Mentoring Matches: how to focus on the things that matter to you
As the food and drink market becomes more competitive, mentoring represents a valuable opportunity to tap into a world of experience and get a guiding hand. For the third of our “Mentoring Matches”, we meet Petra Ojukwu, founder of Bohemian Treats, an award-winning bakery business, based in Medway. Her mentor is Floortje Hoette, Chief Executive of Produced in Kent, who has over 20 years of experience in management.
Petra is taking part in the Growing Kent & Medway Food Accelerator and Mentoring programmes, which are supporting her as she grows her business and launches an innovative new fruit tea to the market. Together, Petra and her mentor have been working on identifying her key strengths, and unique business capabilities.
Petra on Floortje
What were you hoping for?
I was hoping for some advice and guidance as I know how valuable this can be for startups like me.
What were your first impressions?
Definitely friendly, welcoming, a great listener, and very passionate. I was nervous about meeting Floortje but there was no need.
What did you talk about?
Firstly, we talked about what I do and what the plan ahead is. I think this was the first time ever that I talked openly about the future of my business. It has made me realise how amazing it is to have someone experienced who listens and asks very important questions.
Best thing about your mentoring partner?
She is very understanding and very helpful all the time. Floortje is very supportive and believes that I can do this.
Describe your mentoring partner in three words
Passionate, smart, supportive (I wish I could use more words).
Was there anything you were surprised by that came from your mentoring sessions?
It took me a while to realise what I wanted to focus on. I was constantly confused and that was just frustrating. However, talking about things and writing a plan with my mentor helped me to find a clearer path. I also believe in myself more now.
What one thing will you be taking from your time with your mentoring partner?
Flo is very organised, passionate, and hard-working. She is such an inspirational person. I’m so proud to be her mentee and hopefully, I will make her proud one day.
Will you be meeting again?
We are always seeing each other at Produced in Kent events so I always update Flo on my progress.
Floortje on Petra
What were you hoping for?
That Petra would find the sessions useful.
What were your first impressions?
Very bubbly personality, full of ideas but needing some direction.
What did you talk about?
- Which product gives you the best Return On Investment (ROI), and life-work balance
- What do you want to achieve in the next three years
- How do you create financial space for growth.
Best thing about your mentoring partner?
Petra does not give up easily and always sees an opportunity.
Describe your mentoring partner in three words:
Creative, positive, and hard-working
Was there anything you were surprised by that came from your mentoring sessions?
How does she fit it all in??? Petra is an octopus.
What one thing will you be taking from your time with your mentoring partner?
Taking time to think about what it is that you want to achieve with your business is important and may completely change the way you run your business.
Will you be meeting again?
Certainly! We still have some hours in the bank, and Petra is also a member of Produced in Kent, so we see each other regularly anyway!
Would you like to be armed with new knowledge, guidance, and tangible support that can help your business to grow? Sign up for our mentor programme. Even after one session, we believe you will feel more confident about writing the next chapter of your business!
Also check our Mentor Directory where you can see the brilliant experts we have on hand to offer you targeted support!