The Love for Healthy Foods Leads to Catering Business

The love for healthy foods led Enene Esther Irabor, a Bachelor’s Degree holder in Business Administration from Cross River State to launch an integrated catering services and management organization called Ehinomen Noble Links Limited (ENL). In this interview with Weddings Trends, she shares the diversity of her clients and their tastes.

Ehinomem Noble Links Limited serving an an event in Nigeria. Picture credit: Company's Facebook page

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Enene Esther Irabor. I am a Nigerian from Cross River State. I am married to Pastor Elijah Irabor. We are both blessed with a lovely daughter. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

What informed the idea of Ehinomem Noble Links Limited?
Ehinomen Noble Links Limited (ENL) is an integrated catering services and management organization, driven by my love for healthy foods. I have always enjoyed providing healthy and delicious meals, basically to families and friends until we extended to our stakeholders. ENL is an extension of that passion which instigates creation of employment for Nigerian youths who have the same passion. I encourage acute entrepreneurial atmosphere to contribute my little quota to Nigerian Economic development.

Who are your customers?
We have a wide range of clients from all sphere - corporate organizations to the individual person who has love for real nice delicacies. Some of our corporate organizations among others, are Catholic Relieve Services (CRS), USAID Tuberculosis programme, Cross River State Liason office event Abuja, National Assembly, Treasury House Abuja, and so on.

How long have you been catering?

I have been into the catering and hospitality business officially for over 8 years.

Do you cater for weddings?
Yes, we cater for weddings, and other events. We have the capacity to cater for 5000 persons conveniently. All our guests need to do is, to sit back and enjoy their chosen delicacies at the events. We equally cook for individuals who desire good fresh homemade food, but are limited by time, because we bring it right to your door step.

Do you do only Nigerian dishes?
No, we also specialize in continental dishes. Our clients need to just give us what they desire, our team is capable of delivering to time.

What dishes would you say is the people’s favorite?
Most of our events’ clients prefer Nigerian delicacies because it appeals to more of the audience. And, it differs from tribe to tribe. However, we also have quite a good number who request for the continental dishes. I think it also depends on the geographical location and the event. We give room for our clients to order their preferred dishes.

Do you do pastries?
Yes we do, home-made pastries are simply the best.

What are the challenges you experience as a caterer in Nigeria?
Working within clients’ budget to get the best quality of demand is our major challenge. As much as I really do thank God for Nigeria, the issue of power outage seemingly affects everything and doubles our normal budget for cost of production. Furthermore, the issue of commodities price tends to change from time to time.

Any word of advice for interested caterers or upcoming caterers?
Remain dogged and resilient in your pursuit to fulfill your dream. Do not get discouraged about how many competitors are in the market. Catering services is a business that you can decide to specialize in a particular aspect and you will sure make it if you are diligent and develop daily in your aspiration. All you need is to start small.

Do you have any last words?

Catering and hospitality business, in fact, event organizing as a whole, requires real hard work. You must be smart and always on your toes.

How can customers find you?
You can contact us via:
EMAIL: Ehinomennoblelinksltd@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Ehinomennoblelinks/
BLOG: www.ehinomennoblelinks.worldpress.com
PHONE NUMBER: 07018927934
TEXT: 08063520414

Pictures' Credits: Ehinomem Noble Links Limited Facebook page