QueenBee Aurora is hardworking and very passionate about her career, she has created a platform that motivates and project the talents of others. She’san inspiration. She speaks to Elora’s Blog in this interview.

Please introduce yourself?

I am Queenbee Aurora, a native of Ukanafun L.G.A in Akwa-Ibom state and 26 years old. I am an author and a writing coach. I have lived in Lagos all my life, but recently relocated to Abuja. I am from a small family of five, where I am the eldest child.

You’re an Entrepreneur, please tell us more about your business?

I like to call myself an authorpreneur because writing has become more of a business than a career. Like I said before, I am an author and also a write coach. I help young individuals find their passion for writing and go on to make a living out of it, like I have done, through coaching programs which range from ten thousand naira to twenty thousand naira. I also help those who want to be authors like me, but do not have the technical know-how, write their books and fulfill their dreams of becoming authors.

Photos of Queen’s books & exhibition

What inspired you to start up your business?

I was inspired to start this business when I saw how much people were willing to pay for my writing skills. I got a job after my literary pieces were discovered on the internet and so I asked myself, ‘If they can pay you this, just to write, what is stopping you from making a business out of your skills?’ I realized I had value to give and I could exchange value for money, and so my business was created.

How were you able to raise fund for your busness?

In my business you don’t need huge capital and this is the reason I encourage other young people to come in. I knew I needed money for courses to brush up my writing and make it professional, I also needed a Smartphone and a laptop and other techie gadgets needed for my coaching programs, so I saved up my salary. I also got financial help from family. The most important thing is to start; with perseverance and hard work, you can get whatever you need, later.

How do you advertise your business?

I advertise mainly through social media especially using Facebook ads. I am yet to conquer twitter and Instagram, so I am just maximizing all the potentials of Facebook. Note that, in this business, word of mouth and proof of skills is what sells more than the advertisement you do. So, I enter into writing competitions, just to show off my skills and this lures people into my mailbox to ask me for help with their writing career.

What are the challenges you’ve faced while running business?

Electricity supply and data cost are the main challenges in this business. My business is done mostly online and so I am always online. With the high cost of data in Nigeria, you can see my challenge here. Also electricity supply is erratic and so, I can only support with alternative power supply.

How does it feel being your own boss?

It feels exhilarating to be able to own a business such as this. Even though this is a side business, I love the security it gives. While others are crying for delayed salaries, I am cashing out steadily. The thing I love most is the security it provides and the joy it gives me when I provide value to these individuals.

Has it been financially rewarding?

Sure it has! A course with me costs twenty thousand naira and most people go ahead to refer other people. My book is also selling like hot akara. So you see, it has been financially rewarding.

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

Wow! In five years, I see myself as a celebrity author known across the continents with more than 100 million copies of books sold. The kind that will get endorsements, just as Chimamanda Adichie is doing now. I also see my coaching program becoming renowned and birthing other celebrity authors. In five years time, I want to have more financial freedom, taking vacations wherever and whenever I want. There should also be a beautiful family as icing on the cake. *Laughs*.