EMERITUS

Can we meet you? 

My name is Opeoluwa Olatunbosun, and I am a 200 level student of the Department of English at the University of Ibadan. In addition to my studies, I am also a spoken word poet and textile designer.

With a passion for language and creativity, I have honed my skills in both written and spoken words. Through my poetry, I strive to inspire and provoke thoughts, using the power of words to convey important messages and emotions.

As a textile designer, I am equally passionate about creating beautiful and functional pieces that reflect my unique style and vision. From intricate patterns to bold colours, my designs are a reflection of my creativity and attention to detail.

Overall, I am a dedicated and driven individual who is committed to pursuing my passions and achieving my goals. Whether through poetry or design, I am always striving to push the boundaries of what is possible and create something truly remarkable.

As a student entrepreneur (studentpreneur), what do you do?

As a skilled textile designer, I specialise in creating stunning Adire and Batik designs. My passion for this art form has led me to share my knowledge and expertise with others through comprehensive training sessions. 

Tell us how you locate your area of interest in entrepreneurship. 

As a lover of all things related to arts, from dance to music to visual creations, I have always been drawn to creative expression. During my secondary school years, I spent a considerable amount of time drawing and painting. However, I yearned for something new and exciting to explore. That’s when I discovered the world of fabric design and immediately fell in love with it. 

With the unwavering support of my father and the guidance of a skilled trainer, I was able to hone my natural talent and develop a unique style that I could monetize. Today, I am proud to say that I have built a successful career in fabric design, and I continue to be inspired by the endless possibilities of this art form.

What motivated you to become an entrepreneur? 

It wouldn’t be a lie to say that my passion lies in making money. However, it is completely true to say that my passion is utilising my talents to create Adire and Batik fabrics and monetizing them. I have discovered what I excel at and have capitalised on it by charging for my services.

Some believe that having entrepreneurial skill is natural, while some believe it is self-acquired. What is your viewpoint about it? 

I firmly believe that natural talent can be enhanced and refined through practice and education. As an example, I was able to draw with ease on paper, but struggled when it came to drawing on fabrics. However, I was determined to improve my skills and learned the necessary techniques.

It’s important to note that entrepreneurial skills are not solely innate. Anyone can develop these skills with a willingness to learn and grow. Continuously seeking out opportunities to expand your knowledge and abilities is key to success in any field.

Tell us about the challenges you have encountered in the course of being an entrepreneur? 

First and foremost, being an entrepreneur is a thrilling and unpredictable journey. Some days, everything falls into place seamlessly, but most days, you find yourself consumed with worry and exhaustion as you strive to overcome obstacles and achieve success. To thrive in this field, you must be committed to continuous learning and persistent effort.

As someone who tends to be socially reclusive, I find it challenging to constantly put myself out there and maintain a visible presence in the business world. However, I recognize that this is a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship, and I am determined to push myself outside of my comfort zone.

One of the most significant challenges I face as an entrepreneur in Nigeria is the lack of control I have over production costs. Expenses seem to crop up from every direction, and it can be difficult to keep up with the financial demands of running a business. Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to pursuing my entrepreneurial dreams and finding innovative solutions to the challenges I encounter along the way.

Is “You Can Work Anywhere” dictum a force to your entrepreneurial disposition and acquisition? 

No, it isn’t. 

White collar job or having an enterprise, which do you prefer and which is better to you? 

Running an enterprise can be a challenging endeavour. While it may come with its fair share of heartbreaks, I still find it to be a more desirable option than not owning a business at all. The rewards of entrepreneurship are numerous, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with building something from scratch is unparalleled. Despite the inevitable setbacks, the potential for success and personal growth make the journey worthwhile. 

Tell us what you have done in your business.

I have created more than 1000 unique Adire and Batik designs for over 300 clients, including individuals and brands. Additionally, I have trained over 150 individuals through partnerships with non-governmental organisations. My business has been presented to esteemed organisations such as the Enterprise Development Center at the Lagos Business School. Furthermore, I am proud to have been selected as one of the top 10 finalists at last year’s Fashionsouk pitch program.

How do you manage being a student as well as an entrepreneur at the same time? 

It’s tough, quite tough, but fortunately, I have a strong support system. I am fortunate to have friends who assist me with my classroom duties when I am unable to attend. However, I strive to maintain a balance between my academic and professional responsibilities. This year, I am expanding my staff size to ensure that I can devote my full attention to my studies. 

Who is your favourite entrepreneurial tycoon? Why? 

Over the past year, I have made a conscious effort to listen attentively to established entrepreneurs. I have sought inspiration from the likes of Lanre DaSilva, Vusi, and The Dragon Den investors. However, one individual who has had a profound impact on my business acumen is Mrs. Ibukun Awosika. 

Last year, I had the privilege of sitting in the same room with Mrs. Awosika and was given the opportunity to ask her questions. This experience was truly eye-opening and has been instrumental in the success of my business. I credit many of my breakthroughs to the invaluable teachings I received from her.

Through my interactions with successful entrepreneurs, I have come to appreciate the importance of learning from those who have already achieved great success. Mrs. Awosika’s insights have been particularly valuable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from her.  

Tell us your favourite quote about entrepreneurship.     

As Mrs Awosika would say, the first step to success is to be “damn” good at what you do. Excel in your field, provide exceptional customer service, and strive for perfection in your work. When you are truly skilled and dedicated, financial success will naturally follow. Of course, Mrs. A would never use such coarse language as “damn,” but you get the idea. Remember, success is earned through hard work and a commitment to excellence.

Where do you see your business or enterprise in five years? 

A company that can boast of a team of over 50 talented designers who produce an impressive 1,000 designs each week. a good number of branches across the country and also a household name amongst people in Nigeria as well as those outside Nigeria. Just like Mrs Nike of Nike Art Gallery if not more than. I want to lead a company that gives employees the reason to wake up everyday with a sense of purpose and anticipation, eager to see what new opportunities and challenges the day will bring. A company that truly offers a fulfilling and rewarding career path, one that inspires employees to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams. That’s where I see myself and my brand in the next five years.