By Francis Nansak, Lafia
From a nameless home in Akwanga to the buzzing streets of Keffi where her brand now sizzles, the story of Happiness Awazi Gideon is one of grit, tears and grace.
Today, she is the Managing Director and Chief Executive of “Fruity Blends and Spices”, Keffi’s fast-rising eatery and beauty hub. But the journey was anything but rosy.
“I grew up in a home that gave me no pride. We had no name in the society. My parents had no form of identity in Akwanga,”She narrated, her voice breaking.
Driven by a passionate hatred for poverty and a resolve never to trade her body for money, Happiness took the road less travelled.
“I started by selling roasted maize with just Seven Hundred Naira (N700). From there, I hawked bananas on the streets. I knew I had to hustle for a name my parents didn’t give me,” she recalled.
The N700 hustle became a turning point. She enrolled for skills acquisition training, mastered the art of catering and styling, and refused to look back.
“After the training, I delved into cooking and became a trained chef. To God’s glory, I now own a salon and a kitchen, all in Keffi,” she said.
Though a primary school leaver who could not further her education, Happiness is today a certified chef, stylist and entrepreneur with a thriving eatery that has become a delight in Keffi. At a point during the interview, she could not hold back tears.
“My life and where I am today is by the hands of God. I am still striving to make a name through my God-given talent what education wouldn’t have offered me,” she said, wiping her tears.
Inside her kitchen behind Princess Sarah, Keffi, the aroma tells the rest of the story.
“I cook pasta, cakes, shawarma, native rice with dadawa, fish.I basically specialize in Nigerian dishes. I have an annex at Angwan Lambu,” she revealed.
Her dream is bigger than Keffi.
“I want to take Fruity Blends and Spices to Abuja and across the North Central states. If I can get the right partners who are willing to invest, the sky is just the starting point,” she declared.
From roasted maize to a brand on the rise.Happiness is not just cooking food; she is cooking a name.
