Patience Arinaitwe-Mugadu
Managing director and founder, Vegesentials, on farm work, acting lessons and The Wizard of Oz
What was your first ever job? At the age of nine, I was given the daily responsibility of making sure my mother’s pigs, ducks and chickens were fed, watered, and safe in their pens and coops.
What’s been your worst job interview? It was at a law firm where I was asked: ‘What is your passion?’ I made every effort to sound passionate about the legal industry, but I ended up sounding so rehearsed that I was advised to take acting classes!
What was the first music single you bought? ‘Scandalous’ by Mis-Teeq.
How do you describe your job to your mates? Well, I started making unconventional fruit and vegetable juices in my kitchen for my kids. Local mums and dads were asking me for the recipes, and I was soon selling the drinks out of the boot of my car. As demand grew, I asked my husband to help me set up Vegesentials as a company!
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Receiving feedback from customers sharing how much they enjoy Vegesentials drinks.
What is the least rewarding part? Operating on four to five hours’ sleep on most days.
What is your motto? If you want something, make it happen rather than wait for it.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Warm sunny weather every day: it just makes everyone smile a lot more.
Do you have any phobias? Slugs and heights.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? Introducing a new platform to help fellow food and drink entrepreneurs.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? My kids and my husband (and perhaps my smartphone and a good pair of headphones!).
What’s your favourite film? The Wizard of Oz - it brings back many fond memories.
What was the most embarrassing moment in your life? Bumping into my dad face-to-face as a teenager when I was sneaking into the house at dawn after a night of clubbing.
Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Richard Branson because he is full of grace, charisma and a zest to continue learning and push the boundaries.
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