Bashiru Akande, the Chief Executive Officer at Opulence Creation, one of the most popular fashion companies in Nigeria has urged the Federal government to tackle the problem of power supply and insecurity in the country to ensure the survival of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES).
He further charged business owners to avoid living extravagant lifestyles that is capable of ruining their businesses while urging them to be innovative in their business strategies too.
He said, “When I started my fashion business, I had the ability to buy a car but I jettisoned it in order to buy necessary equipment that will help my production and to achieve success. Some of the times, I would go hungry in order to achieve set goals.
“I will say it here that my father used to admonish me that I must be focused so that in the later years of my life, I would be able to point to the successes I have achieved. He also kept tell me never to use my ten fingers to eat”.
The fashion entrepreneur further revealed that he got the idea to establish the fashion business from his parents who later supported his ambition with prayers to become a successful fashion entrepreneur.
The successful businessman popularly called ‘Bashy Ike’ submitted further, “My mother was a businesswoman who traded in clothes. Anytime she sews a design for I and my sister, her colleagues at Oritamerin in Ibadan used to appreciate her works, and they would always demand for something similar for their kids too. In addition, my father used to lecture us on need to be contented with what we have in order to become successful in life.
Continuing, Bashy said “When you are honest in your dealings, you will be successful. When a customer approaches us to sew for them, we usually tell them the appropriate time to get their clothes in order to avoid disappointment. If we are not able to meet up, we usually inform them beforehand, most times, failure to deliver clothes at the agreed time or day might make one to lose customers.
While still talking about how he started his fashion business, Bashy Ike said “I started the fashion business right from my secondary school days. I used to travel to Senegal to get clothing materials and I would later sell and sow it to my elder brothers’ friends. Their good recommendations connected me to people like Chief Afe Babalola and other dignitaries in the country.
He further stated that good finishing, integrity and truthfulness have been his guiding principles that have endeared him to many influential customers both in Nigeria and abroad.
The Ibadan-based entrepreneur made these revelations while featuring on a weekly radio show, Parrot Xtra/Ayekooto on Radio’ anchored by Olayinka Agboola and broadcast live on Splash105.5FM, Felele Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State recently.
Akande further revealed that he has over 30 workers in his company who man different machines in different sections in order to meet up with the demands of his numerous customers.
“Our workers are divided into different sections. The person cutting is not the person that will sew, and our workers are handsomely remunerated for every extra effort they put in to deliver their work on time”
He, however, revealed that his happiest moment was when two former State Governors in Nigeria wore the cloths he designed for them on the day of their inauguration.
The successful entrepreneur further urged parents to be good role models to their children, while urging them to train their children to become responsible and godly individuals.
Packaged by Dare Raji and Olawale Awe
