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MARCH BUSINESS CHAT - OJAI'S SPLASH

Hi, I’m Sam,


I had a chat with Otache Ojima Grace, the founder of Ojai's Splash. She has dedicated herself to crafting premium, all-natural Tiger-nut drinks that not only tantalize the taste buds but also nourish the body and mind. With a focus on quality ingredients and sustainable practices, Ojai's Splash strives to offer a refreshing alternative to traditional sugary drinks and to also inspire others to embrace a healthier lifestyle and contribute to a happier, more vibrant community.



How are you doing lately?

I’m fine and pushing forward

 

What kind of business are you currently running?

I run O’Jais splash tiger nut and fruit drinks

 


Have you always had major interest in running a business or was it an interest that came up as you got older?

I have always had an interest in running a business. We are almost 4 years in business

 

Do you remember the first business idea you had?

Yeah, I have had a lot!  The first business idea I had was the sales of jewelries which went well after which I moved into Food making “O’Jais delight” I had a little difficulty handling school activities and the busines so I settled for tigernut and fruit juices which have been making waves since 2020.

 

What really convinced you to stick to Ojais drinks this long?

The patronage I got boosted my morale, I supplied to students in school, my coursemates, neighbors, church and a few shops nearby.

 

Did you get any advice before you started your business or do you just figure it out as your move?

Well, I figured it out as I grew. Made a few mistakes, learnt from them and moved forward (still moving forward)

 

Do you have any business mentors?

Yes I do.

- Akin Alabi, the author of “How to sell to Nigerians”

- Ekaette Umoh, the author of Aspire starting a successful business

 

Amongst other vendors who are ahead of me in the business

 

Are there any practices by Akin Alabi or Ekaette Umoh that you have been able to implement in your business so far?

Yeah a lot. One major practice I implemented is “Never sell your product or yourself short the people who knows your value will definitely patronize you”

 

Have you ever received criticisms, constructive or not about your products and how did you handle them?

Yeah I have! When I started, the recipe I used was self-developed. So it was more of a “trial and error” situation. My pioneer customers where there to criticize after which I go back to my drawing board and make a few corrections. To be honest, I won’t be where I am without them.

 

What would you say has been the most challenging thing about running your current business?

Well, I will say relocating. I relocated to a different city, setting up the business again was really a challenge. Due to my resilience and experience in the business I was able to get back on track.


So what do you enjoy the most about running your business?

Referrals!!! I love referrals and reviews as well

They prompt me to do more

 

How important is social media to your business?

Social media has made everything a lot easier. If we didn’t have social media you would have seen my advertisement on NTA network news.

 

Would you say you're completely utilizing social media for your business or are there things you feel your business is not ready to utilize on social media?

To be honest, I need to do more with other social media outlets like Instagram and twitter

 

What is the biggest risk you've taken so far in business?

Haaa!! Taking me down memory lane

The biggest risk I took was being a vendor at a very big event in my city. Up till now I still don’t know what gave me the strength to pull that stunt.

 

Did the risk pay off?

Well, it didn’t, It was a case of “too many cook spoil the broth” Had a massive loss and even my weight wasn’t left out of that loss.

 


RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS

 

If you could only teach your child one thing, what would it be?

That one thing is Resilience

 

Would you rather bring back a loved one from the dead it go back in time and fix a mistake you made?

A very tricky question indeed

I will bring back someone from the dead

 

What 3 apps do you use the most?

WhatsApp, Calculator and Twitter

 

Would you rather find your one true love or win a lottery and be alone?

Haaa!! *thinks in 5G

I will find my one true love (he will definitely spoil his baby girl)

You know money is everything but there are some things money cannot buy

 

Are you confrontational?

Nah I’m not. I dislike hostile situations, I believe a simple dialogue can solve a lot of problems

 

And that brings us to the end of this interview. Thank you so much for creating the time

You are welcome. I had a good time and I’m glad to be a part of it.

 

 

 

 

P.S: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity


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Samuel Chukwu
Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
Hi, I'm Sam, (IG & X @samychukz) The IP Mag is my lifestyle blog where i get to express my thoughts aloud in an effort to inspire and motivate my readers through insightful articles, personal stories and discussions rooted in value and beliefs. I hope to foster a sense of community and growth while providing a platform for reflection and motivation.

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