Everybody's free to wear sunscreen.......Baz Luhrmann #90smusic

Exactly a year ago, I gave a belated shout out to my cousin +jide ogungbesan and shared #90smusic from Maxwell - about a year ago today! This makes me realise how long its been already since I started this blog, interesting how time flies. Happy birthday again today Jide!! Love you loads and thanks for encouraging me from the start.

It's Friday and I am in the mood for some good quality #90smusic, it's been a while. Before I get to the music though, anybody out there as happy as I am about the kids school resumption?! Whew!! That was one mighty long one. Here's one picture I saw that sums it up pretty well, hehe;

You know you feel the same way! Stop using bad eye to look at me joo. 

The song I dug up for today was more of a spoken word released in 1998 by Australlian film director, Baz Luhrmann. I don't get that excited by work in this genre (i.e. spoken word), but this one got me! I read somewhere that the song was based on an essay written as a potential commencement speech by Mary Schmich, published in the Chicago Tribune in 1997. Enough with the history class (if you are interested though, go here), but the words of this essay still ring true today and I really do hope as you listen or read, you actually do hear them....

Enjoy.....

Read the actual essay here as published in June 1997.

Everybody's free to wear sunscreen - Baz Luhrmann

Click this link if you cannot view the video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=NG&hl=en-GB&v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’99 

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen (and this is true) would be 

it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by 

scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable 

than my own meandering 

experience…I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh never mind; you will not 

understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. (hmmm)

But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and 

recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before 

you and how fabulous you really looked….You’re not as fat as you 

imagine.

Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as 

effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing 

bubblegum. (hahaha, really, why worry)

The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that 

never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm 

on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing everyday that scares you

Sing

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with 

people who are reckless with yours.

Floss

Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes 

you’re behind (so true)…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with 

yourself. (This should be in capital letters!!)

Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you 

succeed in doing this, tell me how. (haha)

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements. (Er...that's if you got any)

Stretch

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your 

life…(Oh glory!! Cos, this is me, most of the time and no, I refuse to feel guilty)

the most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they 

wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year 

olds I know still don’t. 

Get plenty of calcium. (I haven't been getting that o)

Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.

Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children,maybe 

you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky 

chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…( the funky chicken dance would be nice, if we can still stand, hehe) 

what ever you do, don’t 

congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your 

choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. Enjoy your body, 

use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people 

think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever 

own..

Dance

…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room. (Yep yep! cos really, nobody should see me dance! I have two left legs)

Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly. (aha!)

Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for 

good. (When last did you call them? yes you!)

Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the 

people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you 

should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and 

lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you 

knew when you were young. (Word!)

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live 

in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. (eheen, really?)

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will 

philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize 

that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were 

noble and children respected their elders. (But its true, this generation ehn, in my day....*rolls eyes*)

Respect your elders.

Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, 

maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one 

might run out.

Don’t mess too much with your hair, ( er.. +Lola Maja-Okojevoh, *coughs* just messing with you! Much love) or by the time you're 40, it will 

look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who 

supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of 

fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the 

ugly parts and recycling it for more than 

it’s worth. (read this again...)

But trust me on the sunscreen…

- http://www.anysonglyrics.com/lyrics/b/bazluhrmann/everybodys.htm

"Baz Luhrmann" by Eva Rinaldi - [http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography/8778395273/ flickr. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Reelfruit - Affiong Williams #inthespiritofenterprise

Hi guys! Don't even bother asking where I have been. What can I say, life happens. In other news, I debuted my radio show on enterprise radio today!!! Whoop whoop! It's called "Strike the anvil" and it airs on Tuesdays from 9am to 10am west African time. You can call in to contribute or protest, hehe. The whole idea is to hit the nail on the head about entrepreneurship in Nigeria and Africa. You can stream directly from the site or download the app at www.enterpriseng.com. I look forward to having great conversations with you! You can listen to the premiere on soundcloud here - http://goo.gl/uqHnUx

In case you've forgotten and this is my fault, I know, It's Tuesday, #inthespiritofenterprise!! In the spirit of enterprise we have a wonderful ground breaking entrepreneur story to share today. I am super excited to introduce to you, Affiong Williams. All you weight watchers, here's a cool way to get your fruit on!

Tell us about yourself 

My name is Affiong Williams, 28 Year Old entrepreneur, building a fruit processing company in Nigeria, and eventually other countries in Africa. I studied a general Bsc degree in Physiology and Psychology, and followed up with a diploma in business management. However, my most valuable education came through work experience. I am quite simple. I take pride in it. I am quite motivated (I have run 2 marathons (42 KM) and 1 ultra-marathon (50KM) before I turned 26). I am very ambitious. I am clumsy, passionate, curious (I love travel), introverted and a bit of a nerd. I hope to hold political office in the future (Power to the women!! Yaay), and I also hope to live in different countries in Africa.


Tell us about your business?

ReelFruit offers healthy snacks (dried fruits and nuts) to the growing class of people who are looking for healthier eating and lifestyle. My decision to launch ReelFruit was borne out of my general decision to venture into the Agribusiness sector. I believe that Agriculture has huge untapped potential both in wealth and job creation, however, like any other business, it requires large investment, patience and expertise. I was excited about value addition to fruit products, so I decided to start with dried fruits as a way to preserve the shelf life of fruits and reduce waste.

What inspired you to go into agro food processing?
I am motivated by a number of things, but what drives me most is the possibility that I can change a community, and the agribusiness sector. The values that drive our business are rooted in our long term vision, that through agribusiness , we can change lives. Nigerian products can be made to world class standards, and can be sold anywhere in the world. This is reflected in our short term plans, of launching products that reflect the quality of a world class product, as well as our medium term plans of launching a world class factory. Anything we do will be novel, we will drive innovation and bring change to the agribusiness industry. We don’t want to work within the inefficiencies that plague the sector. We want to be a driving force of change

What are the products you currently have in the market?

Our range currently includes dried mango, pineapple, coconut, banana, a fruit and nut mix and cashews. We are currently present mainly in Lagos, but we are excited to be growing into other regions of the country and beyond Nigeria. We have sold our products in Ghana, South Africa and even the United States

How has the market acceptance of these products been?

Market Acceptance has been a constant challenge. Although we know customers like our products, marketing and awareness is one of our biggest hurdles. It is very expensive to create large marketing campaigns, and we don’t have to budget for that. We try to be creative and use as many free forums as possible to get the work out there about our products.


How did you raise funds for your business?

My savings in the beginning, friends, family and fools as well. :-) ReelFruit has won 2 business plan competitions, which came with some funds. Now we are at a stage where we are getting investors who are excited about the vision of the company and its potential.

What are the main challenges you have faced along the way and how have you managed them?
There are so many challenges, and you cannot plan for all of them. I could go on all day about challenges. The biggest challenge is that most things take longer than expected, so one must always leave a little room to accommodate delays in business. I have also had a lot of “unexpected expenses” which always increase our operational expenses. I have had a mild case of dubious suppliers and even dubious products sold on the market which spoil after 1 month of use.

For all challenges, I try as much as possible to seek counsel from people who have been in similar situations before. I would suggest that entrepreneurs invest time in expanding their network. The value of a solid network is huge. I have been so positively surprised by how helpful people (who didn’t know me prior) have been. I would recommend that people take time out for personal development by seeking out people in their industries that they can learn from. Many challenges offer great opportunities for one to learn about their businesses more intimately, so challenges are not always a bad thing…In retrospect, of course.

How would you summarize the experience so far?

Challenging, enlightening, interesting. I have had so many opportunities open up since starting my business. I have vastly increased my network to include other passionate Nigerians who are doing wonderful things that will be big in a few years’ time. Through my experience, I have ascertained what my purpose is on this earth- an achievement that has truly liberated me. All in all, It has been rewarding, and most importantly, the future looks very bright.

Given the chance, will you do this again? 

YES! I would start earlier.

What advice will you give to someone setting up a new business in Nigeria.

In business, I advise everyone to take it a step at a time. Before I got an office, and hired staff, I started the business in my room, working alone, going from pillar to post, and testing the products with customers. Pay close attention to market feedback, and be willing and flexible to your products and services to fit the market needs. You have to be patient, committed, persistent, and hold on to your big ambitions.

Visit - https://www.facebook.com/reelfruitng

follow - @reelfruit

website - http://www.reelfruit.com/

Call -  +234 8165376179 or +234 8184680334

Am I wrong - Nico & Vinz #musicfriday

Let's share some good music this Friday shall we.....

The rate at which new music is turned out nowadays is alarming. It's so hard to keep up. This minute you are feeling this song and before you know it another one comes and bounces it off. There are some however that just stick, they stand out because the lyrics are sound, the music composition is good and they just stand out from all the "shake your bum bum", "lie in my bed" hogwash we get bombarded with.

This song is a breath of fresh air. One of my top songs at the moment.

According to Wikipedia, The duo was asked about the meaning of the song and the inspiration behind it during an interview on Good Morning America, Nico Sereba said, "Inspiration is coming from a small country, but having huge dreams and people telling you, man, that's not realistic, come on, you can't be on the top of America or the top of the world or whatever we dream of......"

No wonder the lyrics are so deep...

Enjoy.

Click here to view video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg1sT4ILG0w

"Am I Wrong"

Am I wrong for thinking out the box from where I stay?

Am I wrong for saying that I choose another way?

I ain't tryna do what everybody else doing

Just cause everybody doing what they all do

If one thing I know, I'll fall but I'll grow

I'm walking down this road of mine, this road that I call home

So am I wrong

For thinking that we could be something for real?

Now am I wrong

For trying to reach the things that I can't see?

But that's just how I feel,

That's just how I feel

That's just how I feel

Trying to reach the things that I can't see

Am I tripping for having a vision?

My prediction: I'mma be on the top of the world

Walk your walk and don't look back, always do what you decide (Yessir! Just do it)

Don't let them control your life, that's just how I feel

Fight for yours and don't let go, don't let them compare you, no

Don't worry, you're not alone, that's just how we feel

Am I wrong (am I wrong)

For thinking that we could be something for real?

(oh yeah yeah yeah oh)

Now am I wrong (am I wrong)

For trying to reach the things that I can't see?

(oh yeah yeah yeah yeah)

But that's just how I feel,

That's just how I feel

That's just how I feel

Trying to reach the things that I can't see

If you tell me I'm wrong, wrong

I don't wanna be right, right

If you tell me I'm wrong, wrong

I don't wanna be right

[2x]

Am I wrong

For thinking that we could be something for real?

Now am I wrong

For trying to reach the things that I can't see?

But that's just how I feel,

That's just how I feel

That's just how I feel

Trying to reach the things that I can't see

So am I wrong (am I wrong)

For thinking that we could be something for real?

(oh yeah yeah yeah oh)

Now am I wrong (am I wrong)

For trying to reach the things that I can't see?

(oh yeah yeah yeah yeah)

But that's just how I feel,

That's just how I feel

That's just how I feel

Trying to reach the things that I can't see

 Jez look at them :-)!! 

The "Unexpected Expenses" Menace....

It's been a while since I sat by this computer to type anything, I bet I am all rusty, so forgive me if I ramble quite a bit. Besides, this post is more like a venting session so ....

There are these little demons, in my mother's church they call them "emptiers". You can't understand this concept of emptiers unless you have been through a drought. My people, the number one pocket emptier in this our grown up lives is "unbudgeted expenses". How does an entrepreneur who has not attained some level of predictable income streams deal with these unanticipated expenses that come not in ones nor twos but in droves!

Here's my recent experience;

#Emptier no.1

As is the case with many remote areas in Nigeria, home owners have to buy their water because government hasn't gotten round to their zones yet, so we buy a tanker load every month and a half with proper management. Lately though I noticed the time was getting shorter and shorter and we tried to do some layman troubleshooting before we decided perhaps our usage had just gone up.

Then, we bought the last batch this fateful day, only for me to waltz to the tap the next day to get some water and zilch! Nada! Nothing but that funny sort of burp that comes out of the tap when all the water has been drained! Oti o. Owo j'ona. At first I thought perhaps it was just an airlock issue until my hubby confirmed that the tanks were empty! 9000 naira tanker load of water, drained overnight. I could not cry. We got the plumber to come in and trace the source of the leakage with no luck of course (Remember my post about plumber *rolls eyes*). Rather than trace the source he suggested we lay new pipes and do a whole new plumbing system. For what naa! N'ile merent!

#Emptier no. 2

While the bad taste of the water experience, a few nairas later with no solution was still lingering, I come home one day to find that everyone had power and we didn't. At first I just thought oh, we have run out of credits on the meter,  but when I go to check the meter, alas the thing is blank, staring at me completely blank. I take the card to the estate office to complain and ask them to load the card and see if it'll load. They tell me they have to get a technician to come in and inspect the meter first. It's bad enough that this took about 3 days (diesel burning days), then they show up with a letter saying the meter is bad and no longer under warranty, "kindly forward the sum of 85000 naira to the estate management office for a replacement"!!! Say what?! I gave the letter right back because my brain couldn't even process that figure. While we are vexing and trying to sort this out with the estate, the filling station down the road is smiling to the bank.

#Emptier no. 3

I know some men will blame me for this, because I guess y'all are perfect and you write down the date of  your tyre purchases and expected change dates..... Wureva! In my head I have an idea how long a tyre should last and so it is upsetting when your tyres suddenly just give up on you after a couple of nail accidents. At this point, I am tempted to scream WHY ME!!! I had to make unexpected tyre purchases all in this same season of unexpecteds....

#Emptier no. 4

You thought that was all right? Hmmmmm.... By now even you would be like, who did this girl offend? You won't believe, the same day I condemned my tyres, I am driving home trying to stay positive and not think I need 1 week deliverance when gbaga (that's a sound, in yoruba), someone hits me from behind! That's when the meltdown came. I was so upset I cried like a baby, even after I saw that it wasn't too major, I still cried all the way home, especially because my hubby just had the car re-sprayed less than two months before.

So my people, that has been my past few weeks in a nutshell. Why am I sharing? This is about the real everyday struggle of an entrepreneur in Nigeria, especially women who have to run their homes too. There's just so much to deal with. Perhaps you're out there thinking "WHY ME", stop! We're all going to be just fine in the end....... Hang in there.While you're at it, stay safe too #Ebola is real.

Cheers guys!

P.S
I stumbled on this, you might find it useful. It highlights a few tips on how to manage your expenses

Visit - Unexpected expenses budgeting

The things that matter......

Hi guys.

I saw something today that got me thinking.... As we grow older more and more things fight for our attention, there's kids to attend to, there's a business or career to pursue, there's places to see, bills to keep up with, friends to catch up with, TV series to finish..... aaaaargh!! This is even just a generalized list, I can break each heading to sub headings and sub subs... Its crazy guys. A few weeks ago, I had an event I had signed up for online. I got up early, dressed up and drove all the way from my Isheri village to Four points by Sheraton only to find I was a week early! Hahahaha!! Funny and not funny. How does one maintain her sanity? Guys, If you didn't know this before, I am telling you, it is no joke being a woman. I know men will start to go on about how hard they work to provide for their families bla bla bla. We appreciate you ehn, but still..... you don't know till you know. I digress, let me get back to the why of this post, in the next paragraph.

If you found out today that you had just one month to live, what would be top on your list?

..........

.............

I didn't put the pauses up there in error, I did that because I know that would be the reaction most people would have to such a question, others would probably just say, this girl is mad and take off. But for those of you who are still here, let's think about this.

I trust most Nigerians to begin to go all spiritual on me, but I want last days on earth answers, not heavenly thereafter type ones. I have drawn up a list to set us off on a path;

- Close account and go on a vacation alone
- Close account and go on vacation with family
- Call up everyone special to you and let old grudges go
- Go on an extreme adventure
- Just shutdown everything and wait for the last day
- Give all you have to charity
- Do one thing you have always wanted to do but never did

Why am I thinking about this anyway?

Sometimes thinking like this helps you remember to focus on what is most important. Yes it is great to be a filthy rich, mighty famous business tycoon but after that, then what? In our quest for this ultimate success, let us not forget the things that matter.

I'll leave you with these thoughts;

"You are not the car you drive
You are not the house you live in
You are not the money you have in your bank account
You are not the number of followers you have on twitter or friends you have on facebook

No.... You are that person you are when nobody is watching, where non of these things matter......."

Here's wishing you a great week ahead!

Cheers.

P.S
Do a bucket list and if you care to share mail to me @ mofolusadesonaike@gmail.com. I'll share mine soon.

The Brazilian Massacre

Hello People. I know I have been so so MIA!! I have no excuse. Just know I owe you and I will make it up, soon.

In the mean time, I saw this piece about yesterday's Brazilian massacre and have been given permission to share. I found it so hilarious as I did the pictures which I'll share below as well. The guys who spend time making this memes are just crazy! Lol

By, Odun Odunlami.....

As the crowd marched into the stadium in anticipation (they should have saved their energies for some shady tears), little did they know of the agony about to be unleashed (worse than being pressed in traffic on third mainland bridge).

The Brazilian players sang their hearts out (and afterwards had no heart left) in a way that will make the writer of the anthem proud.

The Germans however, had only one goal (actually, seven goals) - that is, to win the game (which is a gross understatement of events).

The world watched (while scratching its head) as the spectacle unfolded.

The Brazilians never knew what hit them (but the nets did....and let's face it, the Germans were too slippery to have hit the samba boys).

In the end, everyone was left in doubt of what happened.

For all those we've lost to sickle cell anaemia

Today I got the news that an old schoolmate and family friend of mine passed on! We had been out of touch for years until she found me on twitter just last year and we've been in touch since then. We even discussed how I would visit Kano, specifically Daura village for her father's 70th birthday if we could get him to agree to a mini-party. Aisha was married with a daughter or two, I think and I was happy that she was doing very well, working with a bank despite her health challenge.

Davida was a fighter, spiritually and physically. She just went ahead and did whatever she wanted to do with all boldness. She had so much faith that she would live and one day get married and have kids. Sometimes she would get really sick and we would think "this is it" until she bounced back again. She came all the way to Ondo from Benin for my wedding, despite the fact that I said noooo, stop jumping up and down Bib, it's not good for your health. But that was Davida, she did just what she wanted, irrespective. She was such a loyal friend, more like a sister. She was in the middle of her masters at the University of Ife when the crisis that led to the end struck. Her last days in UCH Ibadan were painful and sad, she gave in because she was tired of the pain.

Sickle Cell!! Oh Sickle cell!!

They just left, with little or no warning.

Surely there must be a way...... a ray of light at the end of this tunnel. Too many lives have been cut short. Before the researchers find a way however, if you know your genotype is AS, please I beg you, let your love have eyes! Do not put another child through pain because of blind AS vs AS love, please...... Unless you choose not to have kids or have a solution. I have once been told that there is a way to detect the genotype in the early stages of pregnancy, I haven't met anyone who has done it though nor can I imagine that it would be easy.

For all those I remember who have been taken down by this menace, I light a candle for you on my page today, RIP

1. Wendy (primary 1, St. Paul's Nursery and Primary School) I was quite young but I still remember her empty chair, same with Gifty's
2. Gifty (primary 3, St. Paul's Nursery and Primary School)
3. Tunde Ketiku (Primary 5, St. Paul's Nursery and Primary School)
4. Wale ( SS3, Ikeja High School, Ikeja)
5. Irewale (Year one, Electrical Engineering Unilag) This minute we were jacking all night in class, next minute he's not there to pick up his books....
6. Folakemi Muslimat Sumola (VDT, Ikoyi)
7. Davida Orobor

and now 8..... Aisha Mohammed

Rest in peace guys!! You will be remembered......

Hposh Diaries.....

Hello fam!

It's been a while I came here.

First let me apologize for my absence.

I promise you I won't be far away anymore.

Life is in phases and each stage comes with it's own unique challenges.

Growing up, I had dreams, visions and goals I set out to achieve.

I had planned to write my best-selling book at 21 but I wasn't able to.

My dream was that at part 3 in the tertiary institution I would not have to call anyone at home to send me pocket money.

I sought out to be independent.

I'm yet to get there.

Overtime, I've come to learn a lot of lessons about life and about pursuing your dreams.

First is Do not lose focus!

When I launched my magazine, I had a 5 year plan that I'd focus all my energy, all my resources and creativity into it and see what comes out of it.

2 years down, I'm beginning to see laudable results.

I've been nominated two times as Most Enterprising male in 2 different awards.

The brand is growing bigger and people are identifying with our success.

More importantly, we have started making money which I believe we can make more.

I must confess to you that this year, I've been distracted.

My major distraction I must say have been girls.

The first and last time that I ventured into a relationship was in part 1, a year before I went into business.

This year, I decided to try new things.

I wanted to do what my peers were doing - dating.

I tried several attempts but have failed - reasons only known by whoever controls the universe.

Don't get me wrong, I've got lots of girls (friends) around me. But I wanted a committed relationship which I had never envisioned for myself. I came to discover that it's either I had been friendzoned or work-zoned.

Everyone said I was too engrossed with work.

The truth is I should mind my business and that is - building successful enterprises.

As a young entrepreneur, I've come to accept that isolation and success walk together. You can't be everywhere and achieve much. You need that solitude - to think, to create, to internalize your ideas and concepts, to make decisions and the likes. If you'd be a (young) leader or entrepreneur, you'd have to make lots of sacrifices - romantic relationships being one of them. You can't serve two masters.

Another lesson I have learnt is the essence of relationships

For most of us, we make it obvious that we are interested in people because of what they can offer us. The truth is, life doesn't work that way. You've got to earn peoples' trust. They know when you want to use them. The most important thing to them is themselves and if you don't care about them they won't give a damn about you or your product(s). Make it a task to make new friends everyday. Get interested in people and what they do. By so doing, you'd build healthy relationships and you won't have much to say when it's time for you to do business with them.

A note to guys:

You don't have to ask every you have feelings for out. Women are very powerful and they are God's greatest gift to mankind. Be friends with them and they'll be your most trusted friends and confidant. They are always there when everyone walks away. They always see the light at the of the tunnel. Despite knowing your selfish motives, they are patient enough to identify your good sides and leverage on it! I'm a witness. I wouldn't be here if I've never encountered these beautiful and wonderful beings.


There's much for me to share but I'll stop here for now and get a cup of coffee. (confirmed coffee junkie!)

Next week, I'll share my biggest ever business mistake with you.

Yes. You heard that! I made a silly business mistake last week. You need to know about it.

Till then... #peace

#bringbackourgirls

Asantee Soaps - Kehinde Abejoye #inthespiritofenterprise

You don't necessarily have to wait till you're done with school before starting a business, matter of fact I have met quite a few successful business people lately who started from their school days. Not many people have a clue immediately what they want to do with their lives, but while they're at it they start experimenting with those ideas that come, make their mistakes early, learn from them, adjust, perfect their art in whatever and easily look like overnight successes! There is no such thing (unless you are a thief!).

Today, we share a story of a student doing her thing.

Tell us about yourself

 My name is Kenny (Kehinde) Abejoye. A young lady, married (with a son), currently rounding up my degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos.

Tell us about your business
Asantee Soaps basically sells different variants of the Asantee Range of Herbal Soaps. This business started over 5years ago when I was introduced to the soaps by my twin sister and she convinced me to consider selling the soaps after we had used a few. It has been quite challenging and rewarding all the way. We now have re-sellers and end-users who buy from us within and outside Nigeria

What is the idea behind the name Asantee Soaps?
We trade with the brand name of the Soaps - Asantee Soaps. But when I have to provide a registered name to do business with, I use my husband's - DESIGNED MODULES. so we can say Asantee is a subsidiary of DESIGNED MODULES.

How did you get into this line of business?
My Twin Sister introduced me to the Soaps.

What are the main challenges you face and how have you overcome them?
A) New Customers are skeptical about using the products initially. A tactic I employ is to give out free samples. Once they are used, most people are converted to repeat customers.

B) Nationwide Presence was also an issue, but right now we have distributors in different parts of Lagos as well as some major cities around Nigeria. This has helped us satisfy more clients. We have also employed the Internet, Social Media and recently +Konga.com Marketplace to reach the whole of Nigeria. West Africa and then the rest of Africa is the next target market once Nigeria is properly covered.

How will you summarize your journey so far?
Challenging and rewarding, with the promise of even better days ahead.

Where do you see Asantee Soaps in the future?

In the future, I hope to have these soaps produced (partly or totally) in Nigeria. At the moment they are imported.

Given another chance, will you do this again?
YES!!!

Abejoye Ademola PMP
+2348023276919, +2348098276919,
+2348063195376, +2348076043111

kenny.asantee@designedmodules.com

Memoirs of a Lagos City Hustler - LCH 18 Stretch

Don't even ask where I have been *covers face*. I am just a lazy camper, #dazall. Plus is it just me, or does any other person sometimes go through a phase where you simply do not feel motivated enough to do anything? How do you deal with yours? Care to share?

Anyways, here's an update from Ken!

Cheers guys.

Memoirs of a Lagos City Hustler - LCH 18

When we are vested with responsibility, or find ourselves in a position whereby we're entrusted with much...or better still, when we are always working to find solutions; deep inside, we want to believe that it's not going to last forever. However, Physics teaches us that unlike poles attract, so, if the opposite of problem is solution, that means problems are always attracted to only men and women in whom solutions have been deposited from constantly dealing with challenges without giving up.

You my friend you are not a coward, you're not elevated to demote yourself, even though you have been entrusted with much, you're not expected to loose grip, what you know now is nowhere near how much you have the capacity to know, there's more in you than you're willing to give today, you have the best solution in you!

Remember that the strength and usefulness of an ordinary rubber band/ring is made available only when it is stretched. Your best is yet to come..don't bow out when you are stretched.

(Alas, this man is talking to me sha!! Because, to  be honest, I am just tired tired tired.)

Have a great week.