Experiences from setbacks shaped my approach to business, character — Ololade

Monsurat Ololade is a multifaceted entrepreneur, educator, and girl child advocate. In this interview with IFEDAYO OGUNYEMI, she shares her perspective on challenges entrepreneurship and opportunities available to young entrepreneurs and her passion for creativity and value-driven initiatives. Excerpts;

Looking at the country’s present economic outlook, how would you advise youths hoping to establish business ventures?

In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, the current economic climate holds both challenges and opportunities for young, ambitious individuals with dreams of launching their own business ventures. The heartfelt guidance that will help steer them in the right direction are market research, business planning, adaptability, financial prudence, technology and innovation, networking, sustainability and responsibility, government support. They should investigate the government programmess, grants, and subsidies available to young people.

You’ve had ventures that suffered setbacks in times past. What did you learn in these endeavours and how did they shape you?

Setbacks are an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey, and I’ve certainly had my share of them. These experiences have been invaluable in shaping both my approach and my character.

Each setback taught me something unique, but there are a few key lessons that have been particularly impactful. They are resilience –setbacks taught me the power of resilience– humility, emotional intelligence, risk management, continuous learning, The importance of mentorship and patience.

You presently own and operate a shoe making venture, which seems out of your educational background. How did you transition and what informed it?

My academic journey initially led me on a completely different path that I pursued for several years. However, life has an uncanny way of introducing unexpected and transformative chapters.

The seed of transitioning into the artistry and craftsmanship of creating footwear was first planted by a dear friend, Owolabi Tolani. I decided to leverage my educational background by conducting a comprehensive feasibility study of the shoe-making sector in Nigeria and my home state of Osun. The results were eye-opening, filled with promising insights. One of the remarkable findings was that shoe-making in Nigeria was largely a male-dominated business. I saw this as an opportunity. If Ololade, a female entrepreneur, could undertake the training and apply herself diligently, it hinted at a potentially untapped market. Additionally, discovering that Nigeria imports a significant number of shoes presented a glaring economic gap. It was a loss to our own economy. Armed with this knowledge and an understanding of the market’s dynamics, I identified the lapses and decided to embark on the transition.

The journey began with practical training and learning from seasoned shoemakers, acquiring the technical expertise essential for crafting high-quality footwears. This shift demanded time, patience, and an unwavering desire to excel in an industry that diverged significantly from my formal education.

The motivation behind this transition runs deep, rooted in an unyielding passion for creativity and innovation. I firmly believe that in the pursuit of our genuine passions, we unearth our most authentic selves. The shoe-making industry presented itself as a canvas for artistic expression, where I could bring my creative ideas to life in a tangible and gratifying manner.

Furthermore, the allure of creating something tangible that people could wear and experience daily was an irresistible force. Crafting shoes that not only look exquisite but also offer comfort and functionality resonated with me on a profound level.

In essence, this unexpected journey into the world of shoe-making is a testament to the transformative power of passion and the unceasing quest to create something meaningful. It reminds me that life’s most unexpected turns can lead to fulfilling and purposeful endeavours, and I’m deeply grateful for this extraordinary chapter in my entrepreneurial story.

You hold degrees in mathematics and childhood education. Do you still foresee yourself doing something in that line?

Indeed, my academic journey has been a fascinating blend of mathematics and early childhood education –two disciplines that may seem worlds apart. While my education has been instrumental in shaping my perspective, my path has taken me on a unique journey that combines the best of both worlds.

My background in mathematics instilled in me a love for logical thinking, problem-solving, and precision. These skills are invaluable in any endeavour, and I find myself applying them in unexpected ways in my current pursuits.

Early childhood education, on the other hand, nourished my passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. It’s a field that remains close to my heart, and I continue to explore opportunities to contribute to education, even outside of a traditional classroom setting.

While I may not be pursuing a conventional career in mathematics or early childhood education for now, the knowledge and skills from these disciplines continue to influence my work and aspirations. I firmly believe that the marriage of these seemingly diverse fields has equipped me with a unique perspective and a multifaceted approach to the opportunities that lie ahead.

As an entrepreneur and advocate for education, I’m committed to harnessing the power of mathematics and education to make a positive impact in the world. My journey may have taken unexpected turns, but the foundation laid by my educational background remains an integral part of my identity and purpose. It’s a reminder that our academic choices shape us, but they don’t define the entirety of our potential and the diverse ways in which we can contribute to the world.

Many youths are boxed in the conundrum of what to do with their lives and when to take that big leap. How would you advise youths in this kind of situation?

This is a challenge I deeply resonate with, having once stood at the crossroads of life, uncertain about the path ahead. It’s a conundrum that many youths encounter, and I believe the journey to self-discovery and purpose is a profoundly personal one. Here are a few pieces of advice that I hope can illuminate the way for those in a similar situation: Embrace exploration, don’t rush the process, seek inspiration, be open to change, pursue learning, take calculated risk and patience with perseverance.

What would be your assessment of the country’s attention towards girl-child issues?

Assessing Nigeria’s attention to girl child issues is a deeply important and personal matter for me, as I have observed the challenges and opportunities faced by young girls and women in the country.

Nigeria, like many other nations, has made strides in recognising the significance of addressing girl child issues. In recent years, there have been efforts to raise awareness and implement policies that aim to improve the lives of girls in various aspects, including education, healthcare, and protection from harmful practices.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. Gender disparities persist, particularly in rural and marginalised communities. Access to quality education, healthcare, and protection from early marriage and female genital mutilation remains a challenge for many Nigerian girls. These issues often hinder their ability to reach their full potential.

I believe that a comprehensive and sustained effort is required to address these challenges. These efforts include quality education, healthcare access, gender protection, community involvement.

In conclusion, Nigeria has made commendable efforts to address girl child issues, but there is still a long way to go. It requires the collective efforts of government, civil society, and individuals to ensure that every Nigerian girl has the opportunity to thrive, grow, and reach her full potential. The future of the country depends on the well-being and empowerment of its girls, and I am hopeful that progress will continue to be made in this regard.

What are the impacts of your creative venture so far?

The impact of my creative endeavours has been a deeply fulfilling and transformative journey. As I reflect on the path I’ve carved, I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have touched not only my life but also the lives of those around me.

First and foremost, my creative pursuits have allowed me to channel my passions and talents into meaningful contributions. Whether it is through my art, writing, or entrepreneurial ventures, I’ve had the privilege of making a positive impact in various ways.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my creative journey has been the ability to inspire and connect with others. Through my work, I’ve had the opportunity to spark inspiration in individuals who have found resonance with my story and experiences. I’ve received messages from people who have shared how my creative endeavours have encouraged them to pursue their own passions, dreams, and creative projects. Knowing that my journey has the power to inspire others is a profound source of motivation for me.

Moreover, my creative work has allowed me to explore and advocate for causes that are dear to my heart. Through writing and art, I’ve been able to raise awareness about social and environmental issues, contributing to a greater understanding and empathy for the world’s challenges. This has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of art and storytelling as tools for positive change.

On a more personal level, my creative endeavours have been a source of personal growth and self-discovery. They have encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone, develop new skills, and embrace uncertainty with resilience. This continuous self-evolution has translated into greater confidence and adaptability in all aspects of my life.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, my creative ventures have not only allowed me to bring innovative ideas to life but have also fostered job opportunities and contributed to the growth of local and global communities. It is incredibly fulfilling to see the tangible impact of my ventures on the lives of employees, customers, and the broader economic landscape.

Overall, my creative journey has been a testament to the idea that pursuing one’s passions and creativity can yield multifaceted and profound impacts. It is a journey that keeps evolving, and I eagerly anticipate the positive changes and connections that the future holds for me and those I touch along the way.

READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE