Instagram Obsessed Foodie Turned Entrepreneur
Abdul Khader Ameen, Owner: Drip Lounge cafe
An explorer at heart, for Abdul Khader Ameen, entrepreneurship seemed to be the only career calling. Always eager to try new things, travel and a passionate foodie, Abdul decided to try his luck in the food industry. Enamored by the food industry and binging on food reality shows and content, Rafih Filli’s pathbreaking efforts in the tea industry drove Abdul to start the Drip Lounge Café in Mangalore.
With an idea to set up a quaint little place catering to the youth, Abdul was clear from the very beginning that his food had to be interesting and the place and the food, both had to be heart-warming and Instagram worthy at the same time. With stiff competition in the restaurant industry, another food outlet, was bound to face the heat and it was always a make it or break it situation for which a crystal-clear model was required. The model was the simplest in the book which only required flawless execution. With determination as one of his key strengths, Abdul was clear his target audience was the Instagram generation that wanted beautiful backdrops, budget pricing, innovative dishes and impeccable presentation. He managed to ace that and the results showed. While people flocked to the quaint little outlet in the heart on Mangalore, the reviews coming in were quite encouraging as well, while the pricing and service ensured repeat customers as well.
Being a first-time entrepreneur, still young and a novice, the trolls found him way sooner than success was knocking on his doors. His one advice to fellow entrepreneurs is something he tells himself on a regular basis as a positive affirmation and a reminder, to be patient and continue to believe in himself. When the trolls and the haters first started showing, the drive to see the silver lining and continuing to believe in your work and your worth is what kept Abdul going. Over time, when problems do resurface or show up in any other way, you have no one but yourself to back up now.
Imagine a food outlet, without staff to cook and serve, doesn’t sound too promising right, this is where Abdul’s family stood by preparing dishes and serving them personally, not letting customer satisfaction be hampered due to the lack in staff. This extra effort and support are what kept Drip Lounge be afloat initially and gain traction in the market.
Being nominated for 2 awards, Abdul knows he has made his mark and continues to do things his way despite what everyone has had to say in the past. Abdul says entrepreneurship turned him from a carefree teenager to a responsible adult. Now that’s the success story, any teenager would aspire to have.
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