Chizoba Michelle Okpala is the Managing Director and Head Mixologist of Elles Icebox, Nigeria’s foremost event support service company with cocktails and drinks as its specialty. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language from the University of Lagos and ample experience as a Human Resource Executive at multinational supply chain organization, DHL.
Driven by the need to correct the unprofessionalism that prevailed in the cocktail and drinks business, she setup Elles Ice box in 2008 after undergoing several trainings to perfect the art of mixology. In January 2009, Chizoba set the ship sailing as she catered at her first event which was a huge success. Building Elles Icebox into a viable business, Chizoba has successfully hosted over 1000 events and has expanded Elles Icebox exponentially to over 10 mobile bars and about 30 employees.
When Chizoba is not busy running the affairs of Elles Icebox, she loves reading, writing and playing tennis. She speaks to Latasha Ngwube on the ups and ups of the business.
How many hours do you think one should spend working on something they love?
24 hours! There is no limit of time on working on what you love you just need to prioritise so you don’t lose out on other things that are also important.
What do you reckon drives you on a daily basis?
My desire to want to do better. Everything can always be done better and I’m constantly challenging myself to find the ways to do so.
What’s the best part of being a mixologist?
That would have to be the creativity involved. There’s a system to everything but being able to personalise it and put your signature on it? I find it thrilling to no end.
How did you come into this line of work?
Pure chance really, I was at event years ago and watched a company putting together the cocktails to serve and I just had a Eureka moment thinking “I can do that much better than that” and Elles Icebox was born in that moment.
Did you personally receive professional training?
Yes I had several trainings which are important enough but I tell you, passion and drive are even more important in being able to run a successful business.
What’s your favourite cocktail?
That’s a tough question but my cocktail of the moment is a Passion Caprinha.
How’s it made?
Haha! I can’t give away trade secrets now! But I can tell you it’s made with lemon Juice,sugar, passion fruit, ice and sugarcane liqueur.
Just how lucrative is the drinks mixing business?
It’s good business that’s for sure. But then, all businesses can be lucrative if you have the patience and drive to see it through the tough times and the innovation to keep getting better in your chosen field of business.
You put a lot of thought it seems into the growth of your brand. Tell us a bit about the book you wrote and what you hope to achieve with it?
The Elles Icebox Cocktail Guide was a dream come true for me as writing a cocktail book was something I wanted to do from the very beginning but never could find the time. It’s basically like a hammer, every house needs one. It’s provides a step by step guide on making cocktails which everyone can enjoy at home with friends.
What’s the toughest challenges you face in this business?
It’s quite difficult on occasion to find exotic fruits here all year round which can be a bit of a challenge. I may have to go into farming strawberries soon!
What future plans or expansion plans do you have for Elles icebox?
At this time with The Elles Icebox cocktail Guide out and in store and The Elles Bartending Academy also just kicking off, it’s more a sense of building and growing the existing businesses. They both require a lot of attention and that’s my focus as well as ensuring Elles Icebox’s presence at events, maintains its momentum and service output.
What are the things to keep in mind when going into business by oneself?
To be patient because there will be very tough times and that’s the hardest part of all. Once you get past those bumps in the road you’ll go from strength to strength and that’s a true test of your character.
When shopping for a cocktail service, what would you say sets Elles Icebox apart?
Our focus always has been and will be customer satisfaction! That’s what makes us who we are. You can ask our clients!
By Latasha Ngwube
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