STEP improved my livelihood, says Obiaya-Ikenye ~ Truth Reporters

 

 

By Ese Laura Oghene

Jane Obiaya-Ikenye is the CEO of JBliss Creations. She hails from Oshimili South Local Government Area and has a BA in English Language. Though a Brown STEPreneur, she could not start up well until she enrolled into the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) in the 2017/2018 cycle. She was re-trained and established in Catering and Confectionery. She shares her story.

‘’STEP broadened my knowledge about my business and established me with most of the equipment I use now. Before STEP, I almost gave up on the business. Five years after retraining and establishment, I am still in business. Business has been good and I am doing well for myself.

The STEP programme is an eye opener. It helped me to realise the difference between business money and profit, and how lucrative catering is. I bought an industrial mixer worth 150,000 from my proceeds. I plan to acquire a giant oven for bread and a pop-corn machine for expansion.

I have diversified into sales of assorted beverages to complement my products. I have trained 45 persons and I have one employee. To curtail the huge cost of logistics, I hope to acquire a car to facilitate my business.

‘I am married with children and I support my family from my proceeds too. I no longer lack. Every day, I go out and return home with money. I am grateful to the state government for establishing me and improving my livelihood.