Umeh Jennifer Chinonye is young but highly talented, a student that discovered her talents in arts. She’s an inspiration to young students like herself. She speaks to Elorasblog in this interview.

Please tell us about your background?

I am Umeh Jennifer Chinonye, 400 level student of Mass Communication, the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara state Nigeria. The CEO of Blinky Creative Collections. The company I founded in the year 2016 in a bit to support myself financially at school.

Blinky Creative Collections is a social enterprise located in Kwara, Nigeria with the mission to fight worldwide poverty, to empower ordinary people to take action, to reduce carbon emissions and to create a sustainable future for all.

We sell quality, neat recycled plain Tee shirts, and customize Polos for events such as Campaign, birthday parties, anniversary, etc.

I created the brand name “BLINKY” after I was bullied at school by my Course mates. I decided to surprise my bullies and turned my shame into a great advantage.

I am also the founder of “Hope for African Girls Initiative – HAGi ”
Where we build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

I am also the Team Leader of Enactus in my school. And the co – founder of De-Xceptional ushering Agency. I co-founded with a friend to enable student on campus raise little funds for themselves after each ushering job.

I am Educate A Girl Scholar, an NGO that train and Empower young girls in the world.

You are an entrepreneur. Whats your line of business?

Blinky Creative Collections is a printing company that is into production of Shirts. Brand new and recycled with quality cotton material and fabrics.

What Inspired you to start up your business?

The inspiration behind BLINKY Creative Collections is to assist students groups, NGOs and other organizations who could not afford customized shirts but have interest in it, I can be able to customize for them at a very low cost with the recycled materials and for the fact that I want to reduce the rate of unemployment which I know setting up a company will help to employ certain number of youths and the success can also be a source of motivation to Nigeria students , that it can work here in Nigeria against all odds.

How were you able to raise fund for your business?

I was privileged to be selected by Edu shine foundation after I pitched my idea to them. I was given a non interest loan of 50,000 .

How do you advertise your business?

I use the power of social media to attract buyers. Most of my clients was connected to me through social media

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

The challenges are enormous , but have confirmed that greatest opportunities are gotten from greatest challenges. Combining my school activities with meeting deadlines at the same has not really been easy. It’s been God.

How does it feel being your own boss?

Being your own boss definitely has its perks. I can manage my own schedule and workload without having somebody breathing down my neck and I don’t have to worry about any bills at school because I know it’s going to be taken care of. Being a boss lady is not easy. It takes demination and focus. Examination periods are bomb for me. I read and at the same time work so hard to meet deadlines. But the rewards are worth it I must say. Most student wish they could do some of those things.

Has it been financially rewarding?

Sure, very financially rewarding. For I sort my self out in school financially and suit most of my bills. Most times I ask myself, what could I have done if I have no such venture. Because school life is demanding. We spend every day.

Where do you see Brand in 5 years?

In five years to come, i would have offices in other states in the country. Expansion of Blinky enterprise which we will be able to employ more students and turn our vocational limited into a conventional training school where we produce certified shirts customizers.