Entrepreneur Spotlight: Ruqayya Sanusi, Founder of Flavor Splash, Redefining Food and Beverage Innovation in Minna

- August 10, 2024

Ruqayya Sanusi is a dynamic entrepreneur and the founder/managing director of Flavor Splash, a flourishing food and beverage business based in Minna. With a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Ruqayya has always had a passion for business and a keen eye for identifying market opportunities.

Specializing in a wide range of foods and beverages, Ruqayya offers a diverse and unique product line that includes refreshing drinks such as sobo, tamarind, ginger, tigernut, and baobab. Additionally, she provides a variety of savory snacks including bambara, spicy wara (tofu), peppered pomo, crunchy peanut, beef and chicken pies, and grilled chicken/fish.

Ruqayya's innovation shines through in products like date (dabino) syrup and powder, catering to a niche market with a taste for something different. Her commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has enabled Flavor Splash to gain a loyal following and establish a strong presence in the local food and beverage industry.

With a vision to expand and diversify her business further, Ruqayya continues to push boundaries and explore new opportunities for growth. Through her creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit, she has become a respected figure in the business community, setting an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs.

TMG: What motivated you to get into the sales of food and beverage processing?

-What motivates me is my love for fresh, healthy, and tasty foods.

TMG: Did you attend culinary or business school? What credentials did you earn through your training?

-I didn't attend any culinary school.

TMG: If you did not attend culinary school, where and how were you trained to learn about the food and beverage processing business?

-Growing up, I was always around my grandmother who is a very good cook. My mother and her sisters are also very skilled in the kitchen. I always helped with food preparation, and that's where my love for cooking began. When I finished secondary school, I started making drinks just for the love of tasting and trying new flavors. Someone suggested I start selling them because they were good.

TMG: Apart from the food and beverage processing business, what is your favorite cuisine to cook and why?

-I love Chinese and Italian cuisines for the simple art of making their dishes and the delicious flavors.

TMG: What do you do to stay informed about new trends in the industry?

-I read a lot about foods, plants, fruits, herbs, and spices, and watch many shows about them.

TMG: How do you ensure the quality of your products for your customers?

-We always strive for the best quality, fresh groceries.

TMG: Can you share an accomplishment that you are most proud of in your career?

-Our name is becoming a household brand, and people recognize and recommend our products.

TMG: Describe a situation in which you had a problem with an employee in the kitchen and how you resolved it.

-My primary concern with my employees is always about hygiene. I consistently teach them how to handle and work in the kitchen. Most of them are not willing to learn or do things the right way. We are always conscious of the safety and hygiene of our products.

TMG: Explain your management style and how you handle customer interactions.

-We work as a team, inspiring, motivating, and rewarding performance. We are open to suggestions or criticism on how to enhance our services.

TMG: What are three strengths you consider to have as a businessperson?

-I have a passion for curiosity, problem-solving, open-mindedness, and exploring different ideas and techniques.

TMG: What are your business skills?

-My business skills are good communication, negotiations, adaptability, innovation to keep up with trends and market conditions, as well as leadership and team management.

TMG: What other roles do you take on as a businessperson?

-I have my garden where I grow vegetables, and I am also into poultry and livestock farming. I sell household items and adire fabrics on the side.

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

-I started with two people, but they later left due to schooling. I hope to hire new employees soon.

TMG: How many employees do you supervise?

-I currently have three casual workers.

TMG: What are your current challenges and how do you plan to address them?

-My challenges include inflation of raw materials, packaging products, and logistics. We are constantly adjusting and reviewing the prices of our products and sourcing alternative, eco-friendly, cost-effective packaging materials.

TMG: Who are your role models and what inspires you about them?

-I look up to my mother and grandmother as they are well-cultured, disciplined, and accommodating. They are reliable, patient, humble, and always willing to help.

TMG: How can you encourage other young people to be self-reliant rather than depending on the government for jobs?

-As the government can't cater to everyone, we need to be proactive and learn new skills. The youth should learn skills that can help them secure jobs and be creative and innovative.

TMG: Do you have time to socialize, and if so, how do you do it?

-While I do socialize, I prefer quiet spaces and small gatherings. I enjoy reading, traveling, taking walks, and engaging in online forums and book clubs. I am not an outdoor person.