Blog - July 9, 2017
Of Beginnings and Decisions…
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I left Lagos in May, as some of you might already know. It was a decision that I made in a day, despite having it in the works for way over a year. I just stood up that day and told myself that I had had enough, Lagos did not seem like the place for me and I just could not cope any longer. I made some calls, left for Ibadan to see my parents and to tell them of my next plans, I was going to Abuja and I had high hopes that I would be better and happier there.
I definitely knew that it was not going to be a bed of roses. Many of my friends did not think it a wise decision because they felt I was leaving certainty for uncertainty. I understood their fears as I also had same but I just knew I had to do what I had to do. After all, I had prayed about it and I had my faith solidly built on the fact that favour and Grace would follow me everywhere. I stayed at Ibadan for a while then went to Lagos with my brother to move my clothes, gadgets and other things to Ibadan. My brother left with them and I packed the remainder of the clothes into two boxes, Off to Abuja I went.
I got in, went to my family friend’s house ( I had pre informed her of my coming) and with her help, I started settling in gradually. I began applying for jobs and soon, I started getting interview invites. Yaay, that looked good yh?
For a long time, anytime anyone suggests Business to me, I was always quick to respond to them with : ” Nah, I’m not a business oriented kind of person” or “Do I look like someone who who can sell and buy to you”.
People’s reasons for wanting me to start a business stems from the fact that they believe I have the charisma, disposition and ability to run a business. They also felt that I already have the audience and getting customers will not be a huge task. They do have valid reasons but I just was not ready to listen.
I understood why I was like this. I have friends who do business and they never stop complaining about how hard it is and how people can be very difficult while dealing with them. I just did not see myself as having enough patience and perseverance to condone some insult that these friends do tell me will definitely come with the business, regardless of how amazing you or your products are. This seemed ridiculous, so I told myself I’d rather stick with 9-5.
What I did not think of, however, is that meeting unpleasant people or getting to deal with some forms of insolence was not restricted to business doings alone. Getting a salary earning job and loving it does not stop all forms of interactions from coming your way. I worked at a place for two years and due to the nature of the job, I came across different individuals. Some very respectful and the others otherwise, the company sure followed the mantra of : Customers are always right” , so I learnt to suck things in more and accept that people are different and that does not make them bad people, The summary of this is that, that work helped greatly in building my people management skills and I am proud to say I am better now.
I like to wear pretty things, it is something that has been part of me since I was little. I would gather up money to go shop for really fancy things and play dress up even when there was no occasion. This went on and I found myself spending lots of money on clothing. Unlike some people who liked fancy shoes or wristwatches or bags, clothes were my own thing and you’d always find beautiful ones in my corner. What this means is that I could spend so much money, which some people might think ridiculous, on Abayas and tops and dresses and what have you. It is an addiction.
Whenever I wear these pretty things, I’d have people ask me where I got them and I’d just direct them to the store or designer who made it for me. I cannot count the umber of friends I have hooked up with my personal tailor in Ibadan, they all have good stories and it started from admiring my outfits.
Okay, where is this rant leading?
I started thinking of business, I had many options from suggestions by friends and off the top of my head but one stuck, I knew whatever I would sell had to do with clothing. I was not particularly sure of what manner of clothing I would sell, I just knew it had to be something different. I started thinking and it came to me: Hayyy!
I have these comfortable pants that I wear. They are called pallazos or wide leg pants, they are so beautiful and easy to wear, people pass nice comments my way when I wear them and they can serve different purposes. You either use them for a casual evening outing or to an owambe or to a reunion with friends; you only need to pair it up with the appropriate top and accessories and you are good to go. There I had it; We shall sell Pallazos!
Then I drew up a plan, I googled business steps and strategies, goal settings and things to expect in a business start up. I buzzed some of my friend doing business and sought their counsel. I put it all together and knew I had to get funds. (Fam, starting a business is not cheap). I made lots of inquiries and when I got satisfied, I knew I was good to go. I also needed a photoshoot to show the already existing ones and get people aware of what was coming. I spoke to friends and two people immediately offered to foot the bill for the shoot ( I have wonderful friends, I know ) .Odunayo, my friend who owns
House of Moh said she would pay for the shoot and we should do it as soon as possible. Imagine a friend being even more passionate. We went for the shoot and she modelled for me too, just look at us:
My friend repped from Austin, Texas and I really just wanted to hug her, it was such a perfect fit!
I am proud to say that the first collection is out, after over a month of going back and forth and getting things organised. We are live and we are receiving orders. Please patronize us and join the team, wear Nigeria and support the movement, after all, we share doses of happiness here and there.
I present the collection:
Suggestions are welcome as regards what you think we should continue and what we can do better.
Sizes available from 8 t0 14, limited stock though, we will be working on the basis of first come, first serve
For Enquiries:
Twitter : @omotolaniee
Instagram: @omotolanieee
Email : omotolaniee@gmail.com
Phone Number: 08052966906 (Whatsapp available)
Thank you , and we look forward to doing business with you.
Zimo
Omotolani my love, know that I’m always here to support you and you decisions, I love you. Sign Me up for a pallazo!!!
Tolani Busari
Oh yes I know, biggest cheerleader❤️. Thanks for the patronage too
Olamide
Well done babe. God bless the hustle. May it yield good returns In sha Allah. Oh and all the models look amazing!
Tolani Busari
Amin Amin. Thanks a lot darling❤️
Shona
Pallazos are just the perfect outfits. They are the most comfortable pair to wear. Congratulations on your new Brand. May Allah put Barakah in it.
Tolani Busari
I know right! Thank you Shona, Amin❤️
Toyeen
Your courage is admirable….”certainty to uncertainty”.
They’re all so pretty!
In sha Allah I’m gonna be one of your numerous customers.
Barakallahu fih sis
Tolani Busari
Aaamin waiyakkum. Thanks sis❤️
Toyin Zuleiha
Hi, good evening, I must say that I admire your courage to leave Lagos for Abuja, and even though I have never met you, you have been kind to me and I pray kindness follows you everywhere, I even feel a lil sense of nostalgia , the collection is lovely and I think you should keep up the work,. My suggestion however is that you should stock plain palazzos, they can be corporate and classy.
Tolani Busari
Thank you Zuleiha. Amin to your prayers. May Allah be pleased with you. Oh yes, we are stocking plain pallazos in a bit, watch out❤️
waliyulah
I remember once coming across a tweet suggesting one can’t be wealthy on a 9 – 5 job, hence suggesting we all become business people. Lol. It seems to me the tweep forgets the option of doing 9 – 5 whilst also maintaining a business by the side. Best wishes on the business adventure.
I formally welcome you to Abuja, the town itself welcomes you. May it bring good tidings and memorable moments, whilst you spread your doses of happiness here and there in your characteristic manner.
Tolani Busari
Thank you Waliyullah. Thank you for welcoming me and making the stay beautiful so far❤️
Cakes
Beautiful collection.
I bet we are selling out in a few❤️❤️
Love them all!
All the best,mama!😘😘
Tolani Busari
You know this baby❤️❤️. Thank you
Ifeoluwa
👍May God bless the works of your hands
Tolani Busari
Amin. Thanks hun
sekinat
Lowkey sad that the sizes run up to 14 only as per plus size lady 😃
On the great side, really proud of you. Business is actually interesting so far you sell goods or services you are passionate about. Well done dear.
Oh I admire your strength, it takes a lot to make that kind of decision and stick with it.
Success in all your endeavors dear.
Tolani Busari
Oh we can make sizes for you, you already know! Thank you fabulous Sekinah❤️❤️❤️
leemlar
Baby girl, we shall buy your pallazo, infact They will buy because Allah SWT has blessed this one already. May Abuja be good to you, you shall find all what you planned to achieve here and more In sha Allah.
Tolani Busari
And you bought not just one but two. Leemah, you rock!
Larmmie
Awwww lovely! Well done darl…God bless ❤️
Tolani Busari
Thank you baby❤️❤️❤️❤️
Bolaji Adigun
Firstly, I’d like to commend you on the decision you made. I bet that was a tough one but hey Allahu Allam. May he make your stay in ABJ worthwhile.
Secondly, I’d like to congratulate you on your next adventure and business decision. May ALLAH make every step you take easy. Business is not easy Yes! But not to scare you my darling, With hard work and perseverance, I believe you will thrive. You are hardworking, beautiful, and a goal getter which I admire a lot about you. I am one myself and it gives me so much joy when I see young ladies who are passionate about their future. It might seem extremely difficult running a business in the beginning, but trust me, there is light at the end of a tunnel, please do not give up no matter what.
Lastly, invest in good and quality pictures ,that will speak a lot about your product and of course the fabric and finishing matters a whole lot. Be creative about it and continue to seek advice on strategic planning and marketing because that’s where the whole work lies.
All the best sister!!!
Tolani Busari
Thanks a lot sister. You are amazing in more ways than one❤️. And thanks for your continuous patronage too. Love you
Oréoluwa A.
This is such a heartwarming post! And I can totally relate with some of the things stated here; I just completed my masters and will be moving back to Nigeria soon (the uncertainties are killing me, but I know I will pull through.
Your palazzo collection is so nice! I love palazzos because they fit me too well. May patronage you soon!
Well done x
Oréoluwa’s blog
Tolani Busari
I am so sorry for responding to this late. Thanks a lot darling❤️. Uncertainties yh? Mehn I know how that can be. But please, just keep the faith okay? Everything will turn out fine. Still waiting for your patronage❤️
Omolola fadhilat
Your story is motivating! May your stay in Abuja be fruitful.. keep soaring high!
Day 11 : The November Happiness Challenge - Omotolaniee
[…] told myself that it was not the place for me, I did a post earlier about my decision to leave Lagos here. I used to visit Abuja a lot because I have a big sister who lives there and right from the first […]