I am so excited to post another episode of our Entrepreneurship Series- Meet the Entrepreneur. This series features Entrepreneurs sharing their stories of how they started their business, and still remain in same. In these series, the featured Entrepreneur bares it all and shares key business insights that help them navigate in their line of business.
In this post, we have the rare privilege to interview Oguntunde Favour, a young serial Entrepreneur who ventured into Fashion Branding and Clothing, as a means to keep his hands busy. Talk of a Lazy Nigerian Youth, he definitely isn’t one of them… Hey , enjoy our interview with him below:
Can we meet you?
My name is Oguntunde Favour. I’m a Serial Entrepreneur but basically, I am into Clothing Line (Branding/Printing). I had my first degree from Yaba College of Technology where I studied Mechanical Engineering and my second degree from Ajayi Crowther University where I studied Information and Communication Technology.
What’s your line of business?
I’m a jack of many trades and master of some of them (smiles). I’m into Branding/Printing, as well as buying and selling of wears.
How did you get the idea or concept of your business?
All my life, I have never liked to be idle. During my school days at Yaba College of Technology, I thought of what to do with my hands that will fetch me income because I never liked corporate job (office work). Hence, I thought of going into the branding business. I noticed I liked seeing my name on my clothes when I wear them, and because of that, I enrolled myself for Branding training in 2012.
When did you start your business and how long have you been in operation?
I started my business since 2012 but officially I started in 2013 after I was done with my training but as at that time, I was still schooling.
What are the greatest challenges you encounter running your business? How do you overcome them?
The challenges are many. Firstly, I had to convince my customers that I was capable of doing the job because what they usually first ask for is- where are the works you have done and who are the big people you have worked for. In that process, most of them tell me to go and use my money to do the work until they are satisfied. I remember using my pocket money severally to execute jobs for customers. And my pay is dependent on their satisfaction. If they are satisfied with the job, I get paid. and if they are not, I have to forfeit my pocket money (Those were really painful experiences).
Another challenge I now face is the issue of regular power supply. Basically, all our Branding machines are powered by electricity and hence we need constant power to keep running them. I also need an electricity supply to charge my phone so I will be able to communicate with my customers. So we are always using Generators to make up for the inadequate power supply, and this adds a lot to our overhead.
Lastly, the most obvious challenge that all Entrepreneurs face is trying to satisfy customers. I also face this challenge too. Sometimes, it’s so difficult to satisfy customers, but IÂ have learned a lot now on dealing with customers, and I thank God for patience. This keeps me going a lot.
What keeps you going despite the challenges?
What keeps me going is my passion for the Business. As I said earlier, I don’t like being idle and there is no impossibility in my dictionary. When I experience an obstacle, I keep on trying different ways until one eventually works out. I don’t give up, I just rest/take a nap when I am tired and when I’m back up, I continue with the work.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful Entrepreneur in your line of business?
- Creativity/Innovation and Business Networking
- Humility, Patience, Persistence and Consistency
- Learning to jot down things manually (Pen & Notepad)
What’s the most inspiring thing you will tell someone who wants to venture into your line of business?
If you can imagine it you can bring it to existence (reality), nothing is impossible. Hard work, smart work and consistency in what you do will bring you successful result sooner or later.
Who are the people you look up to in your line of business?
Bossman Prints, Kezman Prints, Yomi Casual, Mudi Africa, Ohimai Atafo Deco and Trig Made
Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years from now?
I see myself being a Branding Icon, role model and international brand. I have customers abroad already but I want some more (smiles).
To catch up with Favour, contact him on any of his social media links:
WhatsApp– +2348180361376
IG–Â @ftclothing_ftc, @ftstitches_fashionhouse.
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