If you have the zeal to succeed, you will never give up - Atine
Hauwa Atine Idris is a native of Patigi Local Government, Kwara state and popularly known for her Groundnut snacks such as Kulikuli & Dankwa and Groundnut oil. She shares with Takemygist what made her go into the business and about her future aspirations.
TMG> What motivated you to go into groundnut cake (Kuli-Kuli/ Dankwa) and oil making?
Atine: I was named by my father as Nnadankwa, which is a Nupe nickname that means Mother of Dankwa. This is what motivated me into selling kulikuli & Dankwa.
TMG : How far have you gone with the business and how successful is it?
Atine: I started the business 5 years ago in 2017. I am grateful to God that I've achieved a lot since I went into Groundnutcake and oil business.
TMG> What are the challenges you have experienced in starting up?
Atine: One of the challenges I encountered is the capital that I used to start the business. But praise be to God, that's all history now. The best is to face the business.
TMG> What style of management do you think works in becoming successful in your line of business?
Atine: Sole proprietorship because you are also involved in the day to day running of the business.
TMG> Mention a successful business pitch you have used for a difficult client. How did you handle it?
Atine: Constant reminders of the clients about their debts. As a business person, one has to be humble and also see how you manage people who patronise your business and even some who buy on credit. One has to be logical in handling issues.
TMG> How do you cope with other responsibilities as an entrepreneur?
Atune: I cope with the other responsibilities by appropriating time to each responsibility. Any serious person deals with time. There's time for everything to meet up all the schedules everyday. Otherwise, nothing will work out.
TMG> Have you ever lost during sales and what lesson did you take away from that?
Atine: I have lost during sale when some clients buy on credit and refused to pay. I learnt not to sell on credit to clients unless otherwise!
TMG> What motivates you most in the business?
Atine: The zeal to succeed. Never give up but rather face the business passionately.
TMG> What is your ultimate career aspiration as an enterprenuer?
Atune: I want to be known world wide for my Kulikuli and Dankwa business.
TMG> What role does marketing play in your business?
Atine: It plays a pivotal role. Every serious business person has to market his or her products either through family, friends, associates and other digital initiatives. So it's compulsory to let people be aware of your business.
TMG: How do you keep smiling even after a hectic day?
Atine: I take a nap and later re-strategise to sell more.
TMG> Have you remained persistent during a business deal even though everyone else around you had given up? What did it teach you?
Atine: Yes, persistence teaches me to convince people to buy my products also to consider the opinion of others.
TMG> Tell us about the greatest goal that you've accomplished professionally.
Atine: Going international. Seeing people from other parts of the world ordering my Kulikuli and Dankwa is a great accomplishment.
TMG> How would you advise youths to be self-reliant?
Atine: By aspiring to be self dependent. Wake up and don't be lazy. Create something to sustain and support yourself.
TMG> How do you handle people/customers?
Atine: I handle people /customers politely. They are the Kings & Queens. Without them you don't have a business.
TMG> We have a lot of people into groundnut business than ever. How do you cope?
Atine: I strive harder. No dull moment. I'm on top of the tasks. I just have to be serious about it to succeed.
TMG> Do you have any regrets?
Atine: I should have started earlier. But I don't need to regret that. Everything is about time.
TMG> Do you have time to socialise and how do you unwind?
Atine: I create time to socialise by listening to music and taking a stroll.
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