‘I’m able to unite different cultures through my food’
Start-Up Campus Haarlem in conversation with Kosisochukwu (Kosi) Ozougwu
Kosisochukwu Ozougwu (23) is an Information Technology student in Haarlem who moved from Nigeria to Ukraine to study medicines. Due to the war, she ended up in the Netherlands. Now she starts her own baking company with authentic pastries.
Keep on looking at the bigger picture
“As a young professional, I embody enthusiasm, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of learning. I thrive on challenging myself and venturing into uncharted territory. My journey began in Nigeria, where I got the opportunity to study medicine in Ukraine—an opportunity I embraced wholeheartedly."
"However, life took an unexpected turn due to the war, altering my plans. Undeterred, I made the decision to relocate to the Netherlands. Adaptability became my ally as I persevered through changing circumstances. Whether as a young professional or a student, I remain resilient, always keeping the bigger picture in mind. Success hinges on the ideas I aspire to achieve through my business and life endeavors. Learning, I've discovered, extends far beyond formal education. It encompasses self-education, life experiences, and even Bible studies. These diverse sources have enriched my understanding and shaped my path forward.”
Add something different to the table
“I’m on a journey to start a company that combines my passion and hobbies. The passion for baking and cooking has been something that has been going around in my family for a long time. I got the opportunity to travel to different countries and have been tasting different pastries. It didn’t give me the authentic flavor of how I’m used to from my country. Not saying that the pastries here are not good, but I just want to offer and add something different to the table."
"So, I started experimenting with infusing cultural flavors and innovative techniques. I make muffins, cookies, samosas, minced pies, banana bread and carrot cake. I’ve noticed that most people suffer from a lot of sickness because of the things they eat and their eating habits. As a fitness enthusiast, I make sure that all my products are made with high-quality ingredients. I prioritize wholesome, high-quality components to ensure the pastries are not only delicious but also nourishing. While I’m also exploring vegan alternatives because I’ve seen a growing demand for plant-based options.”
No matter how small, just start
“Starting my own business had always been a dream for me. I never got the opportunity to start it because I wanted to know more about entrepreneurship and finance. Through Inholland, I stumbled upon an advertisement regarding the Start Up Campus Haarlem. With the many experiences and different adventures life has thrown at me. I decided to take the risk to join. First and foremost, starting my own business helps me to make an impact (unique offerings). Secondly for flexibility and independence. Through my food, I’m able to unite different cultures and to inspire other young entrepreneurs who are looking to start something different. Even in the smallest Idea, believe in the unique value you can bring to the world, validate it, and gradually build upon it.”
Make people feel seen and appreciated
“When customers engage with me, I hope they perceive authenticity and craftsmanship. I want them to taste, experience, and savor the care, skill, and passion that go into each creation. By letting my creations speak, I aim to demonstrate my authenticity and reliability. As Maya Angelou (writer and civil rights activist) wisely said, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ In my customer relationships, I strive to make people feel seen and appreciated. My desire to help others also stems from my Christian beliefs."
"In addition to running my baking company, I organize live faith discussion events for young adults and women. We explore themes relevant to our generation, including religion, science, technology, relationships, love, emotional intelligence, and mental health. I firmly believe that God works through human beings to assist others, motivating me to extend help wherever I can.”
Success is not final and failure is not fatal
"I enrolled in the Start programme at Start Up Campus Haarlem in February 2024. SUCH provided a platform where I learned about business ethics and behavior in the Netherlands, enhancing my cultural fluency and communication skills. Handling finances, optimizing resources, and making informed decisions can be challenging for young people, but SUCH helped me navigate these areas.
Entrepreneurship begins with a vision—an idea or dream. My advice to fellow students is to believe in their vision, start Small, dream big and learn from their failures, and finally network and collaborate. Additionally, starting small while dreaming big is essential.
Life’s rewards often require persistence through obstacles. Success isn’t final, and failure isn’t fatal—it’s the courage to continue that truly matters."
Start Up Campus Haarlem is the place for entrepreneurial students at Inholland University of Applied Sciences. Through an inspiring five-month programme of events and workshops, you work on entrepreneurial skills, and your network grows at lightning speed. Entrepreneurship begins at Start Up Campus Haarlem! Want to know when the next Start or Growth programme starts? Check our Instagram or website.