Interview with Young Entrepreneur Annabella Obioma, CEO Omabel Creation

Young entrepreneur Annabella Obioma has taken her passion for food and event planning and has done what most food entrepreneurs and event managers will only dream about or strives to do. She is the CEO of Omabel Creation, an event management/ catering service company based in Enugu, Nigeria.

In this interview, she shared with Francis, the editor of The Total Entrepreneurs what it is like to start and manage a hospitality business in Nigeria, how she coped and what has kept her going even in difficult times.

This interview I believe will motivate the genius in you my reader, make you to get out of your comfort zone and to start something doing for yourself. Enjoy.

Please can you introduce yourself to my readers and fellow young entrepreneurs?

Annabella Obioma, CEO Omabel Creation

Hello!!My name is Godwin Annabella Obioma, native of Imo state, based in Enugu state. I am a friendly person, good thinker, flexible. My lifestyle is very simple. I’m interested in many things such as music, reading, cooking, making reasonable friends. I also love adventure & travelling. Lover of children and a child of God.

How did you build up an entrepreneurial spirit at such a young age, do you believe you were born with it or you developed it?

I will say both; was born with it, in the sense that I have always longed to be an entrepreneur ever since I was growing up and to the passion of helping people. I developed it in the sense that I tried nurturing and building positive mindset towards my feelings of being an entrepreneur.

What were the main challenges you faced at the early stages of your business? And do you still encounter them to this day?

A lot of challenges, especially in the area of procrastinating, where /how to start, how to get customers and so on. Now I have solved the problem of where /how to start, but still on the challenges of reaching to my proposed customers, though there is much competition for the market in the hospitality industry but I was really aware of that even before now and am ever ready for it.

I guess you own Omabel Creation? Can you tell us what your company is all about?

Omabel Creation is a world class establishment with a whole dimension to event planning and catering services. It’s geared towards planning and catering at all kinds of event such as parties, weddings, church events, burial ceremonies, government functions e.t.c. We add fun through foods for your event.

How long have you been into business?

I have been into the business for quite some years back but it was officially defined last year June and is now incorporated with the CAC.

Are you the only one managing the business or you have other staff?

No, I work with my superb mother who is a good cook and also my mentor and a host of vendors.

If you could turn the time, what would you love to do in regards to your business?

I can’t think of any ooo! Smiles. But I could say I would have loved it if I started earlier.

Well, this question might sound funny; do you think it is easy to be an entrepreneur?

Not really simple. To be an entrepreneur requires great multitasking but it is enjoyable, satisfactory and comes with great recompense if you succeed.

Which books motivates you as an entrepreneur?

Lots of them but must mention “True North” by Bill George & “Discover Your Passion” by Gail A. Cassidy really stood me up. I have always been motivated through a lot of sites on internet such as Entrepreneur.com and TheTotalEnterpreneurs.com (I really love your contents) and more. My set goals also makes me motivated too.

What keeps you going even in hard times?

My God!!!! Yes! Cos He keeps giving me hope and amazing strength when I feel like giving up, He gave me wonderful friends that always encourages me, and also the quote that states ‘Winners Never Quit’

What are your thoughts on entrepreneurship for young people especially in an economy where jobs are harder to find?

My fellow youths, It’s been said that, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Many entrepreneurs say they wished they started on their path sooner. Young people don’t need to wait for an opportunity or idea to hit them. They need to start building their future now. The sooner you start working toward a goal, the sooner your knowledge, experience and money start compounding. Later on in life, commitments can intrude. Let’s try and engage ourselves. A lot of works that the old generation are leaving for us, such as tailoring, farming, furniture making etc are there for us the new generation to pick up and make exploit with them.

How do you define success; do you believe you are a success?

My definition of success is constantly changing and evolving. As for my believe of whether I am a success, by grace I am really working my ways towards being prosperous.

What do you think it takes to succeed in business?

Staying positive, creativity, believe in yourself, never give up, seek for God’s grace.

What two pieces of advice can you give to someone who wants to become an expert in their chosen field?

My advise is keep working and working and never stop trying out new things.

What is the last ‘one word’ of advice you will give to my readers when it comes to succeeding as a young entrepreneur?

Always say to yourself ‘I can do it’

Thank you very much for squeezing out time from your busy schedule to speak with us.

Editor’s Note: If you are planning an event or a small gathering and seek the service of a caterer, I would recommend Omabel. You can contact Omabel Creation through their Facebook Page Omabel Creation.