I used my savings and also got loan from my family to buy my first machine - Founder and CEO Nikita Waffles

By Kemi Mobuse - Saturday, June 18, 2016




I recently came across a statement made by Africa's richest man; Aliko Dangote, where he said and I quote ;
I built a conglomerate and emerged the richest black man in the world in 2008 but it didn’t happen overnight. It took me thirty years to get to where I am today. Youths of today aspire to be like me but they want to achieve it overnight. It’s not going to work. To build a successful business, you must start small and dream big. In the journey of entrepreneurship, tenacity of purpose is supreme.” – Aliko Dangote
Carving a niche and making a name for yourself requires you having a vision and the determination plus tenacity to see it through.  It may not even look like you are making any progress at all, initially, but, the bottom line,is to keep at it and keep moving, even if all you do is to shuffle along. More importantly, STAND OUT! BE UNIQUE!

This, I have to believe, is what the CEO of Nikita Waffles worked with, when she took the bold step of  starting out her brand, the first of its kind in Nigeria, to make waffles in such a distinctive way..She had a brief chat with KMB, where she chronicled her brand journey..read below;

KMB: Can we meet you?

Nikita Waffles: My name is Mrs Adenike Dada, the CEO/MD Nikita Waffles.

KMB: What do you do?

Nikita Waffles: I run a sweet treat Business in form of waffles. I am actually the first person to bring this style of waffles into Lagos Nigeria basically, I make Waffles on sticks.

KMB: What inspired your going into the good business?

Nikita Waffles: I was already in the party Business with kids rentals, but, I noticed that, the market was saturated. I decided to take a closer look at the Fun food section. While thinking to myself that, I would rather stand out by adding something different to the usual Popcorn, Candy floss, hotdog burgers typically served at parties etc. While away from the country, 16 years to be precise, I developed a serious love for Waffles and pretzels. So, I decided to go with that. I took my time to research and pray about it. During my research, I came across the waffle on a stick machine; I knew right there and then that, this is my dream come true. This is what I need to stand out!



KMB: Why "waffles” specifically?
 
Nikita Waffles: It’s a unique treat that can be consumed at any time of the day. At breakfast, lunch, dinner, and it also make a great dessert. The major uniqueness in my case is that; it’s on a stick.
 
KMB: How old is your brand now and how has the market reception been?
 
Nikita Waffles: The Brand will be 4yrs on December 9th. The ride was really rough and tough in the first 2 years.
 
KMB: What major challenges have you had to deal with?
 
Nikita Waffles: Mostly with the Staff. They sometimes disappoint by not turning up when they ought to. Some of them sometimes show up Late. On some other occasions, due to negligence, Utensils would not be complete after a work flow.

KMB: Do you make your waffles, only for special orders, events or have an outlet?
 
Nikita Waffles: At present yes. We are still working on getting an outlet.


KMB: How was starting out for you capital wise?

Nikita Waffles: I used my Savings and got loan from my family to purchase my first machine.

KMB: What do you hope to achieve with your brand in say 5 years?


Nikita Waffles: I would have an outlet and Franchise in other states and also start a Waffle startup training package.

KMB: Any advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?

Nikita Waffles: Think positive! Have faith! Never give up! My motto "Nurture your Niche"

KMB: Lastly, how can you be contacted?
 
Nikita Waffles: Via Email nikitawaffles@yahoo.com
Call/WhatsApp: 0802 320 2566
Instagram:@Nikitawaffles





































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