When it comes to cooking, the Men are determined to win! Meet the CEO of Parrilla Kitchen!

By Kemi Mobuse - Thursday, March 03, 2016

I met Adekunle Paws Ibironke for the first time in 2002 during our University days, under very funny circumstances, he and i became best of friends.

Adek as fondly called by me, in-spite of wearing baggy shirts and trousers a size too big for him, has a thing for foot wears.

His shoe collection were always the rave of that time, and he can also cook for Africa, such that, lunch and dinner for me were always free. who no like better thing, hehe! It is no wonder, when the boy became a man, that he decided to monetize his passion. lets meet the man behind the name....

Kemi Mobuse blog: Can we meet you?

Paws: Yes my name is Adekunle Paws Ibironke.

Kemi Mobuse blog: You mentioned Paws, is that part of your given name or brand name?

Paws: It was first a brand name but now it's part of my names as a given name.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Nice one. What is your business name? And what are you into?

Paws: I'm a footwear designer. Brand name is Paws footwear & accessories. I'm also the owner of a mini barbeque lounge; Parrilla kitchen & lounge.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Did you start both businesses together? And how long since inception?

Paws: No. I've been a footwear designer since 2009. D lounge came in 2014.

Kemi Mobuse blog: How was the market reception of both?

Paws: Market reception is okay. It usually not easy at d beginning but eventually one will balance.

Kemi Mobuse blog: And you mentioned Parrilla kitchen, what exactly do you do there? Catering, baking or?

Paws: Not catering or baking. Its barbeque foods. Parrilla itself; it's Spanish for d word barbeque or grills. D foods include grilled chicken, grilled fish, Shawarma, kebab.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Niceeee! Do you cater for occasions? Or people only come there?

Paws: We cater for occasions.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Is this your sole source of livelihood? Can you see yourself doing anything else?

Paws: Well..by d way I’ve got an office job. But to be sincere I love my businesses. And designing foot wears is my passion.

Kemi Mobuse blog: How do you combine both office work and your business, hope your attention isn't always divided

Paws: Well I've gotten used to it.

Kemi Mobuse blog: What was the worst advice you have been given since the inception of your businesses?

Paws: For foot wears no particular bad advice as such. But for barbecued foods, i once listened to a bad advice of a close friend to take up a big event that ended up becoming a big issue because the planners couldn't make payments for service rendered.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Heya that would have affected you financial wise. How was it eventually resolved?

Paws: We had to bring in d law enforcement then, an arrangement for payment was made.

Kemi Mobuse blog: What has been your most memorable experience since both your business started

Paws: I always have a memorable experience anytime I go for fashion events and it turns out as planned.

Kemi Mobuse blog: But one surely stood out from the others right?

Paws: I really enjoyed Nigeria fashion week 2012.

Kemi Mobuse blog: What do you think sets you apart from other people with same businesses?

Paws: In footwear designing I actually design. Not just make good shoes. I create something new and set trends. For barbecued foods our recipe is unique and d food is very tasty.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Hmmm@ tasty, guess that means I should expect some delivery soonest? Lol

Paws: Lol, sure thing!

Kemi Mobuse blog: Any advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?

Paws: Well for upcoming entrepreneurs I wouldn't wanna say d regular cliché. Be Harding working and all dat.

Kemi Mobuse blog: What would you rather say?

Paws: Of course you have to be hardworking but if u want a successful business in this part of d world u have to be 'extra' hardworking. Endurance. Seek God a lot. Don't compromise your standards. It takes a lot to have a successful business in Nigeria, if u know u don't have. Don't even bother to start.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Wow, that is one tough love which actually makes lot of sense.

Kemi Mobuse blog: How will you like your future customers to contact you?

Paws: I have my contact numbers. For footwear we used to have a store on Victoria Island but we relocated. We are working on our new store. As soon as it's ready we'll inform d general public.

For event barbeque foods booking we can talk on the phone. You can also visit our lounge for business.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Kindly put out your contact numbers out there, so they can call you. Are you on Facebook or Instagram?

Paws: Yes please! IG handle is @Pawsfootwear
You can call us on 08033881360. 08075007040.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Thank You for your time.

Paws: Sure. Always a pleasure talking with you.

So, shoe lovers, Sharwarma and Asun lovers, if you need somewhere to unwind or someone to cater for your side dishes and cocktails, Parrilla kitchen is the place to go...

Some pictures of his products below....