Akindele
Owolabi
BA (Hons) International Business, 2006
Since RBS London
I graduated in Nov 2006 and I’m currently undertaking a 12
months MBA program at the Webster Graduate School. I’ve been
working on the restaurant for a while and it was opened in Dec 2006
just in time for the Christmas period. J’aime is a simple and
contemporary French restaurant situated in Hampstead. It has a warm
and classic décor, with ‘West End’ standards of great food and
exceptional service.
I’ve always liked the idea of setting up my own restaurant. My
mum had one, when I was growing up I was surrounded by the buzzing
environment of food and people. I used to help out, well if you
count food consumption! I really liked the Hampstead area. It has
the clientele that I wish to attract. When I spotted the property
in the perfect location, I’ve just decided to go for it!
Being your own boss
Well, being your own boss it’s fun and hard work! I always knew
that I wanted to be an entrepreneur and start my own business. You
have to be so determine, know what your goal is and go for it.
The starting up phrase is definitely the hardest! The cost of
setting up a restaurant is substantial, especially an up-market one
like J’aime. Budgeting is crucial, but you can’t forecast all the
expenses and costs! Also, you’ll have to be able to deal with the
suppliers. Knowing what you want and negotiate the best deal.
You need to have strong communication skills, patience and be a
good negotiator! You must have a strong will and follow your gut
instincts. So many people told me not to enter the restaurant
business because the high risks involved. But it is the risk that
attracts me, if there’s no risk there’s no payoff!
As for the future, J’aime is still a new venture, but the
bar and restaurant are always fully booked! The Christmas was a
peak time for us. We are just taking it as it comes. I certainly
see it to become a chain business, with a J’aime in every up-market
location such as Knightsbridge. The restaurant is running fine now
and I’m already looking at other opportunities. For myself, well in
the future I see myself as well-rewarded or rich as some would
say!
Having a RBS London education
It means a lot to me, my degree in International Business is
very neutral. It has broadened my knowledge base in a wide range of
business and finance related subjects on an international context.
It certainly equipped me with a solid foundation for the MBA
program. Despite academic achievements, RBS London also created
invaluable opportunities to network with people from a variety of
background.
My degree has certainly helped in my chosen
career as entrepreneurs. The first time I realised that I acquired
the personal and mental attributes of becoming an entrepreneur was
in the New Venture Creation module. Throughout the degree, I gained
the knowledge and skills to succeed in today’s business world.
Before RBS London, I couldn’t focus on one thing for too long.
After all the coursework and deadlines, well now I can do paperwork
until midnight! I’ve learned so much from the last 3 years, most of
it I still haven’t had the chance to utilise yet.
Also, Contacts! Trust me you’ll never realise
the people you met at RBS London can be that useful! I’m currently
in the preparation of setting up another business venture with one
of my fellow graduates. Project management, planning ahead and
meeting deadlines are crucial to the success of any business!
Interview carried in 2006 and edited by Joanna
Chan.
Page last updated 8/5/2008