LESSONS FOR THE JOURNEY: OYINADE AJE

Even though most people think closing down my business was a wrong move, I believe I made the best decision, I am not afraid to start over! - Oyinade Aje

 

I really must apologise for my failure to post on the blog last week and yesterday. I have never been as busy as I am now after resignation. Plus, there are certain 'beautiful' places you go to that network seems to be in absentia, kindly bear with me please.

Today, we have one of the most unique 'girl entrepreneur' so far. Her story is so special that I was greatly challenged and I decided she will be the only one we will talk about today. I couldn't get a picture of her on the internet, but then her words and experiences are what matter the most.

 

 Join me as we learn from our special 'girl' for the day...

 

NAME: OYINADE AJE

BUSINESS: SATIN & LACE

POST: MANAGING DIRECTOR

INDUSTRY: FASHION &STYLE

1.       Has never been the type to say “I can’t”

2.       Always prioritized her spouse’s opinions in the decision making process of her business

3.       Watchword was honesty and fair play

4.       Along the line, she lost the energy and passion for her business

5.       Decided to close down her business after 20years of running it

6.       Regretted not having had a partner. That might have helped lessen the burden she had to single-handedly carry for 20 years and she might not have had t0 close down her business

7.       Biggest challenges has been how to control and manage the Nigerian worker

8.       Learnt a huge lesson in the way she treated her staff. In a bid to get nothing short of excellence from them, she constantly screamed them down. She however learnt that that isn’t the best way to deal with staff.

Her Advice to us…

 

1.       Whatever it is you find yourself doing, do with excellence

2.       To excel in what you do, you must give yourself wholly to it and for that, you need to have passion.

3.       At the point when you begin to feel and get convictions that it is time to move on in your business, don’t be afraid to take that bold courageous step

4.       Ensure you have a good organisational structure from the every beginning

5.       If you know you are good with the practical side of running a business than the business side, it will be wise to get a trusted partner. Don’t try to push yourself to do both, you might get drained and eventually lose complete interest in your business.

6.       Learn to always take responsibility for whatever happens to you, do not be quick to pass the buck

7.       Learn to place good value on your creativity and not sell yourself short

 

 

8.       Learn to treat your staff with respect, generosity and firmness. Never embarrass them in public. Read up Sir Richard Branson’s book, he sure has good results from treating his staff the right way.

9.       Learn to give yourself a pat on the back every once in a while even when no one else will

10.   You can minimise the amount of mistakes you will make by learning from other people that have gone before you

11.   Don’t hide or run away from your challenges. They can only make you better!

Now lets talk…

1.       There is a time for everything, understand the times

2.       Closing down her business after 20 years wasn’t giving up, it was moving on to bigger things

3.       The moment she realised she had lost the drive, passion and strength to continue running her business, she knew it was time to move on and she did.

4.       She has openly admitted her mistakes in some ways she ran her business and she has given us tips on things we shouldn’t do, lets learn from that.

5.       This courageous woman is exemplary to me. She is the true definition of learning from other people’s mistakes. She has made hers and taught us not to make same, so please learn!

Till next week guys, ensure you keep reaching for bigger heights.