Boss chic series: Interview with business woman Sarah Alonge

1. Why did you start your business?

I started my business randomly. I say this not because there was no thought to it, but because I did not expect for me to start a business at that time and certainly not in the area of fashion and retail to say the least. I was asked to buy someone a style outfit called iro and buba from one of my trips to Lagos. The price of this outfit shocked me so I decided to do research of how much it would cost me to purchase fabric and get it seamed. The cost was almost half the retail price I saw in Lagos. Like everyone I like a good bargain so I thought let me just make this for this girl. But then it was like a lightbulb moment. Based on the figures I saw, it was a no brainer that I could start to retail this item at an affordable price. And at this time it was a trend that was not easily accessible. There was a gap in the UK market for it.

What was funny is a year or so prior I received a prophecy from my Bishop that I will start a business. At this time I had no idea that I would. But that planted a seed and here we are now.

2. How did you then start your business?

Fortunately for me, my mum also sells fabric. She has suppliers across 3 separate continents. Around the time I decided to start S’Alongé my mum was in Dubai and so I sent her some money, £400 to be precise and asked her to get me metres of silk chiffon in a variety of prints and enough in one print to make a minimum of 3 or max of 5 outfits. I then found an online platform I could sell on and used this to design my website. Resources were not endless at this time so it was important for me to be resourceful. I spent hours putting together a website. This involved endless youtube tutorials on coding, fiddling we a number of ready-made templates, putting together pages and comparing a variety of websites. Once my website was complete, I needed images of the items I wanted to sell. So I arranged a professional shoot. Now thankfully I knew a photographer who would not charge me extortion. I booked a studio with lights and all the rest and solicited 3 of my friends to be models. I then booked a make up artist also a friend and was able to strike a deal with her. It was important to be creative with my limited resource. I was the accountant, admin, developer, PA, CEO and everything else. I didn’t take out a loan for my business instead I used what I had and it worked out well for me.

3. What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in business?

Be patient. Success does not come over night. You also have to be adaptable to the changing market and to respond to the needs of your consumers.

What I started to do in my business is not what I currently do now. I started retailing ready to make items and to some extent I still do this. However I realised the market for me was more in the area of sourcing and retailing large quantities of fabric at wholesale prices for occasions. Also known as Asoebi. The vision of S’Alongé remains the same ‘Make every Outfit unforgettable’ But how I do this evolves with the market. On a spiritual level, always put God first in your decision making. He is the best board members, executive, chief of staff, CEO you name it. Sometimes it is overwhelming because lets face it for many it is the first time they will be doing something like this. You may not always be able to trust those around you or even your own decisions at time but you can always trust God’s.

4. After all this success, what do you struggle with now?

This is a hard one. I still don’t think I have had half as much success as I would have imagined. So I guess my biggest struggle is probably seeing myself as successful. On a practical level, it is prioritising my business as much as I do my 9-5 if not more. I work a full time job, I am involved in ministry, I have a blog and I am extremely social. So balance is my biggest struggle. But whatever you have a passion for, you will make time for.

5. How do you achieve work and having an intimate relationship with God?

One of my favourite scriptures is Romans 11:36 and it says For from Him and through Him and For Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. This scripture humbles me every time I use one of my 101 items on my to do list as an excuse not to spend time with God.

Intimacy with God comes from the time you spend with Him. I also do not pretend. When I am overwhelmed about business, I often do moan for a few hours but ultimately I lay it down before God. Why? Because from him and through him

6. What have you learned about leadership and entrepreneurship?

Leadership is not innate. I always thought I was a born leader but the reality is I had the traits. The traits are not enough to be a leader. The secret is in the cultivating your skills, learning from others and being bold. You have to be willing to take risks and make sacrifices. You may be a business of 1 but you have to learn to lead yourself before you can lead others. Entrepreneurship and leadership have no core hours. You have to be ready at all times for that opportunity or to resolve that challenge.

7. What aspect of your success can you attribute to your relationship with God?

I feel like this is a trick question lol. God was the author of my success.

8. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

Greatest influence is my mum. She has been in the game for 20 years + she knows the tricksof the game and is so unmoved by competition. She focuses on perfecting what she does best and I am learning from her daily.

9. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Launching the Asoebi strand in 2015. Reason being is because I had to learn how to workacross international markets, set prices and work with demanding clients. I almost gave up after my first bride but I am so glad I didn’t. That experience taught me so much and opened doors for me.

10. What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

It sound so simple but it was to never give up, and invest spiritually, financially and emotionally. We can’t expect God to invest in our businesses if we ourselves don’t invest. Put in what you want to get out.

Another is to stay in my lane but not to be afraid to pick up speed and catch up with those in front of me. This is so important. I am not here to try and be another business I am simply trying to be the best as the creative director of S’Alongé. To be the best I need to be close enough to see those ahead of me and learn from them and sometimes that means picking up the pace.

11. Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? If yes, please describe (and include links if available).

Always have multiple options for payment on your site if you are retailer. I have 2 and they are PayPal and Stripe. I encourage all retailers to look into stripe as a primary means. PayPal is a known name so many feel more comfortable paying on your site if they see the PayPal logo however always set it as a secondary option. Reason being is PayPal take a 1.9% + 20p transaction fee where as stripe take 1.4% + 20p to put these figures in real terms, for an order of £100 you will pay £1.60 with stripe in comparison to £2.10 with PayPal Stripe is equally as safe as PayPal and. Overtime you will earn more money using stripe.

Get a professional email address. They cost as little as £3.30 on gmail a month to run.It gives your business more legitimacy. I personally won’t feel that anyone will take me seriously if my email address for my business is S’Alongé@hotmail.com. it is an investment worth making.

12. What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?

To Launch bridal cultural wear.

13. How do you overcome setbacks and lack of motivation?

This is hard to answer because it varies depending on issue. One thing that I have found it

to always have the vision close in sight. I Carry a note book everywhere I go that has my

vision. I have a vision board in my room. The point it to remind myself that the vision will

come to pass but only if I continue to push.

I also study successful entrepreneurs to see what their stories are. This encourages me deeply! I will use and example, the story of starbucks and how they were rejected by 242 banks. Now Starbucks is the largest coffee retailer in the world. They never gave up.

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to enlighten us on your business journey. Keep inspiring!

Please note this interview was conducted in 2019

Benita White ….Presenter/Talk-Show Host/Producer and Director!!

Benita White:

“Tyrant partner made me the ‘Most Vulnerable’ Person in the world, I went back to my hometown in Brussels for a couple of months to escape after the break-up with my ex partner”, she said. The TV presenter and Film Producer, 26, recounts of splitting from her sweetheart. She reveals it all in her latest short film  ‘Failures Success Breakthrough’. Lv31

What was your inspiration to start Morning Glory Entertainment? What does it actually involve?

Benita at AFWL 2011

When I was at university in 2005, I got saved and received Christ in my life on my second year. During the lecturers I would spend more time seeking for scriptures and revelation of the word of God than doing my assignments lol. I was obstinate to preach the gospel to everyone I would meet. I had that strong desire to work for God and I knew that I would not have a normal job. After my graduation that fire to serve God was becoming stronger and I could hear the word Morning Glory in my mind. I asked God what do  you mean by Morning Glory? I went to the holy book to find answers. I opened Exodus 16:12 “ At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread”. That word penetrated my heart and I knew that this was a divine direction. I understood that God would provide to the needs of His people in the morning at the hour we least expect. Then I was like I need to do something with this revelation, let me open an Entertainment company that will focus on TV broadcasting and film productions. Our company is a London based TV Production Company, involved in screenplay writing, producing of TV shows, training of actors/actresses, producing and directing feature films. When we started this project I told my actors that I needed a TV commercial for my TV Talk Show but the project turned into a short film with the potential to develop into a feature film. From there it was a sign for me pursue a career in that, filmmaking. Morning Glory Entertainment specializes in broadcasting a new kind of uplifting, positive, and informative programming that is in tune with the global shifts in consciousness.

What challenges have you faced in the media industry especially as gospel oriented producer and director? How do you deal with these challenges?

When I started this company I knew that I would face many rejections and trials because I wanted to bring something new into the film and broadcasting industry. When I produced my first TV Talk Show it was a struggle for my voice to be heard because in my community it wasn’t ordinary to see a young woman of my age bringing something new to the table because we love to stay in our comfort zone. I knew that the challenge was there but I had one thing in my mind when God gives you a vision he will always provide no matter what comes along your way. I knew that it wouldn’t be easy to start but I continually asked the Lord to be my lamp and guide me throughout this journey. Being a Christian TV broadcaster is not a mere thing because we are constantly on warfare for we deal with souls. Having said that, Christ is the only source of our contentment and I will trust in Him for our future endeavors and when the adversity come again, I would reply the battle isn’t mine it’s the Lord.

You presented at the African Fashion Week in London last week how did you find it?

I will firstly thank Ronke Ademiluyi, Founder of AFWL who gave me the opportunity to be the face of the first edition in London. AFWL is something that I will cherish forever because I was able to use God’s principles in a totally different industry without being judge as a Christian TV presenter. I was a bit reluctant when I got there because you never know what they will say about your belief but Christ said, ˮIf you deny me before men I will also deny you before my father”() I took a step in faith and went there to fulfill my earthly vocation. Being a TV presenter is limitless and we can never say never when an opportunity knocks at the door. If we are truly the salt of the earth and a light that cannot be hidden Christians must make a difference in the world in a sense that you don’t need to be conformed to the pattern of this word to be influential. I’m forever grateful for this experience and I look forward to Africa Fashion Week London. Show 2012

You’ve written your failures success “Failures, Success Breakthrough,” a short film about love and relationship problems inside the lives of young couples living in London. Why?   

I wrote the screenplay based on a personal experience. I was in a very complicated relationship for 5 years with a womanizer and cheat. We were not married but soon to get engaged when the drama occurred. I knew that my partner was unfaithful but I was using God’s principles that say: “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down”. Proverbs 14:1. I showed him love instead of hatred. I forgave him many times because God once forgave me from all my faults. One morning I was at home and could see the storyline and decided to write a short film to show that even though you are a failure in your relationships or marriage God is able to give you success and the breakthrough is God’s divine favor to overcome guilt and shame. I worked with emerging actors such as Phoenix James, Oyinka Yussuf, Angel Ononkwo, Jerry Okoye and Divine Bless who made this short film a revelation in the minds of many.

You are also a host for currently hosting, producing and directing The Glory Encore Show on Olive TV sky 597, aiming to promote gospel singers, preachers, creative artists and many more. How do you manage it all?

I went back to my hometown in Brussels for a couple of months to escape after the break up with my ex partner. I was praying and asked God what he wanted me to do with my life. I heard the Glory Encore. Encore means a repeated or additional performance. I was like wow God wants to do something again.. I started to write a TV proposal and when I read it trough I prayed and asked God to lead me to a TV station in London where I could gather worshippers and ministers of God to preach the gospel on my show. When I went back to London I got the job at Olive TV as TV Host and director of Olive The Glory Encore Show. My Shows were live and running on weekly basis. At my biggest surprise the show was nominated at Africa Gospel Music Awards 2011 for best Gospel TV Programme. 2010 has been a year of open doors and 2011 the confirmation of God’s blessings upon my life.

Obviously you are a young woman who is doing a number of projects within the media industry. How do you balance your work life  with the rest of your life as a woman ?

You will find it very strange I just trust God in everything I do and he leads to me to do what I have been called to do. I spend most of time searching for answers I cannot find and God whispers to me and say I have made every crooked place straight for you. I also set up goals throughout the week. From Monday to Thursday I work on our company then from Friday to Sunday are the days I dedicated it fully to God in Church for youth activities and choir rehearsals and also some time to mediate the word of God. I have used this method and I saw the God operating in the supernatural. “Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well”. Ecclesiastes 11:6, That’s my motto and that’s wasup lol

What more can we expect from a multi-talented woman like yourself?

I just let go and let God do what He wants to do in his divine timing and season.

So what advice and tips would you give anyone who want to venture into the media industry as a gospel producer or director ?

1. Firstly you must pray and ask for divine guidance because we dealing with souls in this type of industry. Make sure that you put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
2. You must stand firm and be prepared for the gospel of peace. Make sure you have the shield of faith which will be able you to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Before doing anything ask if it is the will of God for you to be involved what you are doing.
3. Thirdly you must make a lot of researches and study your craft. Get the knowledge of what you are doing by reading books that will help you become the next Oprah Winfrey, Quentin Tarrantino, Tyler Perry or even Steven Spielberg..
4. Get in the books and study!

And what is your ideal Proverbs 31 woman?

She must be a woman who fears the Lord and walks in God’s divine principles. Her life is set apart for the service of others at all times until Christ returns.

Anonymous

Interview with Chidinma Obiamalu, Founder of Signature Events Management

Interview with

Chidinma Obiamalu

Chidinma Obiamalu is 23 years old (soon to be 24) and the  founder of Signature Events Management. She is a beautiful young woman of God working at making a success of her passion.

She’s currently making plans to go back to univeristy in London to study a masters in Conference and Events Management to improve her skills.

BE INSPIRED!

– Firstly tell us a bit about yourself in a few lines

I was born in Lagos and moved over to the UK when I was 4. I am from a  family of 5 and have 2 elder sisters. I am a business management  graduate and since graduating have been working in banking and setting  up my events management business.

-So what does your business do exactly?

The business has since been changed to Events Management, it was  initially set up as a catering and events company due to my passion for  food and cooking but after trading and seeing first hand how much catering for an event required, I decided to outsource the catering and  focus on the event planning and decor.

A Signature event brings event ideas to life. It is basically a customer dream and idea and we  ensure that we make all occasions such as weddings, birthdays,  anniversaries and business conferences unique and memorable through  elegant decor and well executed planning.

-What was your inspiration to start it?

I started up as I love event planning, catering, decorating, the whole  package appealed to me. I have always planned and dreamed of setting up  my own business, I have been working casually on this idea for many  years now. I have prayed about this business and asked God for direction and this passion and idea has never disappeared. I am so determined to go further and succeed.

I am also from a business  minded family, my dad in earlier years was a very succesful business man and that inspired me from an earlier age to be just like him.

–Wow thats great so the business mindset is flowing in the family :). So what obstacles did you face starting it up?

Obstacles I have found so far have been more so costs and time, with  catering I found it almost impossible to take it on fully at this early stage. I also found that my own confidence was being tested, the scale of the project and the ability to take it on alone.

I have at  times, needed to recruit the help of friends I know within the business and  finally decided to further my education around this subject to boost my  knowledge and give the company a competitive lead when I am chanced to  implement all that I will be learning.

-What are you plans for the future to grow your business? or improve your skills.

I am planning to expand into catering and bridal wear both traditional  and cultural attire. I am quite ambitious so all things events related  interest me. I have alot of ideas but I believe and have learnt the  importance of focusing on one at a time.

Going back to university is  something that I believe will be a great asset to me, I will feel better equipped if I have a better understanding of the market and gain more work experience with established companies.

– Most importantly how has your faith/God affected your plans?

I love God and have always wanted to go into a venture that would be  pleasing to Him. I have always believed God about this, I have always been so confident that He will make Signature a success. As time passes  and you experience hiccups in your business alot of thinking and self  doubting can come into play, and they did. Setting up has been a testing time, but I believe God has allowed me to learn the most important  lesson, which is to be patient and have faith. God always honours His Word over our life. He will do it.

I have also learnt to wait for God’s timing, as with everything else in my life. Things are ten times  harder when you force them, when left to God it all happens in an easy  sequence.

-What advice will you give to someone thinking about starting up a business?

I would advice anyone starting a business to pray first, ask God for  direction because it isn’t easy and it is a big commitment to make.  There are times when your passion seems to disappear and other times you may begin to lose hope in succeeding. Planning is very important, start with a great business plan.

You also need to speak to few people, but the right people who will encourage you. Avoid interaction  with negative people who do not add value to your life, and make friends with people who are already doing what you are hoping to do. There is so much we can learn from those around us.

Finally, enjoy what you do, be passionate and put 100% into it. Pray consistently about it, and leave the rest to God

Thanks Pearl, I really appreciate being part of this. Very Cool! :))

Chidinma you are an inspiration and I am sure lots of ladies will be inspired by this. God give you grace to succeed and achieve more 🙂

Pearl Ilochi

Interview with Crystal Debrah, law student, author

What’s your full name please: Crystal Debrah
Age: 23
What do you currently do?/ Where do you work? I am at Law School and I work in a law firm

Just to confirm you graduated from Queen Mary University of London, LLB Law with a 2:1 right? Yes

1. What inspired you to write the book?

The book “What They Don’t Tell You about University” was written during my time at university. I initially struggled to get to grips with university life and in the first year I finished with a 3rd class grade.  I approached lecturers and fellow students to find out what I could do to improve my grades and university life experience. I utilised all the tips I was given and ended with a 2.1 grade. I thought all the information I had acquired would help new undergraduates excel, so I wrote the book! Remember, failing to prepare, means preparing to fail.

2. What else inspires/motivates you to achieve goals? People? places? books?

I made a decision a long time ago to do all I can in life, and not restrict myself. In other words, I cannot stand wasting potential. I’m heavily inspired by my mother, Dr Tayo Adeyemi and entrepreneurs like Alan Sugar.

I also read books that motivate me such as, “Who Moved My Cheese?”, “Failing Forward”, and the Bible (there are some great principles in there!).

3. Give us a brief description of what the book is about. The title is descriptive but  is there more you can add and who is your target audience.

The book “What They Don’t Tell You about University” will help new undergraduates deal with the stress of adjusting to a new stage in their lives.  It will encourage them to reach their full potential, and come out of university with the grades they want.

I have applied the principles written in this book and my grades and life experience at university improved – no word of a lie.

This book is a ‘MUST READ’ to ensure one’s tuition fees do not go to waste.

The book contains:

• How to make friends and socialise effectively
• How to deal with finances
• The different ways to study to get the best grade possible
• What they don’t tell you about university; snippets from current and former undergraduates; and
• much more…

4. What kind of obstacles have you faced in getting your dream out there?

 Money was an issue. I had a set budget and had to negotiate to get the best price possible to create and market the book. Many people volunteered their skills and I’m very grateful to them all.

5. How has your faith affected you or assisted you in achieving your goals?

I spent time in prayer asking for direction, favour and divine connections. God brought them all. I know this task was given to me to help put others ahead.

6. Have you experienced any negative feedback from people and how did you deal with it?

Not much. I have welcomed criticism as it helps one to improve. I sift through and decide what is useful and then take it on board.

7. Have you got any funny stories of something strange you have encountered as you have been trying to promote the book and get it out?

N/A.

8. What is the single most important thing you have learned in past few years?

If you want to do something, you must equip yourself with knowledge, then go for it. No one will do it for you.

9. How has writing this book changed you?

It has forced me to speak in public, which I have feared for years. It has also helped me to realise that with a little imagination and creativity, you can do a lot!

10. What would you advise other people out there who want to publish a book or have a dream they want to achieve?

Research is key. Research how to write a book/how to do what it is you want to do, learn about basic business and get as much support as you can. Always seek God’s mind on the matter.

Find out more about me on http://www.crystaldebrah.com. There are still specially signed copies available from my website while stocks last

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