Work On Your Passion, Be Patient & Don't Give Up - Gloria Lami Aibangbee

Gloria Lami Aibangbee is a professional chef and CEO of Skillets N Mugs, a classy restaurant in a highbrow area of Abuja. She speaks with TMG about how her love for cooking delicious, healthy meals led her to making a successful business out of it. 

TMG> Please introduce yourself: 

GLA> My name is Gloria Lami Aibangbee  (Nee Angulu). I am from Niger State. I attended Federal Government Girls College, Bida, Niger State and I have an HND from Federal Polytechnic, Bida ,Niger State.

I am a chef and owner of Skillets n mugs fine dining restaurant and Healthy bites foods and Confectioneries both located in the Federal Capital Territory.

TMG> Why did you decide to become a chef?

Gloria》I decided to go into catering when I saw the need in the society for healthy and delicious meals, especially for the sick and invalid.

TMG> Did you go to culinary school and what credentials did you earn through your culinary studies?

Gloria》Not really, I did a few food courses here and there but didn't go to a culinary school. I am actually self- taught and someone who likes to cook and entertain. I love it when i put smiles on people's faces through my food.

TMG> How many employees report to you?

Gloria》I have 12 staff currently.

TMG> Who do you run to when you encounter any problem in your kitchen?

Gloria》My Culinary Mentor, and my husband.

TMG> How involved are you in the beverage aspect?

Gloria》I am very much involved; it's one area that I am really so passionate about.

TMG> What is your favorite food to eat?

Gloria》I don't have any favorites but if I were to choose, I prefer to eat ethnic meals that I don't see on a regular basis.

TMG> What is your favorite dish to cook and why?

Gloria》I love to prepare intercontinental meals because they are so easy and quick to prepare once you understand the technique.

TMG> Give us an example of a Springtime menu you would prepare fast. 

Gloria》For starters - Pumpkin soup with garlic bread.

<For Main: steak ,mash and seasonal vegetables.

<For Dessert: Grilled pineapple with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

TMG> What do you do to stay educated about new trends?

Gloria》I do short courses and travel to different countries to learn about their meals.

TMG> Which challenges do you face in the business and how are you handling them?

Gloria》As a Nigerian business woman the challenges are so many- from changes in government policies which affect the prices of things, lack of power, to shortage of good and dedicated staff.

I handle it by not giving up; you just have to keep going because you know if you give up, you'd be disappointing alot of clients who are dependent on you.

TMG> What is the volume your establishment has gained?

Gloria》It varies: it depends on the number of events I handle in a year.

TMG> What do you do to ensure the quality of the food going out to customers?

Gloria》We follow a recipe for all our meals and lastly, we have a quality control department that double checks the meals before getting to the customers.

TMG> Tell us about an accomplishment that you are most proud of in your career.

Gloria》Everyday is an accomplishment for me when i see smiles on my customers faces.

TMG> Describe to us a problem you have had with an employee in the kitchen and how you handled it?

Gloria》I had a chef in the kitchen one time that struggled to follow recipes, it become an issue because customers started complaining that the meals were not tasting as they should.

So I started deducting money for any complaint.

TMG> Tell us about your management style and how you handle your Customers?

Gloria》It's simple. I like to watch the body language of my staff and try to solve the problems they are going through which, if not solved or handled will reflect in their work.

For my customers, I listen to their needs and always try to solve them.

TMG> Tell us 3 things that you consider to be your strengths as a Chef?

Gloria》Passion, multitasking and attention to details.

TMG> Tell us something you would like to learn or improve upon as a Chef?

Gloria》I would like to improve on my plaiting skills.

TMG> What other things do you do as a Chef?

Gloria》I train people. 

TMG> Give us an example of someone you have trained or mentored. Where did they start and where are they now?

Gloria》I have trained a number of people but one person who stood out is a lady who came as a cleaner and now risen to be the head chef in a well-known restaurant.

TMG> How do you resolve the menu development and overall design?

Gloria》I work with the trend, I design my menu based on seasons and produce availablity.

TMG> What are your other challenges and how do you intend to handle them?

Gloria》Daily rise in market prices and funding.

Right now, with the way Nigeria is going, we can only pray to God .

TMG> What other back-of-the positions have you previously held before going into the food business?

Gloria》I was an Art Curator.

TMG> Who are your role models and what inspired you about them?

Gloria》My late mum and my sisters. I admire their hardwork and tenacity 

TMG> How do people react to your cooking and what do they think of your businesses?

Gloria》My customers love my cooking and most of them think I should be alot more successful than I am now.

TMG> What way can you encourage other youths not to depend on government for jobs but to be self dependent?

Gloria》I would tell them to work on their passion and be patient not to give up it will in turn bring profit. 

TMG> Do you have time to socialise and how?

Gloria》Not really but when I do, I like to go to the movies with family and friends.

Regards

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