Anna Opute's journey to becoming a natural health store owner began with her childhood in Africa. Her grandparents always seemed to stay well and healthy, despite not having access to modern medicine. Anna realised that the key to their good health was the power of nature.
When she moved to the UK, she was dismayed to see that many people here were unaware of the benefits of organic and natural health remedies. undeterred, she decided to open her own store, Naabi Organic Health.
Although organic products are often seen as affluent items, Anna is committed to making her store accessible to everyone. Her store, Naabi Organic, carries a wide range of products, from herbal teas to essential oils, all of which can help improve your health and well-being. She believes that everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of natural health, regardless of their income level.
This Black History Month, the Barking Enterprise Centre will give the spotlight to Anna through a Q&A format as we get access to her work and challenges as both a black woman entrepreneur and organic and wellness advocate.
Tell us more about Naabi Organic Health
Naabi Organic Health provides natural health and well-being products in many aspects of health and offers advice on how to keep well and how to prevent some preventable conditions.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Natural health has always been a fascinating subject to me, growing up in Africa where I observed my grandparents treat most conditions naturally and observed how they stayed well and strong for a very very long time. I often think I should do something to help people to maintain health and well-being naturally. However, I took a career in pharmacy, which did not really meet what I was looking for.
It took some time to summon up the courage to embark on this part of opening up an organic health store. The industry is seen as one belonging to the rich powerful and giant organisations. So here we are now, 5 years into the business, with all its challenges. I feel happy to be doing this business at this point in my life, as a small black businesswoman in an industry that is considered as one belonging only to the rich and powerful.
How has your business changed or evolved since you first started it?
Yes, for one thing, the pandemic of the past few years has not made any business easy, however, many people are beginning to change the way they view life and take more note of their health and well-being. In fact, their general outlook on health and well-being is becoming much better
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Black entrepreneurs today?
I can say for me, which I think some Black entrepreneurs would agree with, as I have spoken to a few, are ourselves and our own Black community. Having my business in a community with a lot of Blacks, I find that we rather support the trade of nationalities than our fellow Blacks in a similar business. Not sure if they think that as a Black person you can not do things as good as others, but I believe that we can do not just as good, but even better in our chosen business. Another challenge is the lack of support in terms of gaining access to publicising our businesses. Access to business funds is another challenge.
How do you balance running a business with other priorities in your life?
Family life is vitally important to me, hence I prioritise my family life and my worship. This means keeping my business hours as specified.
What advice would you give to people in the Black community who are thinking about starting their own business?
I would say that despite the challenges, it is worth doing something that you believe in. I would also say, to do a lot of research into whatever you want to do, before embarking on it. Be patient, and be ready to meet a lot of obstacles, but be assured that if you keep going and with the right support, you will get to where you want to be. After all, the most successful black entrepreneurs such as Oprah Winfrey, Johnson & Sheila and many others went through many challenges to get to where they are at present.
How can people reach your business?
You can reach us at 32A Dagenham Heathway Shopping Mall RM10 8RE or at our website, www.naabihealth.com
