Today we’d like to introduce you to Nnamdi Arinze
Hi Nnamdi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my entrepreneurial journey at a young age in Atlanta, Georgia, where I naturally gravitated towards putting things together, whether it was arranging furniture, experimenting with vegan food, or creating origami. My first venture into business came when I was just 12 years old. I began selling stones with letters written on them using Elmer’s glue at my church. This early experience of creating and selling taught me the basics of entrepreneurship and sparked a passion that would guide me throughout my life.
After graduating with a degree in commercial graphic design in 2002, I launched my design company, Ben Arden. However, as a young entrepreneur, I quickly realized the challenges of sustaining a business without a solid grasp of marketing. This led me to gain further experience in the corporate world, where I spent seven years honing my skills in marketing and creative direction. This period of my life provided me with valuable insights and the practical experience necessary to succeed in future ventures.
In 2012, after leaving the corporate world, I co-founded an organic, plant-based hairline called ZENZELE. The brand saw initial success, securing retail accounts both domestically and internationally. However, personal challenges led me to part ways with the business and explore new opportunities.
My most recent and successful venture, Vegan Wangs, was born out of my deep commitment to plant-based living and my desire to create something that could resonate with both vegans and non-vegans alike. Starting as a ghost kitchen, Vegan Wangs quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the highest-rated vegan food establishments in Atlanta. Today, Vegan Wangs continues to thrive, driven by a combination of creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to quality and community engagement.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has certainly not been a smooth road, and there have been numerous challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was during the early days of Vegan Wangs. Operating from a ghost kitchen presented its own set of challenges, particularly when it came to finding an affordable kitchen space. The high rates associated with ghost kitchens were daunting for a startup, making it difficult to achieve sustainability in the beginning. It was a stressful time, as I had to navigate the logistics of securing a cost-effective kitchen while ensuring the business could still operate and grow.
Another significant challenge was acquiring the right domain name for Vegan Wangs. My experience in branding taught me that a strong, memorable domain name is crucial for a brand’s success. However, the ideal domain, veganwangs.com, was priced at over $30,000, which was well beyond my budget. This setback was initially discouraging, but I was fortunate to find that veganwings.com was available and within budget. While not an exact match to the registered name, it actually worked better from a marketing and positioning perspective.
Despite these challenges, I managed to overcome them through persistence and resourcefulness. Finding a shared kitchen in a great location near my home allowed Vegan Wangs to move forward. Since then, the business has grown significantly, achieving a high customer satisfaction rating and gaining recognition in the vegan food industry. The journey has had its ups and downs, but each challenge has taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my resolve to keep pushing forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of Vegan Wangs LLC.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Vegan Wangs is a dynamic and innovative vegan restaurant that specializes in offering delicious, soy-free vegan chicken wings. We are known for our commitment to creating plant-based food that appeals not only to vegans but also to non-vegans who are seeking flavorful and healthy alternatives to traditional meat products. Our menu is carefully crafted to deliver an exceptional dining experience, with wings that have a satisfying crunch and are paired with a variety of mouthwatering sauces.
What sets Vegan Wangs apart is our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Operating out of a ghost kitchen, we have managed to build a strong brand presence despite the challenges that come with this business model. Our ability to maintain one of the highest ratings in the vegan food category on platforms like Uber Eats and Google, speaks volumes about the quality of our offerings and the loyalty of our customers.
One of the aspects we are most proud of is our brand’s authenticity and the strong connection we’ve established with our community. We’ve been featured in reputable publications like Veg News, Black Enterprise, which highlights the impact we’re making in the plant-based food industry. Our wings are not only enjoyed by vegans but have also received rave reviews from meat-eaters who appreciate the taste and texture of our products.
We want readers to know that Vegan Wangs is more than just a restaurant; it’s a brand committed to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. Our goal is to continue expanding, with plans to open a brick-and-mortar location that will allow us to serve even more customers. Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal that aligns with your values or simply want to try something new, Vegan Wangs is here to deliver a unique and satisfying experience.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Attending the World’s Fair and playing with my sister.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.veganwings.com
- Instagram: veganwangs
- Facebook: veganwangs
