Anne Ibukunoluwa Ikechukwu is an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in fashion and crafts. In this interview with WALE AKINSELURE, she speaks about life as an entrepreneur in Nigeria, challenges and why fashion is her forte.
What prompted your journey into entrepreneurship?
My journey into crafts started in 2012 during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). We were to pick a skill acquisition programme and I went for sewing. During the course of learning, my tutor introduced me to the craft of using fabrics in making lots of other things. I continued sewing after my youth service for about two to three years before I ventured into the craft of bag making and other things. I can creatively make things with leather, fabrics and lot more. I learnt the craft from about four people in Lagos and Ibadan just to perfect my skills. I recall vividly that, just before I got married through my husband’s push and encouragement, I went to Lagos to get some more training in the craft.
What made fashion and crafts appealing to you?
I have always been creative. I used to draw a lot. I remember my Biology drawings were one of the best in secondary school; I use to make dusters for my class and also make small purses from fabrics for myself. Creativity runs in my family. I have a sister who is a medical doctor; she plays the guitar, can sew and is a great cook. My dad is a very creative man too; he is a retired medical lab scientist and carpenter. He can sing and play the guitar too; he is also a great cook. I can still remember his amazing groundnut soup when I was a little girl. I had an uncle who used to paint exquisite pieces of artwork. I’m attracted to art and creativity in all. It is innate; it’s part of who I am.
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What has been your experience as a fashion and crafts entrepreneur?
Well, it has been an easy journey personally because it is like engaging in a hobby and also making money from it, that’s more of the reason I have been consistent over the years. Yes, there have been ups and downs though but my support system, my husband and family, are a very encouraging group of people. Crafting brings me some kind of comfort; my workshop is my go to place whenever I feel low, like a refuel station. Despite the ups and downs, my experience has been a good one.
Will you say you are fulfilled with this?
Fulfilled? Yes! I marvel at every piece of art I create. I find joy when my customers give me feedbacks; it makes me better every now and then, that’s so fulfilling. I have trained over 23 ladies and some of them are providing employment for people; that brings me great joy thinking about it.
There are so many entrepreneurs, how have you handled competition in the fashion and crafts world?
Well, despite the many people, there is room for everyone, hence, I am not scared passing down my knowledge to people who intend learning. I make my own designs, I carved a niche for myself and I’m more focused on getting better in my own craft than wondering if there are competitors. The sky is big enough for everyone to soar.
What are your views on how entrepreneurs are regarded compared to persons working in the corporate world?
Entrepreneurs are seen as “rich” but it’s not always like that, truly I can make someone’s one year salary in a month, but it doesn’t happen like that every month. It is just a seasonal thingy. Sometimes, it is all wet and sometimes it is dry, you have to have a very supportive partner or family and a saving habit to be able to navigate the stormy waters in the world of an entrepreneur.
What are the challenges and prospects being an entrepreneur?
In Nigeria, electricity is one big challenge. It’s been quite bad, we have to get fuel to use our machines and fuel prices are constantly on the increase. The incessant increase in cost of raw materials has been too enormous, it’s crippling business growth. Entrepreneurs in Nigeria as it is today are not finding it funny. The prospects are limitless; the fact that you can birth your thoughts into being. Also, it is easier to make it big as an entrepreneur.
How can the environment be made more enabling for entrepreneurs?
Stability in power supply and prioritising locally made goods, making it easy for entrepreneurs to export their products to different countries. In general, when there is stability in the economy itself, a lot of businesses won’t be liquidating.
Do you face abuse or discrimination in your line of work?
There are obvious discriminations. It is not easy to be a female entrepreneur. People tend to limit us in terms of our capacity to deliver and handle salient projects. Some projects are often reserved for men. There is that natural prejudice but my response has always been delivering quality beyond their expectations.
How do you combine family with being an entrepreneur?
That’s the part that was a bit challenging when I started but I have been able to sync into it over the years as gradually as I can. My husband makes it all very easy, he has been very encouraging and supportive of my craft since I met him, he even helps me in making deliveries especially sensitive ones interstate or within the state. I also have workers who have helped reduce work load on me at the workshop so I don’t get too exhausted running the affairs of my home after work.
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