HOW I STARTED MY FOOD BUSINESS – AMEYAA APPIAH-AGYEKUM

by Nana Akwasi Bonsu
3 years ago

Meet Ameyaa popularly known as Meeya, a caterer who has carved a niche for herself in the food and hospitality industry.

An interview with MSM

What kind of business are you into and what made you decide to focus on this business?

I’m into catering. I’ve always loved cooking, quality services and a variety of meals. Thought of putting that into one accessible venture for clients like myself – That’s how the food basket idea was formed.

Also, I believe the catering industry is huge and widely operated. I needed to carve a niche for myself and narrow it down to make clients search for such services very easy.

What are some of the challenges you have been through as an entrepreneur?

Challenges are many but by the Grace of God we’ve been able to surmount them as they come however the issue of non-existent skilled staff in the catering industry makes it an all-time problem

You get new staff from catering schools who can’t do anything. You need to teach them how to do everything and it shows how much we need a paradigm shift in our education system Also the requisite knowledge is hard to find. People that know do not want to impart. Quite worrying I must say

What did you do during these times of challenges and how did you overcome them?

James 1:5 says “if anyone of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously without finding fault”. I spend a lot of time praying whenever I’m confused about something. God speaks when we seek wisdom from him.

Also, I still try to seek knowledge from other industry seniors who will share information without prejudice

Finally reading and researched in my industry. These days information is all over and even in the palm of our hands. So I’m constantly on that then I implement what I can for my clients.

What are some of the sacrifices you have made as an entrepreneur that cost you?

I sacrificed a lot of relationships for it. I barely have a social life. I didn’t study food or anything related in the university so anything and everything I know, I’ve had to learn. Takes up most of my time but it’s the best way to navigate in these times and seasons.

Constantly seeking knowledge in my field helps me to stay abreast with new trends and demands of the clients. I’d love to continue on that.

What are some of the lessons you have learnt in your journey as an entrepreneur?

Be True to yourself and your course.
Being realistic and mindful of things available to you and the things around you enables you to put out your best

Start with what you have. There are so many lessons to learn as you grow in business. Every challenge teaches you something new. Starting small opens you up to your mistakes and you learn from them as you grow.
There are so many things you think you might know until you start so just start. Mistakes are bound to happen so we learn from them

Finally, focus
Instead of looking into your competitors markets and business styles, focus on your plan and your style of business so you can improve and give out quality.