Linda Chinemerem Paul is the founder of PDF Hairs and PDF Consult. She is also a social media influencer, a motivational writer, and the author of the book ‘Strands of Success’. In this interview by Kingsley Alumona, she speaks about her entrepreneurial journey, her social media work, how young women can be supported in their entrepreneurial journey, and the kind of Nigeria she wants her children to grow up in.
HOW would you describe your entrepreneurial journey after your university education, NYSC, and two years into the labour market?
My entrepreneurial journey started after I lost my job with Intercontinental Bank due to the acquisition by Access Bank. Two years into the labour market was a tough one with challenges, but a fulfilling experience. Starting and growing businesses in various sectors, such as hair business, car sales, influencing, and consulting have been a testament to my adaptability and passion for entrepreneurship. Transitioning from one business to another has allowed me to explore new opportunities and innovate in different industries, showcasing my entrepreneurial spirit.
You are the founder of PDF Hairs and PDF Consult. What is the full meaning of the PDF in the business name? When did you start the business and how is it faring so far?
The full meaning of PDF in my business names, PDF Hairs and PDF Consult are my Children’s initials. Paul, Davis, and Favour. I started PDF Hairs over 10 years ago and PDF Consult three years ago, and they have been thriving ever since. PDF Hairs specialises in high-quality human hair wigs and extensions, while PDF Consult offers consulting services in various business sectors. Both businesses have been well-received, and I am grateful for the support and growth they have experienced.
There is a school of thought that believes that many young Nigerian women waste money on wigs and hair extensions to cover and beautify their heads instead of using the money to learn skills to develop their brains. What is your take on this?
I believe that everyone has the right to make choices that make them feel confident and empowered. While investing in appearance is important for self-esteem, it’s also crucial to prioritise personal growth and development. Finding a balance between enhancing outer beauty and investing in skills and knowledge is key. It’s about valuing both physical appearance and intellectual growth to become well-rounded individuals.
In your profile, you said your goal is to build the best hair factory in Africa. How far have you gone to achieve this? Do you think, with the Nigerian unstable economy, it could be feasible?
I have been taking steps towards my goal by focusing on quality and innovation and building a strong team. While the Nigerian economy may pose challenges, I believe with strategic planning, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence, it’s possible to navigate the economic landscape and work towards building the best hair factory in Africa. It’s all about being resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges.
You are into the car sales business too. With the new customs policies, how do you cope and make a profit in the business?
In the car sales business, dealing with changing customs policies and currency devaluation can indeed be challenging. To cope and make a profit, one strategy is to identify highly sought-after cars and, in addition, staying updated on the latest policies and market trends is crucial for adapting your business model accordingly.
When did you become a social media influencer? And what kind of content do you produce to achieve this endeavour?
I started my journey as a social media influencer by sharing my passion for entrepreneurship, business tips, and motivational content. By consistently creating valuable and engaging posts that resonate with my audience, I was able to grow my following and establish myself as an influencer in the business and entrepreneurship space. It’s all about staying authentic, providing value, and connecting with my audience on a personal level.
How do you use your social media and brand influencing to support small businesses, especially those owned by women, online?
I use my social media platform to uplift and support small businesses, particularly those owned by women, by showcasing their products or services, sharing their stories, and promoting their brands to a wider audience. By leveraging my influence and reach, I aim to create visibility and opportunities for these businesses to thrive in the online space. It’s all about empowering and championing female entrepreneurs through my platform.
You posted recently on Facebook, with proof, that Facebook has started paying you for the content you post on its platform. What did you do differently to get paid by Facebook? And what determines how much you can make from Facebook?
To get paid by Facebook, creators can join the Facebook Partner Programme and meet the eligibility criteria. The amount you can make from Facebook depends on various factors like the engagement on your content, the audience size, and the type of monetisation features you utilise, such as advert revenue sharing or fan subscriptions. It’s about creating valuable content that resonates with your audience and leveraging the available monetisation tools on the platform.
Social media could be a negative space. How do you deal with trolls and scammers on social media? And how do you maintain your sanity and mental health in the face of online negativities?
Dealing with trolls and scammers on social media can be challenging, but I try to focus on staying positive and not letting their negativity affect me. I handle trolls by ignoring or blocking them, and I stay vigilant against scammers by being cautious about the information I share online.
To maintain my mental health, I prioritise self-care, take breaks from social media when needed, and surround myself with a supportive community. It’s all about setting boundaries and prioritising mental well-being in the face of online negativity.
When it comes to the Nigerian business and entrepreneurial sector, most women are struggling to make it, unlike their male counterparts. With your business and social experience, how do you think this narrative could be changed in favour of women?
In the Nigerian business and entrepreneurial sector, women indeed face unique challenges compared to men. To change this narrative in favour of women, it’s crucial to provide more support and resources tailored to female entrepreneurs. This includes access to funding, mentorship programmes, networking opportunities, and educational initiatives specifically designed for women in business. By empowering and uplifting female entrepreneurs through targeted support, we can create a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria.
You are an author. What is your best source of inspiration as a writer? Tell us about your book and its significance to society.
As an author, my best source of inspiration comes from real-life experiences, observations, and the desire to share valuable insights with others.
My book, ‘Strands of Success’, delves into the journey of entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. It aims to inspire and empower aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, to pursue their dreams and navigate the complexities of business ownership.
The book’s significance lies in its ability to resonate with readers, offering guidance and motivation in their own entrepreneurial pursuits.
You mentioned earlier that you named your business PDF using the initials of your children. Tell us about your children and the kind of Nigeria you want them to live in.
I have three children, all boys. They are my pride and joy. They are my inspiration for everything I do. They are the reason I want to become more. I dream of a Nigeria where they can grow up in a society that values integrity, equality, and opportunity for all. I want them to live in a Nigeria where they can pursue their dreams without limitations and where they can contribute positively to the growth and development of our nation. It’s important to me that they inherit a Nigeria that is prosperous, peaceful, and filled with endless possibilities.
As a mother and wife, how do you manage the stress and challenges associated with your many business engagements? How does your husband help in this regard?
Balancing family, motherhood, and multiple businesses can be quite challenging. However, I prioritise effective time management, delegation, and self-care to manage stress.
My husband is incredibly supportive and plays a vital role in helping me navigate the challenges. We work together as a team, sharing responsibilities and supporting each other through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and family life.
Having a strong support system at home is essential in managing the demands of both family and business.
How would you advise young women who are aspiring to be like you?
For young women aspiring to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams like me, I would advise them to stay focused, to believe in themselves, and to never be afraid to take risks. Surround yourself with a supportive community, seek mentorship from successful women in business, and always strive to learn and grow.
Remember, success is a journey, and it’s okay to face challenges along the way. Stay determined, stay resilient, and keep pushing forward towards your goals. You have the strength and the vision to achieve great things.
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