We had the good fortune of connecting with Raphael Uduhiri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raphael, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started this business as a result of my love for foods that have the right combination of heat and savory flavor. I came up with a home blend spice mix that I felt had the perfect balance of those 2 things and after discovering that there are quite a number of people that share a similar desire in their foods, I decided to share my spice mix with the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have 14 yrs experience of corporate retail experience having various positions in buying, sales and operations

Walmart Stores Inc – 9 yrs
Petsmart stores – 5yrs

I really believe that the time I spent in corporate america especially working at one of the biggest companies in the world has helped prepare me to be able to undertake the incredible task of starting my own business and building my own brand in a very established and mature category (spices/seasoning)

It was a very tough decision to leave my job to start my own business full time but it was one I believed had to be made in give myself the best chance to succeed.

I have definitely learned a lot of lessons even in my short time as a full time business owner but probably the biggest lesson and one I continue to learn is that you have to keep on going and cannot let up, even when it doesn’t seems like your getting any results. Consistency and perseverance has been key for me and even though there are good days and some not so good days I try to stay focused on the overall goal which is to make Naija Grille a household name and be every kitchen and spice cabinet

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s a number of things to do in Phoenix

Catch a Phoenix suns game
A number of musical performances at the VanBuren
Party at Loyalty Lounge in Scottsdale where they play Afrobeat music
Grab breakfast at First Watch restaurant
Visit any of the many farmers markers all across the Valley and shop small businesses (Arrowhead market on Saturdays and High Street Market on Sundays)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Sues Soul food
Kitchen Gopopcorn Philly
Derrick Warford
Gabriel Dixon
NaughtyNaturalsWorld
Faisense Beauty
My wife and Daughter

Website: naijagrille.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/naija_grille_spice_mix?igshid=9f0wvbj9rypx

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Naijagrille?s=09

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaijaGrille/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4jTF_tOB1Z0zmvEZTyohDA

Other: https://linktr.ee/naijagrille
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098FCZ1QX/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_ZDW2H0DM7E95TY5K4J6S

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