result, led to mistakes. But then, we all learn from our mistakes. So, my advice to my young self is pretty much about taking things one at a time and not being in haste when it comes to decision making.
Book and Other Resource recommendation:
Kabassi –
Hmm! I am not much of a reader. When I think things are going bad, I just take a step back, think it through and find solutions. But to be frank, my mom, being a business woman, has been quite helpful. She has always advised me on the right path to go and of course, my husband plays a very big part in that too.
Key Points:
- Just be strong
- Trust your dream and yourself, and
- Believe in your project.
- Be optimistic that everything will be alright and pay off in the long run.
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