“Ricci’s was prompted by the desire to meet a need” – Omitogun Bolaji

 

IMG-20141018-WA0007

INTERVIEW

with OMITOGUN BOLAJI [300 level student of Geography], CO-FOUNDER AND HEAD CHEF AT RICCI’S

BY OLAITAN AMEENAH

 

IMG-20141018-WA0003WHAT IS THE IDEA BEHIND RICCI’S KITCHEN?

Ricci’s was started by a friend and me. I had the culinary skills and he had the business development skill. So over the long strike, we agreed on starting Ricci’s with the aim of being different from your regular cafeteria meals.

 

IN SUCH A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT, WHAT PROMPTED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RICCI’S KITCHEN?

The establishment of Ricci’s was prompted by the desire to meet a need and there was the desire to start something we weren’t seeing. We noticed that there were no varieties in the meals being sold around, so we felt we could offer something different from other restaurants around. We wanted to create something different with an exquisite feel.

 IMG-20141018-WA0004 IMG-20141018-WA0005 IMG-20141018-WA0006

AS A NEW CAMPUS ENTERPRISE VENTURE, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES ‘RICCI’S KITCHEN’ IS FACING?

Challenges can never go away…Initially there was the issue of securing location. In fact it was not easy securing our current location. People oriented challenges: basically the people’s mentality; because our meals are so different, there is the fear of wanting to try our meals. Financial challenges are also serious. And also there is the issue of opportunity cost…In fact I just tell myself we are getting there.

 

AS A STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR, HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN YOUR BUSINESS AND ACADEMICS?

Balance…hmm… It’s not been easy. I just do the little I can do and leave the rest to Baba God. Let one ‘sha’ satisfy the certificate and my partner has a good way of encouraging me.

 

 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE STUDENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP ON THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN CAMPUS?

Honestly, there are students out there that are making ‘mad’ sense; I have met UI students that operate businesses on campus and they really inspire me. University of Ibadan has done absolutely well at supporting student entrepreneurs…Most especially through UInnovate, the Nigerian campus enterprise challenge and others. But generally I wish UI is more supportive to student entrepreneurs.

 

IN ONE SENTENCE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS ON CAMPUS?

Start what you plan to start after school now. Sometimes, having a partner is always better than being solely in the business. So find a partner, and most importantly walk with people that will always ‘ginger’ and drive you to success.

 

DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO SAY?

Ricci’s officially opens for operations this 2nd semester on the 24th Oct by 6pm. For more info visit www.facebook.com/cuisinesricci or tweet@ us: @cuisinesricci.

Shout out to Olamide, Victor, Ola, Peju, Oyinda, Tojola and Fumbi. They have been very supportive. Thanks.

IMG-20141018-WA0001 IMG-20141018-WA0002

Are you a student entrepreneur? Would you like to be featured here? If yes, call 07061282516 or 07060578096 to book your interview

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *