Nollywood Star Actress, Rita Dominic and award-winning Director, Mildred Okwo - co-founders of the Audrey Silva company, both lend their skills, talent, and voice to support democracy in Nigeria. Okwo is a well-recognized film director and producer whose film “The Meeting,” has won several awards to include the Nigerian Entertainment Award, Africa Movie Academy Award, and the Nollywood Movies Award.

Last year, Andela – a global talent accelerator that produces world-class developers and connects them with top employers launched an intensive bootcamp for female software developers in Nigeria. The two-week training program taught participants the basics of front-end web development and helped them secure a job as Andela fellows. Learn more about the program here:

The AWP Network is glad to announce a strategic partnership with the H.O.P.E Foundation at Covenant University. The purpose of this partnership will be to train students at Lagos State Model College, Meiran.

The project involves working with students at Lagos State Model College, Meiran and helping them to hone their business pitches and to develop their business plans and entrepreneurial ideas. Working to promote entrepreneurship to the next generation may help to reduce high youth unemployment rates in Nigeria.

At the end of the session, the AWP Network will connect the winning business plan, pitch, and idea to various resources and business support programs to ensure its sustainability. With the success of this program, we hope this initiative can be replicated across the Lagos State Model College school system. The program will begin in May.

For more information, questions or concerns email: mary [at] awpnetwork.com

Cynthia Mosunmola Umoru

Agropreneur, Cynthia Mosunmola Umoru meets with the AWP Network to discuss what it is like to be a farmer in Nigeria.

My business, Farmshoppe was born out of the need to provide fresh food produce to customers. During my university days, I had the privilege of going shopping for women who were busy executives and could not find the time to go to the market. So I thought to myself, why not set up a nice posh market where these women could come to pick up their fresh food produce at competitive prices? That’s what gave birth to Farmshoppe.

Initially, I supplied produce to a few QSRs – quick service restaurants – but they didn’t pay on time and this affected the business in terms of having cash flow. Then I made the decision, rather than wait indefinitely for other people to owe and delay my growth, why not revisit my business plan and change the strategy so we could increase our output and affect our bottom line positively? I did just that.

How Have You Dealt With Challenges Related to the Farming Business? 

It is interesting that your team has chosen to interview me now. When I started out, everyone thought I was crazy. They would say, why go into farming? why agriculture? why are you wasting your time? So there was a lack of support. You see, many Nigerians don’t see the type of opportunity that I see.

Another challenge was related to funding. For this type of business, I needed constant positive cash flow. I needed the money to drive the business in the direction that I imagined and wanted but I did not have the cash for it.

In addition, I did not have access to the land and resources needed to grow my business. I started by outsourcing farm produce and by supplying them to quick service restaurants that wanted them. Along the line, the inconsistency of their business, pushed me to start producing earlier than I thought. While in production, I needed land – because I was producing chickens and snails, which had to go to the clients frozen. Electricity and power was a major impediment to growth. We had myriads of challenges: lack of support, access to capital, access to land, and I needed the support of men to help me gain access to land that I could use as collateral.

It got to a point that I couldn’t take it anymore. Things became unbearable and frustrating, I was on the verge of giving up. I was actually going to give up; but something within me kept saying: you know this is what you want to do, don’t give up. Then I decided to do something else on the side.

Unfortunately, the parallel business I ran threw me into more troubles because it was a terrain that I did not fully understand. I started importing electronics and I faced lots of challenges. I was working on my MBA in the Netherlands and a friend at home told me he went to China and Dubai every weekend, so I joined him in the importing business. I was actually making money until my third shipment when the cargo airport went on strike and I lost everything I put into the business. The question then became: where do I go from here? At this point, I proved to myself that not only was I cut out for business, but I knew it had to be in agriculture, I knew it had to be about food; but I was stuck and was not sure how to go through any longer.

Then I learned about the 10,000 Goldman Sachs program for women and I applied for it. I dropped out of business school as I could no longer afford tuition. A friend informed me about the Goldman Sachs enterprise development program here in Lagos. The program lasted for six (6) months. By the third session, I realized that I was passionate about farming and about my business. All I needed was the “how to.” Afterwards, I was able to re-appraise my business and start it all over again, only this time with more vigor, greater excitement, increased passion, and a resilience that I don’t think will leave me till I die. I am very happy that I took part in the Goldman Sachs program because it allowed me rediscover myself and passion.

I started my business on a new leaf. I realized that I have so much to give, I not only ran Farmshoppe and Honeysuckles but registered the business legally and operated for four (4) years before I got another scholarship to attend business school again. By this time, I had honed in on my business skills and set up my business to manage its growth. I started Farmshoppe as a full-scale agricultural entity and I was able to put to use all of my experiences and everything that I had learned over time into good use.

What is next for Farmshoppe? 

Farmshoppe has evolved. We are looking at setting up different outlets in the near future and expanding the business by having people become franchisees. You do not know how exciting it is for me to see a baby that I gave birth to several years ago, now grow. Not only do we have a standard retail outlet, we also have a 25 hectare farm in Ogun state, which we did not have when I started Honeysuckles. What we had then was about 4 hectares, which we leased with a lot of limitations. It would take me 8 hours to run on my farmland today, I am truly excited and there are many business opportunities coming up.

What motivated you to go into farming? 

My paternal grandfather was a cocoa and cassava farmer, I was his “city grandchild” so he never let me go into the farm. My love for farming grew in secondary school. I was an active member of the young farmers club and I enjoyed the fact that I could take vegetables home every other weekend. It was fresh, from the soil that I tilled and cultivated myself. That just made me think that I could do this beyond just eating and taking vegetables home from school. It was not easy initially, in fact, my father complained about me to his friend who at the time was general manager at a restaurant in Nigeria, and she became upset that I would not take a job at her restaurant.

I also worked at ExxonMobil and I felt that there had to be more to life than working at ExxonMobil. As you may know, in Nigeria, it is every young person’s dream to work for an oil company, but it wasn’t for me. I saw the opportunities there; I mean it is a growing sector but not emerging. Agriculture on the other hand, is good business, everyone needs it. I saw farming and agriculture beyond food. I saw a business opportunity in the food industry and I took advantage of it.

Why farming?

The answer I would have for that is: why not farming? I got into the farming business because I know that as long as man is alive, there is only one thing he cannot do without after breathing; and that is eating food. So as long as man eats, it means that I will stay in business.

Advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?

What I would say to anyone who wants to go into agribusiness is that the journey may be tough, the road may not be easy but the spirit of resilience will keep you through. Above all, trust in God, discover yourself and follow your passion through. You will find success if you keep at it.

by Olufemi Omotayo for the AWP Network

Mary Olushoga

In celebration of International Women’s Day and in its quest to inspire a generation of women to do greater things in diverse fields of endeavour, Y!/YNaija.com, in partnership with Leading Ladies Africa project brings to you Nigeria’s 100 Most Influential Women – #YWomen100.

These are women who steer the course of history in a usually male dominated environment, they have acknowledged the glass ceiling but they would not allow it hold down their lofty ambitions.

In honor of International Women’s Day (2015), we present to you, the #YWomen100.

Read more here:

YNaija

Linda Ikeji

360 Nobs

Mary Olushoga

Mary Olushoga, Founder of the AWP Network will receive an award from U.K based organization, the Planet Earth Institute.

The award ceremony will take place at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster in London and will be chaired by PEI Trustee, Lord Paul Boateng. The event will feature presentations, as well as contributions from relevant experts on the challenges and opportunities related to delivering impactful projects on the ground in Africa.

Learn more about the AWP Network Project for Women Farmers in Nigeria.

From awpnetwork.com to CNN Startup Africa

Bukola Dawodu and CNN Journalist

We first met Bukola Dawodu when she participated in the AWP Network photo contest, although she did not win the contest, Dawodu has maintained a great mentoring relationship with AWP Founder, Mary Olushoga.

In her photo contest application, Dawodu wrote, “I started my business when I could not find a job. I grew up with the mindset that whatever you build or create in favor of the environment (either directly or indirectly) will be beneficial. I am passionate about designing and constructing aquariums so I started the business with some of my classmates.

Though the market is a bit tough, I believe that with time and more effort, things will change for good. This business is my job and I am proud to be an entrepreneur. As a young African entrepreneur, my voice matters because I need the support and encouragement to continue my business as an independent  aesthetic entrepreneur in aquarium design and construction.”

Congratulations to Bukola on a wonderful feature. As an African entrepreneur, her voice matters.

Check out her feature here: http://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2015/02/18/spc-african-start-up-benefits-consult.cnn

“It’s about creating an ecosystem and putting women farmers in the supply chain of how agriculture is done specifically in Nigeria.”

Africa Data Challenge Winner Mary Olushoga – Helping Nigerian women farmers become entrepreneurs

Co-winner of the Planet Earth Institute’s Africa Data Challenge, Mary Olushoga is the founder of AWP Network. In this interview, she talks about: how she uses data to help women farmers in Northern Nigeria; the training sessions it runs and the practical work on its model farm; the barriers to using mobile for agricultural information; and her vision for the future.

Mary Olushoga, of the AWP Network and one of the Africa Data Challenge winners, explains what African scientific independence means to her.

Led by South African entrepreneur Roxsanne Dyssell, the Society of African Ladies who Brunch are a New York City based organization of diaspora women who meet for brunch to connect, support, and inspire one another.

Ten (10) members of the society will participate in Mudderella, a 5-mile muddy obstacle course in New York to raise funds for two nonprofit organizations in Liberia. You may support The Franciscan Works Liberian Mission School in Toe Town and the More than Me Girls School in Monrovia. Both organizations provide critical schooling and care to children orphaned by the Ebola epidemic and HIV/AIDS.

Have questions? Email: Society of African Ladies who Brunch

Join the campaign here: support the campaign

The AWP Network salutes and congratulates Graça Machel who was recently honored with the 2015 Skoll Global Treasure Award. Machel is a Mozambican politician, humanitarian, former first lady of South Africa and an international advocate for women’s and children’s rights.

Read more here

Roye Okupe is targeting a new demographic of Africans fans with the project E.X.O. – the legend of Wale Williams.

How did you come up with the name for this idea?

When thinking about a name for my business, I struggled a bit. For 2 weeks, I went back and forth searching for available domain names because I wanted to match the business name and the website address. However, all the creative ideas I came up with were already taken. One thing I knew was that I wanted a unique name. After thinking about it a bit more, it struck me that I could use the keyword as a name. So I named the business ‘YouNeek Studios.’

What inspired you to start this idea?

All my life I have watched, played, and read everything that I could about superhero comics. I cannot begin to explain why but I think that in a world where there is so much negativity and suffering, superhero comics served as my escape. I loved to watch or read about the good guys saving the day and protecting people.

In 2008, when the superhero genre was becoming a global phenomenon, I noticed that there was not a lot of diversity. Specifically, superheroes from Africa were not getting as much exposure, if any. Therefore, I decided to solve this problem by creating a superhero character from Nigeria – project E.X.O. – the legend of Wale Williams. My mission with E.X.O. – the legend of Wale Williams is to put Africa on the map when it comes to telling superhero stories, be it animated or through superhero comics and graphic novels. On the continent, there are people with a wealth of creative and appealing stories, but they never really get the proper commercial exposure. My hope is that E.X.O. fulfills my life long goal of adding something unique to the superhero genre.

Who is your target market?

Simple, if you are into superheroes and superhero stories, then this is for you. Whether you are an 8 year-old kid or a 30 year-old adult (like me), you are going to have a blast reading the graphic novel.

How have you financed the idea?

Bootstrapping – so far everything has come out-of-pocket. I have also had family members invest in the project because they believe in what I am trying to do. I recently launched a Kickstarter campaign and I am overwhelmed by the support people have given me so far. In just 3 days, we hit the campaign goal and in just 2 weeks, we had 200 percent funded. It has been an amazing experience and people have been very supportive. It is a great feeling because it reinforces my initial hunch that people want and would pay to get access to this type of content. People want to see more superheroes from diverse parts of the world and not just Africa.

What is your competitive edge?

I have this incessant, burning desire to see this project succeed. Also, I have had the wonderful privilege of growing up in two different countries (Nigeria and the United States). I believe the experiences from both phases of my life gives me a unique advantage when it comes to creativity and appealing to a broad range of demographics. Lastly, I am a very curious person so I like to discover how to do things. Over the years, I have picked up skills ranging from writing, animation, producing, directing and editing to web design, graphic design, software development, business development – most of which I learnt on my own. This robust set of skills has made it easy to collaborate with people from different backgrounds.

There is one more thing that I want to say in regards to this question. When it comes to African superheroes or diverse superheroes in general, I am not the first, neither will I be the last, but I decided that if I was going to produce the book and animated product, that I was going to make as much noise as possible. For one month, I literally stalked popular bloggers and journalists online. I think to date, I have sent up to 150 emails to different journalists and probably only 15 of them have replied so far. For me, I felt like I needed more than a good product, I also needed the exposure and credibility. I believe it is the only way to stand out as a new player in the superhero genre. So I guess you can add persistence to what sets me apart.

What is the long-term plan for this idea?

The long-term goal is to use the success from the graphic novel as impetus to produce an animated feature film or series within the next 2 years. My hope is that the success of these products (the graphic novel and the animation) will give me the leverage and credibility needed to build a superhero universe based on an eclectic list of characters with interconnected stories. These stories will be delivered across multiple mediums including but not limited to comic books, graphic novels, animation and possibly video games. I also hope that I get the opportunity to create toys and merchandize for African children based on my characters.

What challenges do you face?

The biggest challenge that I have faced so far is getting no support from distributors, networks and investors in regards to producing E.X.O. as an animated film/series. As you may know, creating an animated series is very expensive. I spoke to several distributors and investors for almost 2 years and the general consensus was that it was a great idea but too risky, especially because I am a first time producer and do not have any fan base. One producer told me point blank, “It won’t work, change your characters.” But I refuse to believe that and respectfully disagree with their conclusions. I believe that if done properly (great script, good production values etc.), Nigerians, Africans and people all over the world will be receptive to E.X.O. or any other diverse superhero story. We do not necessarily love characters like Superman, Batman, or Spiderman because of their place of origin. We love them because they have great stories we can identify with. That is why I took my time (5 years so far) in developing the story and characters.

What key things have you learned since starting this idea?

• There will always be challenges when you are chasing greatness, your success depends on how you react to failure.
• Never give up.
• Be nice and help other people. Don’t make everything about you.
• There’s no substitute for hard work.
• No one owes you anything, you have to go out and make your dreams come true.

What things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?

• Running a business is extremely difficult.
• If you don’t have a passion for it, don’t do it.
• If you are only doing it only for the money, you’ve failed.
• Network, Network, Network
• Focus on one thing at a time – strive to become the best at what you do.

What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?

Stop giving excuses. People have made billions of dollars from nothing. There is always a way, there is always a solution. It may not be obvious but it is there. You just have to search really hard for it. It is easier said than done, but it has to be done.

How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?

We need to patronize each other’s businesses. Sometimes I feel like we focus more on competing with each other than helping each other. It is the “I want to get there first mentality.” I have been guilty of this in the past, but now I am trying to be a better person. I realize that we can achieve more together than we can individually.

How many jobs have you created so far?

I have not created any full-time jobs per say, hopefully this changes soon. However for my current book E.X.O., I have hired (3) artists in Nigeria on a short-term contract basis to help complete the book. Indeed, it has been one of my proudest moments to see Nigerian artists working with a Nigerian creator, writer, and art director on a Nigerian superhero graphic novel.

How has technology enhanced your business idea?

Technology makes it easy to collaborate. For the test animation I created for E.X.O., I collaborated with many talented people from around the globe. I worked with people in Africa, Europe, US and Asia. Without today’s tech, I would not have been able to achieve this.

How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?

By donating to my Kickstarter! On a more serious note, the best way is by continuing to create awareness. If you see a cool project, share it with friends on social media or send it to important blogs. It is time for the world to see the side of Africa that is not regularly portrayed in the media. There are many Africans creating lots of cool stuff. The more we share, the easier it is to catch the eyes of investors. If an investor sees a particular project is getting a lot of buzz, he or she may be more inclined to find out more than if a project owner sent a random email.

Facebook: YouNeek Studios

Twitter: YouNeek Studios

Innovation and Design: Nigerian Shoemaker tells Her Story

I started my business with about 7000 Naira and with the support of my former colleagues at Nokia Nigeria. They supported me by purchasing my products. Their support means so much to me, it kept me going through tough times, I am forever grateful to them.

How did you come up with the name of your business? 

The short version of the story is that I conducted a survey at my former workplace (Nokia Nigeria) and someone suggested that I use my name. The long version is that in 2005, my company name was, ‘Idees Creations,’ then in 2008, I changed it to ‘Plush Accessories.’ The name changed several times because I never really felt connected to those names. I felt they were plain, too simply, and dormant just like the business was for several years until 2012 when I decided to revive it.

At my former place of work, I conducted a survey to see if my male colleagues would wear a shoe brand named ‘Plush.’ They all said NO! Why? Because they felt the name was ‘too girly.’ After the survey, I began to research appropriate names for my company until a colleague suggested that I use my own name. I said, “No way.” However, I decided to give it a try and came up with several versions of my name until I came up with ‘Idong Harrie’ and the name just felt right. Many people call me that now, I think I have done a wonderful job with my brand. People even think that ‘Harrie’ is my last name.

What inspired you to start this business? 

My inspiration so far has been GOD! Who else? I believe God gave me the idea.

The idea to make my own shoes began in 2005. Someone gave my mother beaded slippers as a gift and something within me said, “Idong, you can make this slippers too!” Feeling very inspired, I went to Tejuosho market (which no longer exists), bought the materials, and to my surprise everything that I needed became available. I came home, researched how the upper part of the beaded slippers was made and copied it. Since then, I joined the footwear industry and started my business. Secondly, my customers! My first customers were my former colleagues at Nokia Nigeria. They supported me immensely by buying my products. Their support, kept me motivated. Everything about starting my business was born from their support and words of advice. I consider my colleagues at Nokia Nigeria my family.

Who is your target market?

Anyone who loves beautiful slippers.

Idong Harrie Company

How have you financed the idea?

In 2008, I started this business with the 7000 Naira my father gave me as pocket money. I used the funds to buy leather. I also received extensive support from my older brother who helped me to purchase a sewing machine. Over time, I have invested any money made back into the business. I put in about 70 percent of my salary from my job at Nokia into growing it. I also have wonderful friends who have loaned me money. Recently, I won competitive grants from companies such as Etisalat and Shell and the available funds has had an incredible impact on my business.

What is your competitive edge?

When I started my business, I could not identify my competitive edge and I suffered greatly for this. My product was lost in the marketplace and I had not yet learned the business side of my idea. I felt lost in the crowd. But now, I can identify my competitive edge. (1) we are affordable, (2) the customer experience, (3) we only use genuine leather materials, (4) our designs are unique, and (5) have you seen the way we package our slippers? Having gone through business school, I realize that these factors are my competitive edge and I work hard to retain them.

What is the long-term for your business?

My long-term plan is to be the preferred indigenous footwear and accessory making company in Nigeria with branches nationwide and throughout Africa. I want to have stores in high traffic malls around Nigeria and my dream is that my footwear brand will be among the top 3 in Nigeria owned by a Nigerian.

What challenges do you face?

I face several challenges. Asides the lack of basic amenities and infrastructural challenges that are needed to enhance productivity in a business, I need to develop my marketing strategy, brand awareness/recognition and increase production capacity.

What key things have you learned since starting this idea?

• Be resilient, it is not easy to run a business in Nigeria – keep pushing, things will shape up in time.
• Have a good and supportive network,
• Improve and develop yourself,
• Have discipline especially in the area of your personal and business finances.

What key things do startup entrepreneurs need to know?

1. Do not be afraid to share your ideas with people.
2. Take advice, however, be very selective of the kinds of people you take them from and share them with.
3. Get a mentor, someone you would be accountable to and who would put you in check.
4. Always invest back into the business. Don’t spend your hard work on frivolous items.
5. Research, expand your mind, and seek more knowledge.

What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?

Sometimes, money is not the major reason. My advice is to start small with what you have and then reinvest the money back into the business. With steady cash flow, the business will grow.

How many jobs have you created so far?

9 jobs (4 full-time positions, 5 Interns)

How has technology enhanced your business idea? 

Technology is responsible for the growth of my business. I have an e-commerce website where customers can view products and make payments online. We send conformation emails, receipts, invoices, and pictures to our customers using a software platform. This makes it easy, cost-effective, and orderly. In addition, social media has been influential and impactful to our bottom line. Through various social media platforms, customers get to learn about our products and what we do.

How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?

First, let us start by enlightening the minds of the people and letting them know that they can become part of the innovation ecosystem. Secondly, giving people the confidence and helping them to understand and appreciate the ideas that come out of their minds. Lastly, creating an environment whereby these ideas can be harnessed. It could be in terms of space, ambiance, tools, or resources. It is powerful and great to see what companies like Idea Hub and the Co-Creation hub are doing in Nigeria but unfortunately, available hubs are restricted to the ICT industry. Such spaces for other industries could be established too.

Website: Idong Harrie Company

Instagram: Idong Harrie Company

Facebook: Idong Harrie Company

Twitter: Idong Harrie Company

Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs

“The easiest way to get funding is to build a team. You will be surprised at how quickly your idea takes off when you have a solid group of people equally passionate about your idea. Also, like our parents say, two (or more) heads are better than one. The diversity as well as the expanded network will amplify your chances of funding the venture.”  —  Bilikiss Kola-Abiola, CEO of award-winning company WeCyclers

“Money is good but the lack of it should not stop YOU. Think of ideas that won’t cost much money. Save and work towards the big idea. Again, if you want it badly enough, you will work hard to get it. I think young people want things to happen overnight. Well, it won’t. Tuface has history, so does Emem Isong. It’s a process, a journey, and young people must be ready to walk the walk. Okon Lagos was not the first script that I wanted to produce but I knew that no one would give a newbie like me more than a certain amount of money so I thought of an inexpensive script that I could easily raise money for. I still haven’t produced that first script – I am still waiting for the right time.”

—  Executive producer, and co-founder of the Royal Arts Academy, Uduak Isong

“Money is not everything. It is a false comfort. Money will not stop a “real entrepreneur” from starting a business. Work until you have saved enough – find investors, ask friends and family, borrow. Money should not stop anyone from fulfilling their dreams. Money is an accelerator – whether you are going in the right or wrong direction, money simply accelerates you in the direction that you are already going in. Sometimes the lack of money helps you come up with innovative strategies and different solutions. For most small businesses, the lack of money should not be a barrier to starting, although it might be a barrier to growing. The most important thing is to start. If we had waited for the perfect financial conditions, we would probably still be at the drawing board stage.”

— Rapelang Rabana, Founding CEO of Yeigo Communications and ReKindle Learning

“Look inwards. You will find something you can do that won’t cost much and might help you get the money for something bigger.” —  Modupe Macaulay, CapitalSquare

 

“There will never be a time when there will be money so my advice is to start now and start small.”  —- Jane Ole, Elizabeth Waldorf Designs

 

(1) Start small and grow big. (2) Try to fund your business yourself or ask your family and friends for money. (3) If you really want something, believe in your product or business model and you will succeed. It’s just a matter of time and for how long you can endure. (4) Focus on your goals and don’t get distracted.

— Nkem Begho, Managing Director of Future Software Resources Nigeria Limited, and winner of the 2012 Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation

“Yes, you need money to start a business, but is it possible to bootstrap your ideas? Start small and work your way towards your identified goal. You can also hold on to a part-time job if you have one.”

— Iheoma Obibi, Intimate Pleasures

“Be creative! Start the business in steps and stages. Also, look for investors even if it’s from friends or family (however, make sure you get agreements in place before borrowing any money.) Look for grants and funding opportunities in your local area.”  —Ronke Lawal, Ariatu PR

We hope that this provides you with a unique perspective to overcoming the fear of starting and encourages you to take the necessary step needed to start your business idea. Don’t let money serve as a hindrance. If you believe in yourself, you can achieve your goals, and live your dreams.

Ayo Agunbiade

The AWP Network met with Ayo Agunbiade, founder of Ayo Naledi designs, a handmade fine jewelry design company to learn more about what inspired her to start her business and how she plans to grow.

How did you come up with the name of your business?

Years ago, while watching a television show, I heard the name ‘Naledi‘ and I instantly fell in love with it.  It was my first time hearing the name so I did my research to find out more information about ‘Naledi.’ Through my research, I discovered it was a South African name, which means ‘star.’ I adopted the name and decided to add my given name ‘Ayo’ to it and voila –  ‘Ayo Naledi.’

What inspired you to start?

 I have always been very creative and art inclined. From drawing and painting as a child to designing clothing and jewelry as an adult. As the years passed, I found my hands and heart leaning more toward this. The desire to be my own boss coupled with a passion for what I do inspired me to birth ‘Ayo Naledi Designs.‘ The thought of being stuck working for someone else doing a job that I did not have a passion for, was an added motivation.

Who is your target market?

Young and upwardly mobile individuals. The goal is to have different collections for different needs. I want to offer something of value for everyone; from classic jewelry for the corporate woman to fun and trendy pieces for everyday wear.

How have you financed the idea?

I worked on and off for some time now before resigning completely and devoting my time to growing my business. In addition, I have a great support system; my family. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized.

What is your competitive edge?

Adopting a customer-centric approach is one because I understand that customers want the opportunity to connect with you and vice versa. Another value added, is the offering of bespoke, one-of-a-kind jewelry to customers, for which they might have played a personal role in its design process. For Ayo Naledi, it is more than just jewelry.

What is the 5-year plan for this idea?

 In 5 years? I would like for Ayo Naledi designs to be well-known in the market for fine jewelry; a brand whose designs have a recognizable look. I would also like to have built a team of passionate people who can key into the vision of my designs.

What challenges do you face ?

One of the challenges that I have had to deal with is business management. It is not enough to just be creative, I realized quite late that having a clear understanding of the management aspect of my business is just as important as the production/creative aspect.

What key things have you learned since starting this idea?

1. I have learned to trust myself;  it took me a while to understand and accept the fact that when I falter or make mistakes, it is not the end of the world.
2. I have learned to create jewelry that is demand-driven and not what I think will sell or what I like to wear. Understanding what my customers want has helped a great deal.
3. Proper planning and learning is crucial. No one gets rich without having a clear idea of what exactly it is that they want to accomplish. I used to think that I did not need a plan because my business is small. But without a plan, I very soon realized that I did not have a clear direction. I wore myself out jumping from one task to the other without any focus.
4.  Networking is key to both business development and growth as a person. Ideas and knowledge are shared through networking. Connections, referrals and opportunities can all come through networking.

What five(5) things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?

• Have a plan,
• Understand that building a start-up isn’t easy,
• Know where the funding of your business will come from,
• Be optimistic – focus on possibilities not problems,
• Network

What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?

There are many people who want to start their own businesses, however, they do not believe that the time is right because they do not have enough money. I have been there and I realize that nothing will be perfect. You may not have all the money you need to start, or a fantastic website, start anyway and you can improve as you go along. Pastor Sam Adeyemi’s book ‘Start With What You Have’ helped me a great deal.

My advice – do the best you can with whatever resources you have. Make sure that your business is built around what you already know. Avoid unnecessary expenses and maximize the use of social media. Will it be difficult and stressful? Yes. Would it make a great success story? Definitely.

How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?

Through network building and collaborations. We need a platform where we can engage one another and share ideas because we all need help of some sort. On these youth-driven platforms, we can dialogue, learn and empower one another.

How many jobs have you created so far?

I currently have one (1) paid staff. Since I started, I have trained over 100 women across Nigeria in the art of making jewelry and accessories. These women have been able to start their own small businesses and some have even gone on to train others.

How has technology enhanced your business idea?

Technological innovations have changed how businesses run. Businesses are capable of running in a more organized fashion. The use of the internet has enabled small businesses like mine to showcase and sell products not just in Nigeria alone but around the world. Customer transactions are a lot faster, giving way to a better customer service experience. Design techniques have improved over the years with the emergence of softwares and equipments that have made designing and production processes a whole lot easier. A design could be sketched and with CAD, one could have a digital version, an idea of what the finished product would look like even before you start making it.

How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?

Innovation is already on the rise in Africa and thankfully a lot of entrepreneurs are coming up with various innovative solutions to problems; from urine conversion to electricity to innovative ICT solutions. However, Africa’s capacity to innovate can be increased by tackling the key issues in our educational systems, improving local access to technology, providing adequate and accessible startup funding for inventions and ideas. Tech hubs are constantly trying to bridge Africa’s technology gap and they should also be encouraged and sustained.

Innovation in Africa can be improved through the emergence of more collaborations and partnerships that provide trainings, mentoring programs, educational opportunities, knowledge sharing and support for Africans. Partnerships between our governments and businesses should be geared towards providing enabling environments for innovation.

Facebook: Ayo Naledi Designs
Twitter: @theayonaledi

The AWP Network salutes and congratulates Arunma Oteh, who was recently appointed vice president and treasurer of the World Bank. Oteh previously served as Director General of  Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission.

In 2014, Oteh was named West African Business Woman of the Year by CNBC at the Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards.  Oteh is also listed as one of AWP Network’s Power Women – a list recognizing African women with powerful voices, who continue to create programs and policies that support the development and growth of African women and girls.

Read more here.

The AWP Network salutes and congratulates Wecyclers on winning the 2015 Pitch For Lagos competition, an event chaired by Steve Case, co-founder of America Online (AOL) and founder of the Case Foundation.

Wecyclers is a response to local waste issues in Lagos, where only 40 percent of the city’s garbage is collected. The World Bank also estimates that only 10 percent of waste in Africa is collected. More than 5,000 households have signed up so far and there are plans to extend the initiative to other cities throughout Nigeria.

Recycling companies purchase Wecyclers’ sorted waste for reprocessing products such as mattresses, pillows, and trash bags. The solution enables low-income communities to make money from waste piling up in their streets by deploying a fleet of cargo bicycles to collect and recycle unmanaged waste. Wecyclers also allows families exchange garbage for consumer goods via an SMS-based point system.

Read the AWP Network Interview with the co-founder of WeCyclers.

Read the interview here: Smile and Mobile 

“Many believe that small businesses are vital for Africa’s future success. They already play a vital role across the continent – with the number growing on an annual basis. We were joined by Mary Olushoga, who is the founder of AWP Network.com – which provides advice and guidance for many small to medium-sized African businesses and entrepreneurs.”

Watch the interview here: ARISE NEWS TV 

Facebook: ARISE News TV