Adenuga Damilola tolulope is beautiful, talented and hardworking, she is projecting a business that can add so much value to Nigeria. She speaks to Elora’s blog in this interview.

Please introduce yourself and tell us more about your background?

I am Adenuga Damilola tolulope, from a family of 4 ,1st born and only girl. Native of Ogun state ,ijebu ode.
I graduated from Tai solarin university of education, discipline; business education. I am a Christian.
I love being my self, I love me. I believe in what I can do, my handwork…

You’re an Entrepreneur, what does your business entails?

I am an entrepreneur, I am into bag making.

What is the name of your business?

Dee’s Empire.

Did you attend any form of training?

Yes, I attended training for bag making, but the thing is, you can not be taught all.
So I did more research by checking the latest bag being carried, I also create and draw design for myself.

Photos of Damilola’s handwork at Dee’s Empire

What inspired you to start up Dee’s Empire?

Hummmm, what actually inspired me to start Dee’s Empire or should I say what brought the name Dee’s Empire
Like I said : I believe in what my hands can do, I don’t like being in a place (idle).
Well the best I can say is the mind set, creativity, and most especially my mom inspired me a lot, she always says,
“Dami having a hand work is the best/ is good, is best”.
Then that name was from my lovely friends, because I actually named my brand Dami”s bag. My friends actually influenced me to change the name to Dee’s Empire as it sounded more professional.

How were you able to raise fund to start up your business?

Fund raising ( thank God I got a lovely and adorable parents, they did the fund raising.

How do you source for the materials you use to make your bags?

Sourcing for the material I use to make bag, I get my materials for bags at the market, (sango market/ and mushin market).I get quality material that are long lasting.

What major challenges have you encountered in your business?

Hummm challenges I faced was how to structure my brand, how to put things in place.
Even in this Nigeria we find our self , when we notice this is lucrative and bringing in money, that’s when you see people trying them/ it affects though.
But we have to do the best, give our customers a satisfaction of everything they want.
How do we achieve this? By using a nice and last longing material, suitable color that suits them.
Another thing is monetary aspect, when the job you get are not satisfactory, and you have to put more creativity and improve next time.
I need more hands too , as i don’t really have helpers right now.

What platform do use to advertise your business?

Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp of course..

You’re the boss, how does it feel working for yourself?

Wow! Well I feel big, change, big madam, you know when you’re addressed as a Ceo in your business, I feel happy about it, glad, and fulfilled.

Will you say it’s been financially rewarding?

Well yes and No at times .
(Yes) I gain materials
No) monetary aspect ,like I said , may not pay sometimes as I want. But I am still hanging on. My best is yet to come.

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

To have my brands in different branches, and am not limiting my self to Nigeria alone, I want to have access to the whole world.

Contact:
08142977021/09099106243

Email:elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com