BACKGROUND
My name is Rabiat Bokane. I was born on December 6,1988 in Kontagora local government area of Niger State. I’m the second child of my parents, Alhaji Muhammad Ladan Bokane and Hajiya Hauwa. I am a wife, mother, entrepreneur, caterer and an event planner.
EDUCATION
I started my early education at the famous Model International School in Kontagora, Niger State, where I completed my Nursery session in 1994, I then proceeded to the famous Mustafa Comprehensive school where I Completed my primary Education between 1996-2002. After writing my common Entrance Examination, I gained admission into the very popular Light- way Academy Secondary school in 2OO2 and sat for my senior secondary certificate examination in 2008. I trained and graduated from Bayero University in Kano State trained and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in financial accounting (BSc) in 2016.
CAREER
As I mentioned earlier, I ventured into catering and hospitality business due to my passion for cooking and baking. I love learning and making new dishes. During my teenage days, I helped my mother in the kitchen, to the extent that cooking became my responsibility.
Prior to establishing R&B kitchen, I started by taking small orders from family and friends. Then, with the help of some family members, I created a social media group where I showcased my dishes and snacks. From there, I started indoor and outdoor catering services for events and other occasions. Let me quickly add that I specialise in cooking variety of dishes ranging from continental and intercontinental dishes. I handle different kinds of events and I also train and empower women as a way of helping them to be self-employed.
Till date, I take daily orders of foods, frozen snacks, birthday and other major events for my esteem customers.
MENTOR
I have had a few mentors along my life and career journey one of which is my grandfather. This is basically because, despite having a very large family, he ensured that all our daily needs were met. I can sincerely tell you that, while growing up, we barely lacked our primary needs. This is in terms of ‘wants or needs. Another important reason why he should again take the glory is the value he imbibed in us; physically, morally, and religiously. He was a business guru.
One similarity among all my mentors is that they dared to dream, and they worked hard (with the blessings of Almighty God) to actualise their dreams.
INSPIRATION
My inspiration for this business is borne out of my passion to bake, cook and to see people enjoying fantastic dishes. I cook with love and enthusiasm. I’m constantly upgrading my culinary skill, as I majored in continental and intercontinental dishes. I’m an unapologetic foodie. I think this is what makes my cooking different from others.
What I love about this catering business is that it gives me the flexibility I need to take care of my growing family as well as other essentials.
As of now, we’ve graduated a lot of students who are now their bosses and operating their catering services.
DREADS
My fears are the general fear everyone has in the business sector, such as, what if the customers don’t like the food I made, what if the business crashes? But then, with prayers, hard work, and optimism, my fears are reduced to a minimum. I dread not being able to offer assistance to people who look up to me.
REGRETS
No regret only Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah
CHALLENGES
Well, like every other business, ours also has challenges but I believe every challenge is a learning point to do better and make better choices and arrangements in future.
Though most times we get referrals and orders from cooperating bodies unexpectedly, we are very much thankful for that.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Alhamdulillah, I have achieved a lot. I started this business with fear, but today, I have majestically overcome that. I like the courage and confidence that I have now.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO WEATHER THE STORM
Oh wow! I am just me and like it that way. However, amidst some friends, I am a risk taker and a goal getter, some have called me ‘A know it all’. “Who wants to be a millionaire?” we no go win shishi. The current me has grown to not be in denial of who I am and at such, I can understand when I am accused of having a strong domineering aura. My ability to listen and empathise makes it easy for me to relate with people and also to communicate. Above all, contentment, prayer, determination and persistency drive me. I am the type that doesn’t settle for less.
WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS
We are all different from each other because our God’s given gifts vary. For me, the ability to rise to the challenges, the twist and turns that my life has taken whether I am afraid or not is a gift. I see myself as a woman and a mother, aiming to do and be my best, God being my helper.
You are most likely making a sacrifice that will eventually pay off. Do not be afraid to make a U turn when things are obviously not working the way you envisaged, you have it in you to adapt to challenges. Your dreams are valid, so dream big.
PROJECTION
Well, my projection for the business is that it will expand and be taken out from the comfort of what it is today. I plan to build a big restaurant with a cooking academy in the major cities of Nigeria.
I’ll also like to have the financial capacity to teach and coach others for free, as my way of giving back to society. I hate seeing people idle, with no skill or those with skill but no capital
HOW DO YOU COMBINE BUSINESS AND FAMILY?
Alhamdulillah! Combining business, and raising a family has been very difficult. However, I do have a strong support system- My husband, my sisters, my parents and in-laws are always there for me.
ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN
My advice to fellow women is for all of them to try and have financial independence. Whether it’s office work, business, or trade, let’s just do something. Though our family should be our priority, doing something for ourselves makes life more meaningful.
The importance of financial freedom can never be over emphasised. Even if one has rich parents or a rich husband, life is so unpredictable, and everything can change within the blink of an eye.
Also being engaged in work gives a woman more confidence, the opportunity to socialise with like minds, help others, and make more impact in society.
We are in times where the internet does half of the work. We can work from home, we don’t have to compromise our primary responsibilities of being wives and mothers to have our business going.
Also, our mental health and happiness should be a priority, as we can’t give what we don’t have. A happy self-fulfilled woman makes a better home than an angry depressed woman who may probably take on her anger on her spouse and kids.
My fellow women please do something, engage yourselves, do something positive and please, don’t stay idle. Pray and work hard, be passionate and be consistent about what you do in life and God will guide you.
