In this post, Rist Van de Weyer walks us through his journey working with Edinburgh Innovations to bring his business idea into fruition. Rist is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Ujamaa Spice, and a PhD candidate in Molecular Plant Science at The University of Edinburgh. This post belongs to Teaching Matters’ Learning & Teaching Enhancement theme: Embedding enterprise in the curriculum↗️.
Our journey with Edinburgh Innovations (EI) is a testament to the remarkable transformation that can occur when a small idea is nurtured with the right support. Back when we kickstarted Ujamaa Spice during my university days, we were brimming with passion and vision but were adrift in a sea of inexperience, unsure how to navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship. It felt like an intricate puzzle, filled with pitfalls and uncertainties. We swiftly realised that without the compass of guidance and the wind of resources at our back, our journey would be a formidable uphill climb. Thankfully, EI emerged as our guiding star, throwing us a lifeline to steer through the uncharted waters of business ownership.
EI wasn’t just a support system; they became our steadfast allies on this entrepreneurial voyage. Their unwavering belief in our vision served as a lighthouse, casting a reassuring beam that illuminated our path forward, even when storms brewed on the horizon. They had the foresight to recognise Ujamaa Spice’s potential right from the outset, and this belief wasn’t just inspiring—it was a rock we could lean on, a testament that our vision was not only worth pursuing but that we had an unwavering team standing shoulder to shoulder with us.
So, now that we had EI’s support and belief, what was the next step? The road ahead was still a bit foggy. However, EI became our cartographers, helping us chart a robust course. For Ujamaa Spice↗️, that meant not just having an idea but carving out a crystal-clear understanding of our purpose, revenue generation strategies, and precisely who our target audience was. EI armed us with the resources and expertise to refine our vision and mission, even introducing us to an invaluable business consultant free of charge.
Now, armed with knowledge and resources, we were brimming with ideas and motivation, but the coffers were running low. That’s when EI rode in again, delivering seminars, training programs, skill development opportunities, and, most critically, guidance on how to secure funding.
EI’s support went beyond traditional education; they connected us with a network of seasoned entrepreneurs who became our mentors and advisors. These connections were fountains of priceless insights that would have taken us years to collect independently.
With EI’s guidance, our journey as entrepreneurs skyrocketed. The wisdom and expertise we gained equipped us to confront challenges head-on and make informed decisions that steered Ujamaa Spice toward growth and prosperity.
What sets EI apart is their unwavering commitment to our success. Their support didn’t fizzle out after graduation; instead, they evolved into enduring partners, dedicated to helping us reach our entrepreneurial aspirations. EI celebrated our triumphs alongside us and offered solace during the stormy moments. Their faith in us was like a gust of wind beneath our wings. Even though our university chapter closed, our alliance with EI continued to flourish, a testament to their unwavering dedication to nurturing entrepreneurship and unwaveringly supporting us on our remarkable journey.
Rist Van De Weyer
Rist is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Ujamaa Spice, where their role blends analytical prowess, organisational finesse, and technical expertise. With a foundation in agricultural sciences and currently pursuing a PhD in Molecular Plant Science at The University of Edinburgh, Rist brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical skills to their role. In their capacity as COO, Rist effectively manages both the daily operations and the broader strategic initiatives at Ujamaa Spice.
