Building and defining one’s brand is quite challenging —Biodun Stephen Oladigbo

Biodun Stephen Oladigbo is a woman of many parts. She is an entrepreneur, a writer a film maker and an On-Air Personality with Rainbow 94.1 Fm, where she presents a programme called Whispers every Saturday morning. In this interview by TAYO GESINDE, the graduate of Philosophy of the University of Lagos whose first movie The Visit got her an African Movies Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) in 2015, shares her story.

Choice of career

I studied Philosophy but upon graduation, I found myself on radio and I am still on radio by the way. I went on to work as a copywriter at an AD agency and eventually found my way back to the movie industry after a stint at the London Academy For Film and TV. Movie production had always been my first love.  I started out as writer though what I really wanted was to be an actress but when the roles weren’t coming, I decided to focus on screenplay and eventually film production. I am loving it thus far. We produced our first movie; The Visit which was powered by Coker Studio.  Though it was my very first effort at producing, the movie got me an Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) same year.

Challenges faced.

Like every other industry, getting an opportunity to showcase your gift was a bit challenging. It felt like it wasn’t going to happen, it almost got to the point where I was discouraged. However, I got the opportunity to exhibit my talent when I met the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Koga Studio and that was how my journey in movie production film began. There was also lot of pressure. Pressure to do better and to stay relevant. Building and defining one’s brand as well is quite challenging. Sometimes you may get steered off your course but you must  get right back on track once you realise you have veered off track.

Inspirations for my stories

I get inspiration from everywhere; life’s experiences and God. Anything basically inspires my stories.

Role models

I don’t have role models; I have people who challenge me to do better. The likes of Emem Isong, who has stayed a relevant brand for long and Mary Njoku, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  of Rock Studios; I challenge myself  everyday to be better just by looking at her and how driven she is.

Most defining moment of my career

I think that would be when the 2015 AMVCA nomination came through. I didn’t win but for my first work: The Visit to be nominated as Best Movie, West Africa… that just sealed the deal. I think I had found myself.

Combining the home front with my career

It has been one of the toughest things ever but I have a supportive husband, who believes in me and is proud of me. He is my muse, when I hit a brick wall when writing, I call him, narrate the story and somehow, the story becomes wholesome, just because he listens to me. He is my support system, so when I am away, he is in charge. However, once I am home, I try to make myself available as much as possible.

Coping with competition

I don’t focus on the competition. There is enough space for everyone.

Life as an entrepreneur

Being an entrepreneur has its plus and minus. In a thriving economy, running  a  business would have been a worthwhile venture, but given the present economic situation, it has not  been so encouraging. Many times, one desires to be in paid employment where  one would  at least have the hope of being paid salary but then even that (salary) is not guaranteed at the  times we are in. Asides filming, I run a Laundromat and one of the major challenges which have made it almost impossible to break even is lack of power. My business is highly dependent on power, so what you would consider as profit, goes into purchasing diesel which, as you know, has shot through the roof.

Even in filming, power is also important to run equipment.  The constant increase in everything from rental to equipment purchase is not helping matters.  Unfortunately, you can’t increase your service rate, because there will be someone willing to accept an even lower rate. The increase in Forex is another major challenge for many entrepreneurs. If there are coping mechanics to be imbibed at this period, it is to continue the struggle and keep a positive outlook.

Philosophy of life.

On my radio programme, Whisppers, we say; love God, love someone and love yourself. Also, I am guided by a reminder that says that I am made for more, I can be more. This motto urges me to do more.

Strengths and weaknesses.

My weakness is that I want to try everything and it affects my focus. My strengths would include tenacity and drive. Once I am locked on an idea, I really want to see it to an end and hope that I don’t get distracted by something new. Also, I am a good manager of people and a dreamer. I have big dreams and I want to achieve a lot.

How I have been surviving recession

By doubling the hustle, working harder and keeping the faith.

Advice for young girls

Every girl is made of something more. If you know this, then you should channel your energy to be more. Hunger for more because you can be more, because you are made for more than the ordinary. You are phenomenal. Never be afraid to dream and go for what you believe.