‘Do what you love and know how to do it right’

Olajumoke Adeniyi’s Blackrose Company is a northern distributor of Ayanski Fabrics based in Kaduna. Ayanski fabrics are a unique brand of African ankara prints that come with a range of designs. Blackrose also produces custome-made accessories. In this interview, Olajumoke tells us why she left the banking sector to set up her own business.   […]

Olajumoke Adeniyi’s Blackrose Company is a northern distributor of Ayanski Fabrics based in Kaduna. Ayanski fabrics are a unique brand of African ankara prints that come with a range of designs. Blackrose also produces custome-made accessories. In this interview, Olajumoke tells us why she left the banking sector to set up her own business.

 

At what stage did you decide to become an entrepreneur?

I come from a long line of businessmen and women. Business runs in my veins. Ayanski Fabrics advertised for distributors and I was encouraged to join the programme. They had no distributor in Kaduna. So, I got funds from private investors to start the business.

I’ve always been in business since graduation from the university.  I made yoghurt for sale which stopped when I started working in the bank. Before resigning from the bank, I opened a children’s store which I closed down two years ago to start my current business.

Did you receive any training before you started out?

My mother was a business woman. Most of my training was from helping her out when I was younger. I picked my customer service skills from on-the-job experience and a few trainings at the bank.

What are the challenges in this business?

Access to funds is a general problem with start-ups in Nigeria because the financial institutions don’t really have sustainable solutions. The cost of getting funds from commercial banks is so high. Like I said earlier, I got funding from private investors.

Blackrose is the northern distributor of Ayanski Fabrics. Ayanski fabrics are a unique brand of African ankara prints that come in silk, chiffon, guipure lace, chantilly lace with eye- catching range of designs.

Blackrose also produces custome-made appliqués; we apply blings to fabrics in form of high quality swarovski cut crystals, pearls, beads and sequence.

What is the process of making the accessories?

That’s a trade secret, but I’ll say I source all materials from within Nigeria, mostly from people that imported them. I work to put them together as I’m inspired to.

How long does it take you to make one product?

Making the appliqués depends on the size/design, so approximately an hour to a few days. It also depends on how much free time I have after work. Embellishment with crystals, pearls and beading takes days to weeks, depending how complicated the design is.

How has technology enhanced your business?

Technology is a big plus, especially in terms of awareness and marketing. Social media is a source that has helped to spread the awareness of the products we have at Blackrose. It has connected the business with many people around the globe; even though not all end up being paying customers.

What made the business succeed?

To know my customers, what they love and need. Also, well trained staff are very important for actualising a vision.

Do you have mentors?

I don’t have specific mentors, but I focus on some successful people, and I feel if they can, so can I.

How many jobs have you created so far?

I currently work with about nine people. The business is expanding and by the end of 2019 we hope to have about 25 people.

Who is your clientele?

Every woman who loves high quality fashion irrespective of class, tribe and religion

What is the secret of a successful business?

In my opinion, very good customer service and the ability to communicate freely. Also, staying focused and dedicated to the vision is super important.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneur?

Be sure of what you want, be sure it’s what you love and stay focused. It’s the love you have for it that makes it possible to survive the tough times; they surely come but you must overcome them.

What key things have you learned in business?

I’ve learned to be more patient and it has improved my interpersonal skills. Doing business has taught me to be more analytical, and as I progress, I’m more confident to take on a task I believe in.

How can we support and improve innovation in Nigeria?

The biggest issue is funding. There are many people, especially young people with great ideas, but actualising the ideas is impossible due to lack of funds. The system needs to provide support for this purpose. As individuals, we can educate and support one another to access the avenues we know are available.

What five things do start-ups need to know?

Be ready to give a 110 per cent of yourself, be financially literate, do not over-engineer your structure at the beginning, understand and be able to articulate clearly what the vision is, especially to your team, and keep reinvesting in your business and remember sales does not equal profit.

Where do you see your businesses in the next five years?

A brand being sourced both nationally and internationally. A brand that will be in a position to provide many more jobs for many Nigerians

What advice do you have for women entrepreneurs?

Do what you love, know how to do it right, stay focused and there’s no limit to what you can achieve. I hope the business would be bigger in the next five years with more products and services to offer. I’m also hoping it will be source of employment for many more.

 For young entrepreneurs and women who see funding as a challenge, what advice do you have for them?

For young entrepreneurs and women that may find funding as a challenge; as long as you believe in what you do, work hard and focus. Keep promoting your brand as much as possible and the opportunity for growth will come.

 What is your educational qualification?

B.Sc Microbiology from ABU, Zaria.