Ngozi Nzegwu and I

Experience is not the best teacher; you can read it up, hear it out but do not wait it out! – Ngozi  Nzegwu

What is worth doing at all, is worth doing right - Me

 

So, this week we are going to be celebrating one young, dogged, strong willed and God loving woman I know. I met this woman some 24 years ago but really got to know her sometime in 2009. She challenged me with her will power and determination. Her drive to pursue and recover greatly inspired me and pushed me towards reaching for my own goals. Join me as we encourage and celebrate our growing entrepreneur for today… Alonge Ifeoluwa.

Hahahaha, sure I got some of you. Well, today I decided to go by the injunction of the many people who have said countless times that I put myself up here too. Oh well, I’m one of us aren’t I? I’m one of those young and blooming entrepreneurs determined to positively transform the world. So today, I will also answer questions on what I do, what inspired me, how the journey has been so far and the big picture?

 

What I do…

I am in the business of transformation. Glee which means intense happiness is a name that was birthed from the desire to put smiles on particularly, every woman’s face.  At gleemakeovers, our goal is to transform everything we touch into something beautiful so, we specialise in areas like makeup artistry, jewellery making, bag making e.t.c. taking each one at a time. Our aim is to train and empower young people in any of these crafts they desire to learn. To make every young person have a sense of worth, alleviate poverty and in turn boost the economy of our country.

 

My Inspiration…

The God who gave me the ability to make and style people’s hair without any prior training, who has so blessed my heart and hands with an unquenchable passion for crafts is my greatest inspiration. Having had my fair share of confusion, naivety and of course poverty, I resolved that I was going to have to do something to ease other people of their stress and struggles. Basically I am constantly inspired by my burning desire to teach people how to ‘catch good fishes’.

The Journey so far…

I tell you, it has been one hell of a journey indeed. I started since university days where I hardly went home for the holidays but stayed back in school to learn and learn and learn. I learnt several crafts, ranging from makeup to bead making to wireworks jewellery (oh I made good money from this) to catering, bag making e.t.c. wheew! I have spent a lot of money learning even as I organised trainings too.

I remember one training program I organised on OAU campus. I made posters, got lots of people to register and already bought the materials that would be needed for the training. The registration fee was 500 naira while the training itself was 5000 naira which included all the materials they needed. Upon the registration of over 25 people, I felt comfortable enough to spend my own money in getting materials for 25 people so that when they resumed for training and paid their fees, their materials will be on ground. Oh well, 2 days to the training, our ever great OAU went on strike and ordered all students to vacate the school premises. My God, posters wasted, my money hanging, I didn’t even know how to cry. By the time we resumed, there was already the rush for exams and even though I eventually did the training, there were only 3 people in attendance.

That shook me, but couldn’t stop me. I kept at it, travelled to Benin republic (that’s one hilarious story for another day) trained people there, in French by the way. Travelled to Jos for my NYSC and practically spent all my ‘alawee’ on training people for free. I have been very broke and hungry many times but thank God for my confidence and pride in my ever available garrium sulphate, I still look fresh and ‘biurriful’. So far, it’s been one rough and ‘almost giving up’ journey but I strongly believe it will get smooth really soon.

The Big Picture…

To build an empire of young people who are professional in their arts. To be a home where young people are discovered, developed and empowered to dominate their world. To be a driving force to the economy of this nation, Africa and the world at large.

Now, to our girl entrepreneur for today…

 

Name: Ngozi Nzegwu

Business: DUGO Limited

Post: Managing Director

Industry: Souvenirs and Branding

 

1.       Started her work experience in the banking sector

2.       Didn’t have any exit strategy by the time she was ready to leave the bank

3.       Always had the desire to do something creative and add value

4.       She discovered that for every business, information is important and always sort more information about her business.

5.       Didn’t have the money to start and the fear of the unknown scared her but didn’t stop her

6.       Her greatest challenge was borrowing from early on in her business to purchase equipment from the bank and not being able to pay back. She learnt the hard way never to use short term funds to finance the purchase of fixed assets

7.       She learnt to monitor her cash flow from start so she did not confuse activity with profitability

Her Advice to us…

1.       Pay attention to every detail

2.       The greatest investment we can make is in the lives of people

3.       Spell out and never change your fundamental core values

4.       Start where you are and do not lose your identity, stay focused

5.       Take time to read especially autobiography of successful people

6.       There are so many things that will catch your eye but only very few will capture your heart; that is your passion!

 

Now lets talk!

1.       We really need to get financial knowledge about our business from scratch. Like Tara Durotoye once said, write down every single detail of how your money comes in and goes out

2.       If you are like me and cannot get a good grasp of the mathematical jargons contained in all this financial calculations, get the basic knowledge and get someone trustworthy to handle it for you while you supervise it.

 

 

 

3.       Information! Information! Information! Let your ears always be on ground for new gist in your industry. What kind of people do you follow on your social media pages? Follow those in your industry so you can get first-hand information on trending news or programs. For example, for young entrepreneurs out there, we talked about TEEP on this blog when it was still on, and now we are letting you know about YESGrant.

4.       Be excellent at what you do, pay attention to every detail

In all, discovering yourself is a journey worth travelling, go all the way!

Hey, remember TEEP2016 I mentioned some posts ago? Oh well, I was privileged to be among the 1000winners chosen from all over Africa.  I am super excited and super grateful. It’s gonna be a long journey of mentoring, getting trained and getting financial help and trust me, I will keep you all in the loop as the journey progresses.

As for YESgrant, kindly check them out on www.yesgrant.com so you can get all the information you need

Till next week peeps, when  I bring you the most unique of all these women so far, keep learning!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the Moment II

                                                              one of the blood wounds I experimented

A lot of people read the story 'At the Moment' 2 weeks ago and showered me with encouraging and inspiring words, for this I just want to say thank you! While on the 'battlefield' the thought that I had people who believed in me kept me going, its all incomplete without you all, thank you so much.

So, to continue the gist as I have gotten a lot of demand for it, day 3 till the final day was unbelievable on the set. You know, it’s easy to say:

Believe in yourself!

 Nothing is impossible!

"Whenever opportunities come,  even if you can’t handle it yet, say yes first and then go learn how to do it".

All these motivational quotes are quite easy to say but truth be told, its a whole different ball game when you get to the fore front, when it comes to practicing what you preach like really doing all these things we hear and say, its the ultimate test.

               

If you all remember clearly, the story was about how I suddenly got a call to be the official makeup artist on the set of a soap opera, ( oya  read “At the Moment” among previous posts for the full gist). Well, day 3 to the last day on set was simply put, a wild experience! Everyday was characterised with sleepless nights, being on my feet and always at alert for the word ‘dab’. ‘Dab’ is the word used to call the makeup artist to come wipe off sweat or oil from the face of the actor on set. Almost all the work clothes I took with me were stained with blood as I had to prepare my blood mixture a lot of times. At some point in between, I saw myself asking, “Ife Alonge, are you sure you can do this”?

                                           one time when I actually dabbed when they screamed 'dab' instead of

                                              running to the set with the face wipe and powder they needed

There were times when my makeup wasn’t good enough and the director or producer had to call me to order. There were times when I was queried for being absent at a time when I was supposed to be on ground. There were even times when I slept off during some night shoots and my director got angry at me. I remember when Producer had to teach me how to prepare stage sweat. In my 'jjc' mind, I had assumed all I needed to make someone look like they were sweating was just to spray on some water, but then I discovered the water dried up almost immediately. I got confused I didn’t know what to do and then she graciously came to my rescue and taught me just how to go about it; not without querying my competence though. But then again, there were times when the cast just couldn’t recover from the beauty of how my makeup came out. There were times when the director made statements like “Wow, this makeup artist keeps blowing my mind”. I remember when it was Bella Okojie’s scenes and I did her makeup, we had to beg her to wash it off at the end of the day and she just wouldn’t stop taking pictures. What of the time Jude Orhorha and Alex Osifo came around and told me of how impressed they were with my work. Then my producer herself never stopped singing of how envious she was at the way my box remained clean and organised all through the shoot.

                              Bella Okojie and us sharing some laughs when she wouldn't stop snapping her makeup

Deep down, I knew I was just a learner. Okay, let me deviate a little, I just have to say this here. A very interesting ‘somebody’ I met on set named Dapo Jubril (the exceptional set designer on the production set) stumbled on my blog and read my last post. No one on that set was supposed to know that it was my first job ever; that was supposed to be a secret between you guys and I. Anyway, he discovered my secret that I was actually a ‘jjc’ on the job and threatened me throughout my stay that I will be exposed. Of course he didn’t expose me eventually, he in fact told me of how impressed and inspired he was at my boldness. but then Dapo, stop being so nosy! lol.

                                  Jude Orhorha cracks me up every single time I try to do his makeup

Now back to the matter! Truth be told and again I say absolute truth be told, it’s not easy following your dreams. That experience sure wasn’t easy for me, it was a first and it was a challenging first; but here is the thing, it was a beautiful challenge.  All through the process, both in the good and bad times I realised I was never frustrated. It’s like finally getting to clean up your own room; the process of cleaning might have been stressful but then its my room at the end of the day, I'm the one who gets to enjoy it. Working on that set felt like home, I was working and I was enjoying it. The queries, corrections and shouts didn’t make me feel bad at all instead, I felt glad receiving them. I tell you guys, I'm trying so hard to explain the feeling, but I’m not sure I'm doing such a great job, you need to feel it for yourself. They say doing what you love is good, I say doing what you love is AWESOME!!! You should try it.

                                                            I told y'all I was feeling myself... winks.

In all, the past 2 weeks has been expository for me. I have learnt a lot about myself and movie production in total. I have challenged and released myself to God for Him to bless the works of my hands and He has done beyond my expectations. Today, I am grateful. For the chance I got to explore and experiment and still get paid while doing so. By the way, yea, I got paid, maybe not so hugely but oh well, I got paid for having fun. Plus, I enjoyed 3 square meals every day, transportation and accommodation was covered, there was someone on ground to serve our meals and then do the dishes and then someone else on ground to wash our clothes, common guys I was powerfully lounging. Lol.

                                    We had worked all day and were still on our feet by midnight, yet...

 

Try, you just try it. Like I always say, you don’t have to leave your job before you can try doing what you love to do, you can just try doing more with that talent, gift or hobby of yours than you are currently doing, just try!

                    This wonderful 'daddy' wouldn't stop encouraging and advising us all through when he was around..

 

 

Forgive my too many pictures guys, remember I said I would ‘famz’ the stars that were on set, oh well I was able to steal some time off to take funny shots with some of them and just had to share some. Thanks guys, see you next Tuesday!

 

Lessons for the Journey: Tobi, Muni and Kofo

Unlike our male counterparts who understand the dynamics of money and how to play with it, one of our greatest failings as women is that we are not financially literate – Muni Shonibare

 

 Being an entrepreneur in Nigeria isn't a walk in the park. First, a lot of people think you are crazy for launching into the unknown so early with minimal experience - Tobi Eyinade 

Being a Visionary is a lonely place to be and it takes the love of God to find people that can even see a bit of what you are seeing - Kofo Akinkugbe 

 

Hi guys, let me first apologise for not posting on the blog last week Tuesday. Didn’t actually know so many people visited us here until they started fighting me, e jo ema binu (don’t be angry). If you read my second post last 2 weeks, you will remember I was on location in Ile-Ife throughout last week and honestly, I don’t know what they did to network in that place. Anyways, I’m back now and yea, there's gist for us today.

So this week, we have the privilege of celebrating one of our very own. Tobi Eyinade is one strong determined young woman who is constantly growing and blooming in her entrepreneurial journey and in her quest to impart her generation. Here is what she has for us:

 

I am a 23 year old Nigerian with an entrepreneurial interest in books. I am an ardent reader and I grew up in a house filled with books. Outside of my home, I began to notice a dismal interest in reading amongst my peers at an early age. My contemporaries were not acquainted with the kind of books I am deeply fascinated about and couldn’t share my excitement about books. A degree in English Language from the Obafemi Awolowo University, a side hustle selling books for my bibliophile siblings made me realize that books need to be brought closer to both reluctant and enthusiastic readers.

I had a brief stint as a writer and content provider for a news site and jobsite blog in Lagos after graduation. I decided to walk the talk and focus on the one thing that gives me the most fulfilment – making reading cool again, one book at a time. I am a bookseller.

Journey so far? The ups and downs:

Being an entrepreneur in Nigeria isn’t a walk in the park. First, a lot of people think you are crazy for launching into the unknown so early with minimal experience. Needless to mention the extra burden inadequate infrastructure leaves you with. Banks do not provide succour for growth and expansion either as their interest rate on loan can leave one with sleepless nights. The fluctuating foreign exchange rates have not been helping matters too in recent times as you might just end up with more losses than gains.

In all, the unflinching support I have enjoyed from family and friends have kept me going. I have enjoyed a listening ear from mentors who continually encourage and give wings to my dreams as a woman and entrepreneur. And of course, these words of Steve Jobs leave me undeterred: “Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”    

 

The big picture- Where we hope to be in the next five years:

In the next five years, we hope to have earned the loyalty of millions of Nigerians by not just selling books to them but by giving them genuine reasons to buy books and provide them with unforgettable customer experience.  As a socially minded store, we look forward to becoming a one stop shop for all books fit to read. This we hope to achieve through several branded neighbourhood brick and mortar stores within Lagos and environs that are complemented by a robust e-commerce site where books can be purchased online and delivered.

And then the women of the day…

 Name: Kofo Akinkugbe                                                                

Business: Secure ID and Interface Technologies                              

Post: Managing Director                                                        

Industry: IT and Security    

                                                  

 

Name: Muni Shonibare

Business: Ethniki ltd Interior  Options

 Post: Managing Director

Industry: Furniture

 

 

 

 

1.   They have always believed in God and the fact that with him there was no height they could not attain

2.      Their restlessness, Appreciation and love for creative arts plus a compulsive need  to add value to lives birthed their entrepreneurial journey

3.       Remained jobless for some months but during that period, sought  information, mentors, networks in all areas of interest

4.      While the first thing Kofo did was to draw up a business plan, one of Muni’s regrets was not drawing up one early enough

5.      Had the challenge of combining their roles as a mother with going after their business goals so they carried their spouse along in every step

6.      Has a value system that is benchmarked on the word of God with standing value system; integrity, quality, innovativeness, sincerity, creativity, discipline and commitment

7.      Greatest challenge was the lack of skilled human resources

8.      Encountered several delays and road blocks, but always stuck with the plan

Their advice to us

1.      Develop a thick skin in pursuing your dream, never give up

2.      Be innovative, strive to create new things. Always be prepared so you can easily take charge when opportunity comes

3.      Not every strategy or method you have applied works for every level or stage that the company is at, there is always a need to go back and rethink

 

4.      It’s important to have a clear roadmap as to where you are going. It’s also very important that you take time to recruit the right people that will go along with you

5.      Learn that doing business God’s way cannot be compromised

6.      Always dress appropriately; in a way that people will take you serious

7.      It’s good to try and get a job first; exposes you to the requirements of working in a structured environment

8.      Find the right mentor that will guide you from stage to stage and be patient with each growth phase

9.      Get financial literacy, acquire it before you venture into entrepreneur ship

10.  Think big, not of what you can achieve today, but of what generations after you can enjoy from what you are starting up

11.  Never feel comfortable where you are, keep moving forward, keep setting higher goals, keep raising the bar and never give up

12.  Wearing the cap of an entrepreneur goes beyond profit, of course profit is good, but it’s a service; see it as a service!

 

 

Now lets talk!

Actually, they’ve said it all.

If you think Madam Muni and Madam Kofo had things easy during their time hence their success, at least Tobi Eyinade is one of us. She’s making headway every day. Attending business development trainings, reaching out to the world, doing exhibitions and people are beginning to listen to her, what are you waiting for? I wanna write about you!

Till next post peeps, do something this week!

And hey, I still await more mails recommending young entrepreneurs; both male and female making impact. Let’s celebrate them.

At the moment...

 

So this week, I got a call to be the makeup artist on the set of an online soap opera; Dawn by Tribe Nation.  As soon as the call came in and they asked me if I could do regular makeup, accident makeup and makeup for wounds, I was tempted to say a big ‘no’ because of course; i hadn’t done anything like that before. How would I take on such a big project without any form of experience; the most makeup I have done has been for brides and photo shoots with models. So, just as I was about saying “oh no, I have no experience in that area” I remembered what one of the women we have been understudying Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters said. She said while we wait for opportunities to come, we should invest in learning, trainings and becoming experts in our art. For a very long time, I have been using up more than 2GB in 2 weeks doing nothing other than learning special effects makeup on youtube. I had learnt what to mix to produce real blood, what to use in creating wounds and swellings, so what was I talking about? I also remember the saying that when you are asked to do a project you've never done before, say yes to it first then learn how to do it later.  Oh well, yes! I was gonna take the job.

So again, bearing in mind what Madam Ibukun Awosika said, I wasn’t going to present myself as inexperienced or small, I am a brand and that was exactly how I presented myself when we were talking the terms of the contract and the fee attached to it. I negotiated my price and even though I wasn’t entirely satisfied with it, I knew it was a good bargain for a very professional ‘inexperienced’ special effects makeup artist like me.

Immediately I dropped the call, I started shivering where would I start from? So, I called my no 1 support system and narrated my story. Of course, he was quick to tell me how excellent I was going to be at it. In my mind, I was like “What is this young man saying bayi, does he even understand all I’ve said at all”? How will I even get the necessary ingredients I need on such short notice and in ile-ife too?

 

 

Anyways, the next day, I packed my bags and I was on my way to Ile-ife for a 2 weeks shoot. As soon as I got there, with my professional makeup box and signature smile, I got my script and settled down to read. I realised there were more than one bloody scene and the accident scene was going to be more detailed than I had thought. Mr capable was on ground to help me go to the market and get all the necessary ingredients I would need, that made things way easier, thanks sir!

Today is the second day on set and so far I have had to create blood for 2 scenes. I was so happy when the director and production manager on set asked me what I used in creating my blood that made it look so real. He said he was sure it wasn’t the regular tomato paste or colouring and he was right; but no, I am not telling you *tongue out*. It’s just been 2 days and I’ve started to get more confident. I decided to steal the one hour break we had just to let you all know that I have taken 2 things into practice from what we have been learning on our girl entrepreneurs and oh my, It’s been working.

I also learnt that I will be working on Alex Usifo, Akin Lewis, Jude Ororha, Bukky Thomas, Edmund Enaibe, Dayo Davies e.t.c  don’t worry, I will take pictures with this people ‘famzing things’ and I will be sure to upload the pictures on here. Thanks guys for reading, I’ve got 9 more days of shooting and yes, I’ll make sure to give you updates (even of my fails).

Till next post hunnies and hey, watch this space because something special is loading. *winks*

 

 

Lessons for the Journey: Ifeyinwa and Moni.

God has a purpose for every one of us, we all must dig deep and pray that we find what it is before it is too late – Ifeyinwa Ighodalo

Never meet a male client alone (even in his office) and never judge a book by its cover or by your own standards – Moni Fagbemi

 

Our Personality for the week is none other than our delectable, committed and hardworking young lady...                                                          

                                                                  Miss Folasade Idowu

 

 

Miss Folashade is a graduate of English from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University. She is the current director and CEO of Beyond Surface Hair and Arts Gallery. Inspired to transform and beautify our thoughts about hair services, Miss Shade infused exceptional customer care service in her dealings with her clients ensuring that they are extremely satisfied and this has set her apart.

 

She started her hair styling business back when she was in the university and has gradually begun making a business for herself. Today, she has a space located in No 14 Simeon Shosanya Street, Sango Ota where she welcomes and caters to the beauty needs of her clients, all this started it with little or no financial assistance at all.

She believes no African woman has to prostitute herself or get involved in any illegal activity to make money; with strength, diligence, hard work and commitment, any woman can make wealth for themselves.

 

Miss Shade hopes to everyday put smiles on people’s faces, by transforming them into beautiful and ensuring that they are extremely satisfied and more confident with their looks.

Join me and let’s celebrate Miss Folashade Idowu, she's one great Nigerian woman to look out for!

To the main gist of the day...

This week, we will be learning from two of our “Girl” entrepreneurs because they are actually business partners who started their businesses together. They are:
 

NAME: Ifeyinwa Ighodalo

Business: DO II

Post: Founder/CEO

Industry: Furniture

and...

                 

Name: Moni Fagbemi

Business: Design Options

Post: Director/Partner

Industry: Furniture

(Sincere apologies for not having Mrs Moni Fagbemi's picture up here, internet wouldn't let me upload, the best I could even do for Mrs Ifeyinwa was to screen grab a shot I already had on my phone, forgive me please, this post just had to be published today)

So,

1.       While Ifeyinwa grew up having the various  career dreams every girl has, Moni for a long time didn’t have a clear cut definition of what she wanted to be

       2.       They both met and discovered their interest and passion for creative arts and designing

3.       They immediately drew a clear road map for where they were headed

4.       The business for years was financing itself, no bank wanted to give them loans It took almost 17 years in business before any bank was interested in helping them with one

5.       Numerous attempts to raise funds was met by several doors shut in their faces

6.       They both had the immense support of their husbands and had to learn how to balance family and work

7.       They had the fear of God

8.       Because of our non-existent education system, one challenge for them was that everyone recruited still had to be taught afresh

9.       As partners, they needed to work in trust and had respected third parties they could go to when they reached a deadlock

10.   Imbibed the culture of honesty and truthfulness regardless of the loss or gain it might attract

11.   Had various mentors for both business and personal life

12.   Learnt early the principles of break-even analysis and goodwill in business which has been their watchword

13.   Developed a culture of always staying focused on their client’s needs

 

Their Advice to us:

1.       Change is inevitable, learn to embrace it and find a way to make it work positively for you

2.       Be detailed, attentive and thorough with your work, it will stand you out

3.       There has been and will continue to be challenges, face it and conquer it

4.       Be daring, hold on to your dreams and passion, never give it up

5.       It’s a competitive world so you have to keep fine tuning your processes and procedures to stay up to date.

6.       People are very important, people make the world go round, so value them

Now let’s talk!

1.       Am I the only one or have these women been saying mostly the same things?

2.       Did you notice that they’ve all been talking about identifying your passion, following it doggedly and never giving up on it?

3.       Then the part about the spouse being carried along all through the process

4.       Writing your business plan, making it time bound and sticking with it

5.       There must definitely be a reason why they are all saying the same things and giving the same kind of advice, it must be because it is what works

6.       In addition, they’ve advised us to seek for good partners if the need be, someone who can complement your business and help you forward. Sometimes, all you need is a good partner who shares your passion, goals and values.

7.       It’s almost certain that funds might poses a challenge, you can’t let it stop you!

 Get fired up guys and don't forget to read the other post 'At the Moment' just so you can have
a glimpse into what these lessons have birthed.

Till next post guys, keep soaring!