Startup Africa had a conversation with Ehime, a young CEO from Nigeria who introduced a new concept of frozen yogurt after having identified the gap in the market with her own experience, she then decided to move back to Nigeria from the USA to start Sweetkiwi, the finest quality all natural frozen yogurt with a commitment to incorporating the freshest, richest, and creamiest ingredients into a world class product.
Ehime, Tell us more about yourself and sweetkiwi.
My name is Ehime Eigbe- Akindele, I am the founder & CEO of Sweetkiwi Frozen Yogurt.I hold a degree in Business Information Technology and International Studies from London Metropolitan University and completed Entrepreneur Management programme at the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan African University, Lagos. I have also received certifications in restaurant management and dessert manufacturing. Sweetkiwi is the premier one stop shop for delicious premium healthy frozen yogurt. We introduced a frozen yogurt concept that gives customers complete creative control of their dessert.
What problem are you solving in Africa, in your country or your community?
Sweetkiwi was started with the aim to provide a healthy dessert alternative to the calorie filled ice cream. We were able to create a trend which made people in our community more conscious about their eating habits.
Do you think it was the right time for your start-up to solve the problem?
It was the perfect time to start the conversation and getting Africans to pay attention to the foods they consume.
Does your solution fit in the market? (Do people want it)?
Our product was highly needed in the market and the following we have generated proves that.
What makes you different in the market?
We were the innovators in the space, what sets us apart is the quality of our product, the amount of research we have put into creating the best quality product and the dedication to creating innovative flavours ( more than 100) and recipes.
How do you measure your success?
We measure our successes through goals we set for ourselves through the year and the influence we have in our community.
What is the social impact of your startup?
We have been able to get members of our community more committed to changing their lives by changing how they eat and what they put into their bodies.
How are you scaling up the startup?
We are scaling through company owned store and we are looking to begin franchising the brand to many other countries in Africa.
Who inpires you in your country?
Mrs Ibukun Awosika
Mrs Kofo Akinkugbe
Ndidi Nwuneli
Mrs Bukky George
What advice do you have for budding entrepreneurs and new starups?
My advice is to build a solid foundation, do not be in a hurry. Take your time to ensure you put in the right structures in your business. Ask for help when you need it. You can’t do it alone sometimes.
For more details visit: www.sweetkiwiyogurt.com
Tel: 0700SWEETKIWI. We are located on Admiralty Way in Lekki 1, The Palms Shopping Mall, Oniru & 16 Akin Adesola Street, VI, Lagos.
