To excel, believe in yourself and pray always —Akinsulire

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Akinsulire Abiola, a Mass Communication graduate of University of Lagos is the brain behind Igbadun Concept, a company that is into catering and event management as well as fashion designing. In this interview with TOYIN KOMOLAFE, she speaks on why she decided to become an entrepreneur. Excerpts:
WHAT is Igbadun concept all about?
Igbadun Concept is a hospitality and lifestyle start-up that has two business areas – catering and event management on one part and fashion designing and accessories on the other.
The catering and event management arm provides catering and event planning services for corporate events such as dinners, trainings, end-of-the-year parties or more informal social events such as weddings, birthday, house warming, baby-birth celebrations, funerals.
On the other hand, the fashion and accessories business focuses on designing and making clothes and accessories suitable for all, using primarily African fabrics such as Ankara, Woodin, among others.
We also have trainings that we organise for the public. Our vision is to be a recognised brand which produces African/Nigerian styled clothes, wares and accessories which will be exported outside the country.
What made you decide to start your own business?
My husband and I decided that I should focus more on leveraging on my skills and also have the flexibility to spend more time with the family. Prior to that, I was running the business on a part-time basis.
Which skills did you already have when you started your business and what did you have to learn?
I developed cooking skills and a bit of clothing and Textile while growing up. When I decided to go fully into the business, I had to go to a fashion school to further improve on my skill. In addition to these, I have also attended management trainings with a view to enhancing my managerial capabilities.  I am constantly looking for avenues to update my skills and add value to the business.
Challenges that come with running your own business?
The most challenging part of running my own business is the dearth of capable human resource – either fully employed or contracted. Finding the right staff or contractor to complement the high standard  you want the business to represent is such a challenge. Other challenges are  limited funds and lack of basic infrastructure.
Have you made any business decisions that you later regretted?
I would not call them business decisions that I regretted but rather, business decisions that taught me business lessons. Their outcomes may have hurt but they gave valuable insight on what I needed to do right in business. One of such decisions had to do with doing  inventory of what we started the business with. With hindsight, I should have started with an inventory level that allowed us to adapt quicker to market needs. I was a bit overly optimistic in our initial sales plan.
What important business tip do you think most start- ups should have in mind?
Business must be grown and it takes time for it to stabilise because of internal and external threats.
What inspires you?
God and my husband. I have also been able to draw inspiration from my extended family.
Plans for the future?
We plan to open a training centre in the coming weeks and create a platform to empower people and raise more entrepreneurs. Furthermore, we plan to deepen the business by creating additional income line by leveraging more on our areas of competence.
Advice for youths?
For start ups, I must say that you must have a passion for whatever business you are going into. You must also acquire knowledge/skills for it. You must be patient, persistent and focused in order to go through the growth stage of the business.
 Finally, believe in yourself and pray always.