Bosede Laide Noah-Akindele is an entrepreneur, professional caterer, and women empowerment advocate with over 18 years of business experience. She is passionate about women’s development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial empowerment. She is the Convener of Rising Beyond Limits Conference 2.0, a platform dedicated to inspiring women to discover their purpose, prepare for opportunities, position themselves for growth, and achieve personal, professional, and financial advancement. Noah-Akindele is a graduate of Economics from the University of Ibadan, she has strengthened her entrepreneurial expertise through professional training, mentorship, and development programmes in entrepreneurship, catering, and food safety. She is the Founder of Deluxefoodie & Events, a premium catering and hospitality brand known for its commitment to quality, creativity, excellence, and exceptional packaging. In this interview with GBENGA AKINFENWA, she shares her vision of building a lasting business legacy and goal of raising and empowering a generation of women who thrive in purpose, leadership, and enterprise.

How has your academic background influenced your approach to entrepreneurship, business management?

Studying Economics has significantly influenced how I approach business. It taught me the importance of minimising costs, maximising profit, allocating resources wisely, and making informed financial decisions. One of the most valuable lessons I learnt was negotiation and the importance of standing firm during negotiations. These principles have helped me make better business decisions, negotiate with clients and suppliers, and manage resources effectively, while maintaining the quality of our services.

What would you describe as the turning point in your journey, and what lessons did it teach you about building a sustainable business?

One of my defining moments was making my first N1million in business in 2010. It was a significant milestone that showed me that the business I had started could grow beyond my expectations. It strengthened my confidence and motivated me to think bigger. That experience taught me the importance of consistency, patience, and reinvesting in the business. I also learnt that making money is one thing, but building a sustainable business requires discipline, good financial management, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver value consistently.

The catering and hospitality industry is highly competitive. What is your unique selling point?

We understand that catering is not just about preparing food; it is about creating an experience. We pay attention to taste, presentation, hygiene, professionalism, and the little details that make an event memorable. This is what makes us stand out. Our goal is to ensure that every client receives value for their investment and that every food experience reflects the premium standard our brand represents.

What have been the most significant challenges in running your business in the past 18 years, and how have you navigated them?

One of the major challenges I have faced is relocation. My business journey began in Ibadan, Oyo State, but after marriage, I relocated to Ile-Ife in Osun State to join my husband. It was a difficult transition because I had to keep the business running despite the distance, and at some point, I travelled to Ibadan almost every week to attend to business activities. When my husband was transferred to Abeokuta, I relocated again and had to rebuild and reposition the business in a new environment. These transitions tested my resilience, but my passion and determination kept me going. Other challenges include staffing, financial management, and the continuous process of attracting and retaining customers. Like many businesses, we have had to learn how to adapt, manage our resources, build relationships, and remain consistent even during difficult periods. These experiences have taught me that entrepreneurship requires more than passion; it requires resilience, flexibility, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when circumstances change.

Tell us about the experiences in your career path that have the greatest influence on your business philosophy?

The greatest impact has been the opportunity to network, learn from people who have gone ahead of me, and gain exposure to new ideas and ways of doing business. These platforms have reminded me that there is always room for growth, regardless of how long one has been in business. They have also broadened my perspective on professionalism, innovation, collaboration, and the importance of positioning a business for greater opportunities. I have learnt that success is not just about what you already know, it is also about your willingness to learn, connect with the right people, and apply new knowledge to improve your business.

From your experience in the food industry locally and internationally, how do you think food entrepreneurs can compete globally?

I believe Nigerian caterers need to focus on presenting our indigenous foods in ways that appeal to international markets without losing their originality and cultural value. We have a rich food heritage, but we must be intentional about packaging, presentation, consistency, hygiene, preservation, and standardisation. For example, Chinese cuisine has local expressions, as well as versions adapted to international tastes. As Nigerian food entrepreneurs, we should ask ourselves how we can introduce delicacies such as moi moi, jollof rice, and other traditional dishes to a global audience while preserving their identity and authentic flavours. We must learn to make our food attractive and accessible to people from different cultural backgrounds. Our goal should not be to change who we are but to improve how we present what we have to the world. Nigerian cuisine has enormous potential, and with the right standards, innovation, and investment, we can compete more effectively in the international hospitality market.

What are the major barriers preventing women entrepreneurs in Nigeria from achieving financial independence and what roles should government, financial institutions, the private sector, and families play in addressing them?

Some of the major barriers include limited access to affordable funding, the pressure of balancing business with family responsibilities, inadequate business support systems, and the difficulty many women face in separating business finances from household expenses. Women entrepreneurs must learn to treat their businesses as independent financial entities by keeping proper records, maintaining separate business and personal accounts, and planning their finances strategically. However, the responsibility does not rest on women alone. Government should provide a more enabling business environment, improve access to funding, and introduce policies that support women-owned businesses. Financial institutions should develop accessible financing options with reasonable terms, while the private sector can provide mentorship, training, partnerships, and market opportunities. Families also have an important role to play by sharing responsibilities and supporting women’s ambitions. When women receive the right support and have access to the resources they need, they can build sustainable businesses, achieve financial independence, and create opportunities for others.

How can women balance family responsibilities, business demands, personal development, and leadership without sacrificing their wellbeing or business ambitions?

I believe the key is prioritisation, effective time management, and delegation. Women must learn to identify what is most important, set boundaries, and understand that they do not have to do everything themselves. Delegation is essential, both at work and at home. In business, we must learn to trust capable team members with responsibilities, while at home, we must embrace support rather than carrying every burden alone. Women should also make time for personal development, rest, and their wellbeing. Motherhood is beautiful, but it comes with responsibilities that require proper planning and support. If these responsibilities are not well managed, they can become overwhelming for a woman pursuing professional or entrepreneurial goals. I believe women can thrive in both family and business when they build the right support systems, organise their time wisely, and give themselves permission to grow without feeling guilty about their ambitions.

As a member of the Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN), what more can professional associations do to promote standards, protect consumers, and support the growth of the food service industry?

Professional associations such as APFSPN, can make a significant impact by organising regular seminars, workshops, and conferences that educate members on best practices in food preparation, hygiene, food safety, service delivery, and business management. They should also expose members to modern catering equipment, emerging technologies, innovative food presentation techniques, and international industry standards. Beyond training, professional associations can promote quality assurance, establish and enforce ethical standards, encourage collaboration among members, and advocate policies that support the growth of the industry. By equipping caterers with the right knowledge, tools, and professional standards, these associations can help protect consumers, improve public confidence, and position Nigerian food service providers to compete both locally and internationally.

If this version of you had the opportunity to speak to your younger self at the beginning of your career, what lessons would you share?

First, acquire the necessary skills and never stop improving. Almost everyone cooks at home, but professional catering requires much more than everyday cooking. You must develop the skills to create exceptional meals, deliver consistent quality, and offer something different from what people eat at home or can easily purchase on the street.

Professionalism, creativity, and continuous improvement will distinguish you. Second, stay focused and build expertise in your chosen field. Do not try to do everything at once. Identify your strength, develop it, and become known for excellence in that area. At Deluxefoodie & Events, our focus on catering has helped us build a strong identity and reputation. We have gained visibility in Ogun State, including through Google Business, because we have consistently worked to establish our brand in our field. Focus helps you build authority, trust, and long-term customer loyalty.

Third, never underestimate the value of training, seminars, and continuous learning. Investing in knowledge is never a waste of time. Innovation is not limited to the technology industry; every sector evolves, including catering. The way I prepared jollof rice five years ago is not exactly the way I prepare it today because I have continued to learn, experiment, and improve. No matter how experienced you become, there is always something new to discover. Never stop learning. A final thought: My entrepreneurial journey has taught me that building a lasting business requires resilience, continuous learning, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. Beyond business success, I am passionate about seeing women become financially empowered, build sustainable enterprises, and create opportunities for others. For me, that is part of fulfilling purpose through excellence.