Quest: How did you come about your business idea?
Guest: it's an idea I got after I graduated from the University. I'm a Fan of Tony Elumelu a lot, I love the way he shares business ideas. Having searched for job with my certificate and I couldn't secure one for almost three years, I decided to establish a Business on my own.
Quest: You run a beauty and Salon business, why did you chose the two?
Guest: Should I say I have passion in salon. Actually, I already learnt all these Makeover works and other beauty work from my Friends in school. But, in a bit to make sure I have multiple source of income, I created time to learn how to make hair from a stylist and after I was done, with the little money I gathered, I started doing my business in my parents house.
A year later, I secured a loan and opened this my shop. Before I know, I started having apprentice coming to learn work. Some of my old school friends even came learn from me later.
Let me add this to it that, what motivated me to finally open the shop was that, I thought even if outsiders won't Patronize me, my friends would do at least do. But, I was surprised none of my friends did not until years later.
Quest: Why didn't your Friends patronize you?
Guest: let me tell you sir, the Jews have a protocol that "Money circulates amongst themselves. It never gets out! Only and only if one of them does not have a particular product or service, will they buy elsewhere." But, in Nigeria here, perhaps due to envy, they will prefered outsiders. I could recall there was a time one of my friends came, she did the hair on credit then.
I saw some of my friends who live within where my shop is located, you won't believe she drives a few kilometers to have the exact service performed elsewhere.
Quest: Do you ever call on them to ask them why?
Guest: Oh yes, after two year I opened my Shop and things were going well, had to call on them to come and be patronizing me. Funny enough, none of them had a reason for not coming to my shop. I guess it was due to envy. But, we are good now.
Quest: How are your services like?
Guest: We offer one of the best makeover and unique hairstyles in Nigeria and any Country. I also have friendly professional staff. (This is based on our customer feedback and survey)
Quest: What did you learn from your story?
Guest: As a young entrepreneur, I’ve learnt that a Client will become your friend quicker than your friend will become a Client. Also, success is a journey.
Quest: What is one factor that keeps moving you till today?
Guest: God and passion towards my job. I love the work I'm doing. I don't even bother myself looking for job again, my business is okay for me.
Quest: What is your message to other Young people like you out there, who wanted to start like you, but does not have the motivation.
Guest: Let them get inspired and be motivated to do it. There is no white-collar Job anywhere. It's good to be educated, they should also learn work. They should also learn from me that not all friends will make a client. While expecting all my friends, and relatives to patronize you, not many will.
Also, Understand that your client is not limited to those you know alone. Most times, the biggest client will not come from your circle of friends or relatives. It’s usually a stranger who simply fell in love with your product and services became loyal and constantly refers their colleagues.
Lastly, as you plan a business, I encourage you to cast your fishing net beyond familiar waters. And to remind you to keep moving even when there’s smilingly no support. The city of Rome wasn't built in a day. Stay positive.