Entrepreneur Success Story

Funky Ouma: A Flavourful Journey From Home Kitchen to Thriving Local Brand

Funky Ouma, a family-run spice company, has been captivating taste buds both locally and internationally. Founded by Johannita Eksteen and her mom (known as Funky Ouma), this venture began as a passion project that quickly transformed into a thriving business. With a shared love for food and a keen eye for spices, Funky Ouma has crafted a unique range of blends that brings authentic flavors to your kitchen.

We spoke to Johannita from Funky Ouma, to hear about their strategies, experiences, and aspirations for the future. Discover how this dynamic duo has turned their passion into a successful business and what advice they have for aspiring importers and exporters.

How did Funky Ouma and her daughter Johannita turn their passion for food and spices into a successful business?

Funky Ouma began as a passion project by Funky Ouma and her daughter Johannita, who shared a deep love for food and a keen interest in spices. Their journey started in their kitchen, where they experimented with various spice blends and recipes, aiming to bring authentic, bold flavors to their local community. Their dedication to quality and unique blends quickly gained attention, leading them to turn their passion into a full-fledged business.

Can you share any challenges or significant milestones that Funky Ouma has experienced to get to where it is today?

Challenges:

Scaling Production: As demand grew, transitioning from small-scale production to larger volumes was a significant challenge. Ensuring consistency while increasing output required careful planning and investment in new equipment and processes.
Market Competition: Breaking into a competitive market with established players demanded innovation and unique offerings. Funky Ouma had to continuously differentiate itself through quality, authenticity, and branding.

Significant Milestones:

First Major Order: Securing our first large-scale order was a pivotal moment. It validated our product and opened doors to other niche retail opportunities.
Award Recognition: Receiving industry awards for their spice blends helped build credibility and attracted new customers.
Export Launch: Entering the export market marked a major milestone, broadening our reach and establishing Funky Ouma as a trendy and global brand.

What led you to enter the export market?

The decision to enter the export market was driven by the desire to share our unique flavors with a global audience and the recognition that there was substantial international demand for the products. Expanding beyond local markets allowed Funky Ouma to grow their brand and tap into new revenue streams.

What has been the biggest learning curve in transitioning from selling locally to also selling internationally?

Transitioning from local to international markets presented several learning curves:

Regulatory Compliance: Understanding and adhering to different countries’ food safety and import regulations was complex but crucial for success.
Cultural Preferences: Adapting marketing strategies and product offerings to suit diverse cultural tastes and preferences required extensive market research and flexibility.
Logistics: Managing international shipping, handling tariffs, and ensuring timely deliveries posed logistical challenges that required efficient solutions and partnerships.

Which countries would Funky Ouma like to reach in the future and what criteria does the company use to identify potential export markets?

Desired Markets:
Funky Ouma is looking to expand into regions with growing interest in gourmet and authentic spices, such as the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. Each of these markets offers unique opportunities for growth.

Criteria for Identifying Potential Markets:
Market Demand: Analyzing consumer trends and demand for ethnic and specialty foods.
Regulatory Environment: Ensuring that the regulatory framework is favorable for food imports.
Competitive Landscape: Assessing the presence and strength of competitors in the target market.
Distribution Channels: Evaluating the effectiveness of existing distribution networks and potential partnerships.

What advice do you have for new importers and exporters?

Research Thoroughly: Understand the market you’re entering, including consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and competitive dynamics.
Build Strong Relationships: Develop reliable partnerships with local distributors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to ensure smooth operations.
Invest in Quality: Maintain high product standards to build a reputation for quality that can differentiate you in the marketplace.
Adapt and Innovate: Be prepared to adapt your products and strategies to meet the specific needs and preferences of new markets.