Gracemary Nwodu Umoh is married with kids, but yet she’s a versatile business woman. She speaks to Elora’s Blog in this interview.

Please tell us about your background?

I’m the first daughter in a family of 7 and the second in line. I was raised by strict parents and that affected my personality. It made me quiet and some times people mistake me as a snob. I will also say my business nature was inherited from my father who taught me at an early life the importance of savings and that was how I developed my self to become a business woman after years of doing 8 clock to 6 clock job.

You’re an Entrepreneur, what’s your line of business?
As an entrepreneur, I will say I don’t put my eggs in one basket. I always try news grounds, I started hair business because I love to make my hair a lot and I was buying bad hair at that time so it became a problem that I needed to solve and that motivated me to source for good quality by myself. My second business as an importer on Artificial Grass, it was very challenging and as a person who doesn’t believe anything is impossible, I found myself succeeding against all odds.

Photos of Jobs done in Turf and Garden Nig

What inspired you to start up your business?
The Artificial Grass business (Turf and Garden Nigeria) my first encounter of it was through a friend ,which at the time doesn’t trust me to market for her in port harcourt . When I finally approached her of my interest to start it in port harcourt, she put me down as not capable to handle it, then came the desire to make it on my own and today ,is a success story.

How were you able to raise fund for your business?
The truth in business is start small but don’t end small. I started hair business with my savings of less than 80,000. I was actually waiting for my husband for sponsor but ran out of patience and when he saw I have started with my money, he invested .
After 3 years of doing the hair business, I saved my salaries because I paid my self and that savings started the artificial grass business which is a multi million naira business on my own, 100% did it without my hubby investing.

How do you advertise your business?
Advertisement is key in any business , I haven’t done any major advert. Facebook ,instagram and other social media platform has been helpful. We hope to be on TV , radio etc. I will say advert as your capital permits you.
Advertisement is key in any business , I haven’t done any major advert. Facebook ,instagram and other social media platform has been helpful. We hope to be on TV , radio etc. I will say advertise as your capital permits you.

How does it feel being your own boss?
It feels good to own my time especially as a mother of young children. It has given me time to be there for them.

Has it been financially rewarding?
Yes, it has been financially rewarding big time, I have supported in my family projects, contributed in caring for my children materially. I can give without permission .

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?
In 5 years by God’s grace, I want to see my brands as a household name not just known by few people.