By Nthabiseng Makhokha

Named after the Swedish cultural ritual called "Fika”, which translates; “coffee and cake  break”, founder, Dzifa Agbeti talks to AMAKA about the ins and outs of being an entrepreneur and full-time business development consultant.

Inspired by a passion to create and design from a young age, Dzifa Agbeti’s love for tea and the hospitality industry encouraged her to open her own business in the tea industry. “I wanted to create a space where people could come together and enjoy life's simple pleasures over a delicious cup of tea,” says the Ghanaian entrepreneur and business development consultant. Agbeti’s experience in the private, public, and non-governmental sectors propelled her into becoming the new-age business leader she is today. We sat down with Agbeti to hear more about how she fosters a sense of community in Ghana through Fika Teahouse.

AMAKA: When did you realise you want to be an entrepreneur?

Agbeti: As I reflect on my journey as an entrepreneur, the memory of my first business venture in 2008 instantly comes to mind. I began by creating and selling gift boxes for Valentine’s Day (because everyone loves love. For the last 15 years, I have been committed to continuously evolving and growing this business. Today, I take pride in offering bespoke gift boxes crafted with the utmost attention to detail and tailored to each client's unique preferences. My journey as an entrepreneur has taught me the value of service to others.

Please tell us about Fika Teahouse.

Fika Teahouse is a health-focused beverage alternative teahouse that offers organic, locally sourced, and produced bubble tea. Our teahouse is named after the Swedish cultural ritual called "Fika," which involves taking a break during the day to enjoy coffee or tea with loved ones or colleagues while indulging in a sweet treat. The word “Fika” holds a special place in my heart. I had the pleasure of working with a Swedish organisation called Reach for Change for a couple of years, where I discovered the beautiful cultural ritual called "Fika."

Fika Teahouse was founded in March 2020 based on my love for bubble tea. Just before the pandemic hit, I ordered some bubble tea from Amazon and started making it at home. One cup for me became a tasting for a few friends, and before I knew it, Fika Teahouse had become a thriving business.

What experience can one expect when visiting Fika Teahouse?

When you step into Fika Teahouse, the aroma of freshly burnt butter chocolate chip cookies greets you, along with the sound of gentle chatter and soft music playing in the background. Our team of friendly and engaging staff members are affectionately known as "sweeteas" – a teahouse secret we are delighted to share with you. Our sweeteas, who craft delicious bubble tea drinks, know their regulars by name, and for those new to our teahouse, we call them "besteas."

In a post-covid era where we are relearning to reconnect with each other, Fika Teahouse taps into our value of taking a pause by providing a space for people to relax, build relationships and foster the exchange of ideas, arts, and culture.

What’s on the menu?

You'll find a range of bubble teas on our menu, made daily using our brewed loose-leaf teas. Our boba is made in-house daily using locally sourced tapioca – we have other toppings like coconut and konjac jelly. We pride ourselves in not serving nasties (No preservatives, non-GMO), which means we use ingredients in their most natural state as often as possible. As a teahouse, we use seasonal and local ingredients to inform our exciting beverage options and menu items. We have:

Fruit Teas; we have a wide selection of fruit teas infused with our perfectly brewed jasmine green tea, Frozen; our frozen drinks are perfect for a hot day in Accra, when it is well above 28°C, or whenever you feel like it, Milk Tea; we make our Classic Milk Tea with Assam Black tea and black sugar, After Dark, this is our tea-infused drink with a shot of alcohol, and lastly, snacks.

What does a typical day look like for you?

As founder of Fika Teahouse and a full-time business development consultant, my typical day involves managing the strategic direction and operations of the teahouse, overseeing staff, and interacting with partners and investors. Additionally, I am responsible for developing new menu items, creating marketing materials, and managing the financial aspects of the business while also fulfilling my consulting job duties.

How much influence does your background and who you have on the brand?

My background and experiences have greatly influenced the development of the brand. My passion for recipe development, mindfulness practices, creativity, and appreciation for “Fika time” has enabled us to create a distinct customer experience that distinguishes us from other beverage options. Given life's inherent chaos, I intentionally incorporate mindfulness meditation into my daily routine to help me pause and reset.

Speaking of influence – despite great branding and marketing, what has helped your brand stick out from the rest and succeed? What is Fika Teahouse’s competitive advantage?

Fika Teahouse's competitive advantage lies in our ability to create a unique sensory experience for our guests. By emphasising visual appeal and authenticity, we aim to leave a long-lasting memory that captures their attention. Our space is designed to be warm and familiar, making our guests feel at home. Our teas are not just a beverage; they’re a moment, a pause, and a reason to smile. Our guests value quality and uniqueness, and we strive to deliver that experience every time they visit.

What do you find most challenging about being an entrepreneur?

One of the most challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur is managing the many different aspects of running a business, from leading people and fundraising to marketing and customer service.

How do you overcome those challenges and keep going?

I overcome these challenges by focusing on the present, setting personal intentions, and setting measurable business goals. I seek advice and support from my trusted mentors and peers during these challenging times. I am not afraid to ask for help and not afraid of being told no – I value partnership and believe in the power of building a community of resourceful business friends and colleagues.

What does success look like for you?

Success for me involves keeping Fika Teahouse's doors open daily and maintaining the reputation for offering the best teas and snacks in the sub-region.

What would you say is the formula to becoming/being a successful entrepreneur?

For me, there is no one formula for becoming a successful entrepreneur, as each person's journey will be unique. However, some key traits that may contribute to success are your passion, the power you have (to make that passion happen), and what problem you are looking to solve.

What legacy would you like to leave behind?

Huh, my legacy… I haven’t thought much about this, as I am still on the journey of discovering and living my purpose. My legacy may be to inspire other entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and ultimately live a life of service.

Any plans to expand to the rest of the continent?

Fika Teahouse has fostered a warm and enthusiastic community that has been instrumental in expanding the bubble tea culture in West Africa over the past three years. This community continues to flourish and evolve. We have two locations in Accra and plan to open a third one in the 3rd quarter of 2023. Our plans are to expand to the African continent within the next couple of years, wink-wink Rwanda.