My friend gave me the capital with which I started my business on my 25th Birthday - CEO Andies Candies
By Kemi Mobuse - Friday, June 03, 2016
Sometimes, I'm seriously dismayed when people think I'm 15. Hian! Surely, my sophistication and posh composure shines through to emphasize the fact that; I'm a mature 30-something (deep Sigh).
Well, maybe not.. Sha! because, on coming across Andies Candies page right here on Instagram,I dissolved into a small screaming fit of delight, and had to be restrained a tad to stop me from running straight to the shop and stuffing my little face.
Their entire page had tons of pictures; all of candies; even pictures of their store stacked up to the ceiling with old-fashioned tubs of sweets, and many imaginable delights. There were also novelties such as marshmallow lollies and sweetie gifts.
I however cautioned myself, to be able to think straight enough, about why i came across the page in the first instance. After much efforts, I finally cajoled the CEO to grant me my much needed interview and it is certainly an eye opener.....Read below;
Kemi Mobuse blog: Can we meet you? What do
you do?
Andies Candies: My
name is Andidiong Okon and I run a company called Andies Candies
Kemi Mobuse blog: What inspired your going into this field in particular?
Kemi Mobuse blog: What inspired your going into this field in particular?
Andies Candies: I've
always loved candy as a child and a friend suggested that I do something with that
passion. And that's how, I was given money by another friend and went ahead and
registered the company on my 25th birthday.
Kemi Mobuse blog: What is the name of your
brand and how old is it?
Andies Candies: The
name of my brand is Andies Candies and launched it in 2013
Kemi Mobuse blog: How has the market
reception been since inception?
Andies Candies: The
business started small. I was working from home and had the support of my
family. At the time, candy was a new idea so people were open minded about it
since it was a new approach to candy. I was able to sell candy as being not
just for children but grownups too!
Kemi Mobuse blog: How was starting out for you capital wise?
Kemi Mobuse blog: How was starting out for you capital wise?
Andies Candies: I
started the business with a little of my own money and contribution from my
family. Prior to the commencement of the business, I had applied for the YouWiN
grant and a few months into launching the business I was awarded the grant. The
grant helped move the business from underneath my parent's staircase to our
first store in Wuse 2 and back office in Jabi.
Kemi Mobuse blog: What major challenges have you experienced since inception, how did you overcome and what can you say, those challenges taught you?
Kemi Mobuse blog: What major challenges have you experienced since inception, how did you overcome and what can you say, those challenges taught you?
Andies Candies: The
major challenge is the importation of our products and equipment from abroad.
Shipping has literally been a nightmare but that's the beauty of challenges;
they birth innovation. These challenges pushed us to working on the production
of our own confectionery which is on-going. I have also learnt to keep pressing
forward; obstacles are proof that you are headed in the right direction.
Kemi Mobuse blog: What exactly is Andies Candies about?
Kemi Mobuse blog: What exactly is Andies Candies about?
Andies Candies: Andies
Candies is a confectionery brand that specializes in the retail and production
of sweet treats. We also provide candy buffet services for all of life's many
celebrations as well as for corporate/formal occasions. Our goal is to become
the foremost indigenous confectionery company in Nigeria.
Kemi Mobuse blog: What can you say being an
entrepreneur has taught you?
Andies Candies: Your
dreams are yours and it is up to you to make them come true.
Kemi Mobuse blog: What will people be surprised to learn about you?
Kemi Mobuse blog: What will people be surprised to learn about you?
Andies Candies: That
I've lost only 2 teeth to my love for candy. Haha. Hopefully, there'll be no
other losses
Kemi Mobuse blog: Any advice for future
entrepreneurs?
Andies Candies: Believe
in the beauty of your dreams. Use all the colours within your reach to paint
your dreams into your reality. Don't give up. Strive.
Kemi Mobuse blog: Lastly, how can you be
contacted?
Andies Candies:
We are available at www.andiescandies.com.ng
Twitter: @andiescandiesng
Instagram: @andiescandiesng
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/andiescandiesng
Google plus: +Andies Candies
Store address: 3 Bangui street, off Adetokunbo Ademola crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja
Twitter: @andiescandiesng
Instagram: @andiescandiesng
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/andiescandiesng
Google plus: +Andies Candies
Store address: 3 Bangui street, off Adetokunbo Ademola crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja
More pictures below;
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