During the week, upcoming Nigerian Caterer, Anisere Christiana, Chief Executive Officer of Ariya Catering Services, Bamidele Anisere stormed the corporate headquarters of ParrotXtra Media Network. She was engaged by DARE RAJI in an exclusive interaction. She spoke about her journey into the food business among other issues…Excerpt:
Can our readers meet you?
My name is Bamidele Anisere, the Chief Executive Officer of Ariya Catering Services, I am a graduate of History and Diplomatic Studies from Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu Ode.
Why did you decide to venture into the catering business?
My initial plan was to study Law but due to delay in getting admission to the University, I opted to study History because I developed a strong passion for it during my A Level classes.
At my younger age, I detested cooking but later I developed interest in it. I started by cooking for people while in the university and during my Youth Service days. My clients loved the way I cooked and I was admonished to make a career out of it and I obliged by enrolling in a catering school to further enhance my knowledge in the profession.
During your NYSC days, how did you combine your primary assignment with catering?
I used the opportunity of NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) to improve my skill in catering. Instead of what my other colleagues were doing, I focused on getting myself trained as a caterer and when I finished instead of going for job hunting, I enrolled in a catering school to further add more to what I already learnt and today I thank God for my life.
When was your memorable day as a professional caterer?
My most memorable day was when I was invited to make small chops for a premiere movie written by Toyin Aimakhu at Dugbe Cinema. I was elated by the invitation and it was a day I can never forget in a hurry.
What makes your catering service different from others?
I am always stunned by the manner in which some restaurants prepare their food. Most of the time, it is tasteless and unsavory. I always receive inspiration for my cooking especially on the type of recipe to adopt when cooking. I do not really fancy checking YouTube pages for learning, I create ideas on how I can do something better than my colleagues in the profession and give my clients a satisfying taste.
How did you come about the name ‘Ariya’ Catering Service?
My mother was also a caterer and when I wanted to start my own, I adopted my mum’s catering name. Ariya was coined from the word entertainment. We are still new in the business but we are prepared to redefine the catering business and be a household name brand in Nigeria.
Your advice for young graduates?
My candid advice for them is for them to embrace the SAED programme of the NYSC and this can save them the pain of job hunting and turn them into an entrepreneur that can stand on his or her own.
