Chika Russell
Founder, Chika’s snacks, on wet floors, Dragons Den and the importance of having fun
What was your first job? As a teenager, in my brother’s hair and beauty shop, working the shop floor. This gave me great insight into how to run a business and the hunger to want to have my own.
What’s been your worst job interview? I enjoy talking and can speak to anyone so I have always found interviews enjoyable. Interviews are very much like pitches. You are trying to convince the interviewee/ store manager to work with you.
How do you describe your job to your mates? I tell them I am the luckiest girl in the world - I get to work with people
I now regard as family and have lots of fun in the process. Life is meant to be fun.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Empowering my team, watching them smile, develop and most of all grow - that’s something that fills me with pride.
What is the least rewarding part? I’m not a huge fan of admin, actually I hate it. It’s a crucial part of my role but it is not something I love doing.
If you could change one thing in grocery stores, what would it be? Bananas being ripe and ready to eat all the time.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? I’m a foodie so a personal chef would be a cherished perk.
Do you have any phobias? I have a real fear of wet floors. I also do not like spiders. If there is a spider on a wet floor, I’m not going anywhere near that room!
What animal most reflects your personality? My friends think I’m quite cheeky and energetic, therefore I’d say a monkey is my spirit animal.
What was the most embarrassing moment in your life? Re-watching my Dragons Den pitch. They edited it and made me look as though I dance with zero rhythm. But it’s OK, because it’s often an ice breaker in meetings, usually with me being laughed at. It’s good to be able to laugh at yourself.
Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Angelina Jolie. Her drive to help others and raise awareness for people in need around the world is incredibly inspirational. My latest project, Snack4Change, is a mission close to my heart. It aims to support the education of underprivileged children in West Africa.
No comments yet