Fashion Entrepreneur and Founder, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, a children’s fashion brand, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi, on Wednesday charged women and young entrepreneurs to adopt mechanisms aimed at driving the sustainability of business start-ups.
Ogunlesi gave the advice at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) sharing experience series with the theme: “Creating Impact,” which took place in Lagos.
She stated that the advice was pertinent, and would help to build the required resilience in young entrepreneurs in spite of the obvious challenges with the operating business environment.
She said her experience, which was over 20 years, revealed that “though doing business in Nigeria was challenging, with proper focus, vision, and tenacity, indigenous brands could be sustained and compete favourably on the global market.”
Ogunlesi listed some of the requirements needed to ensure sustainability in business including carving a niche, setting a quality benchmark, personalized services, collaboration, and maintainable set values.
“Nigerian women can have a workable, successful home-work balance. Women are advised to build wealth, acquire assets instead of liabilities and also build a healthy support system.”
“Financial independence is very crucial, particularly for women, given the current realities, and entrepreneurship is a very good way to achieve that,” she said.
Also, Mrs. Mojisola Afolayan, a Real Estate player, said the event presented her with the opportunity to understand better business structures and dynamics for success.
“I believe my business would take a different angle after listening to someone with over 20 years of experience,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs. Bisi Adeyemi, the NBCC President, stated that the monthly event was a platform designed to enable those with track records to share their experiences.
She explained that sharing experiences would encourage others, particularly entrepreneurs, with the aim of boosting the Nigerian economy.