Meet Arinze Okeke

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Arinze Okeke. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Arinze , so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

I persist because I believe in my vision and the value it brings. Every doubt, critique, or dismissive comment only fuels my determination to make a difference. Building something unique isn’t easy, it challenges conventional thinking and stretches boundaries. I remind myself that every great idea faced skepticism at some point. Instead of letting it deter me, I use it as motivation to keep refining, improving, and pushing forward. When I first started Red Angel Sauce, it was surprising to my peers because of my prior venture as an entertainment DJ, transitioning into the food/CPG (consumer packaged goods) industry. I noticed the doubt and uncertainty amongst others, but I couldn’t let that discourage me. It was the belief in myself and my product that helped me push through. The journey of bringing an idea to life is never about proving haters wrong; it’s about proving to myself and to those who believe in me that this vision is worth every effort.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

It was never in my life’s plan to create a sauce brand. The creation of Red Angel Sauce started in 2020 when I hosted a barbecue for a group of friends. I created a sauce concoction to go alongside the prepared foods that surprisingly received great feedback from my guests. Word started to spread about my sauce where individuals wanted to purchase their own bottle which later became in high demand. That is when I knew I created something that could change my life as well as others dining experience. During the time I was in the entertainment industry as a DJ with no prior interest or knowledge in the food/CPG industry, but I took a leap of faith and turned it into a business. 5 years later, I have developed expertise as a business owner learning marketing, branding, design, financing, and more. I’m passionate about crafting new flavors and products that highlights my native country Nigeria. There are many popular international condiment products enjoyed worldwide, but a Nigerian brand sauce is uncommon. It’s one of our goals to spread the unique flavors Nigeria has to offer. It’s more than a sauce; it’s a bridge to cultural experiences and shared moments around food. We’re currently located in local grocery stores in the Chicagoland area, but we’re aiming to be in big chain grocery stores like Jewel Osco, Walmart, Mariano’s and more!

Being the creative director and photographer/videographer allows me to capture and share these experiences authentically, building a brand that’s as vibrant visually as it is in taste. The process is very tedious, but I enjoy cultivating ideas and seeing them come to life for others to enjoy and share. Being a business owner has taught me to wear many hats and to try new things for the greater good of the brand.

Beyond that, I’m also a high school physical education teacher, and I bring the same dedication to inspiring my students to push their limits and explore their potential. I want Red Angel Sauce to represent that blend of hard work, creativity, and passion—and to bring something truly unique to every meal

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Resilience: Every business journey has its share of obstacles financial constraints, critical feedback, self-doubt. Resilience kept me moving forward, especially when challenges tested my commitment. Embrace a growth mindset, seeing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than roadblocks. Start small by setting goals that stretch your comfort zone. Celebrate small wins, as they build momentum, and make self-care a priority to avoid burnout.

2. Creativity: A strong creative vision made it possible to establish a unique identity for Red Angel Sauce. In a crowded market, this distinct perspective gave the brand a voice and aesthetic that people remember and connect with. Feed your creativity through inspiration from various sources, not just within your field. Read widely, travel, engage in new experiences, and pay attention to the aesthetics around you. Practice creating regularly whether through sketching, writing, or brainstorming o keep your creative muscles sharp.

3. Relationship Building: Building and nurturing relationships with customers, partners, and other business owners provided invaluable support and insights. Good relationships create advocates for your brand and open doors to collaboration and growth opportunities. Start with active listening. Make it a habit to truly hear and understand others, whether it’s a customer’s needs or a mentor’s advice. Approach relationships with generosity, and do not be afraid to ask or seek help.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

In the past year, one of my biggest areas of growth has been learning to let go of things beyond my control. As a business owner, creative director, and teacher, I’ve come to realize there are countless factors I simply can’t influence, market trends, outside opinions, unexpected setbacks, etc. Instead of stressing over them, I focus my energy on what I can control: my response, my effort, and the quality of what I create. This mindset shift has given me more peace and a clearer path forward, allowing me to keep building and growing without getting bogged down by what I can’t change. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about controlling every outcome, it’s about making the best of every situation.

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