If there is a clear-cut description for who a serial entrepreneur is; then Samiah Oyekan-Ahmed, founder/CEO of three different, thriving businesses is the best fit.
Starting out, her businesses was first about passion, then about meeting obvious gaps in the market, then about customer satisfaction.
This absolutely inspiring woman, chats with Francesca Uriri and talks business, faith, family and why limitations don’t exist for her.
How is it that you transitioned from being a medical doctor to becoming an entrepreneur?
It honestly wasn’t a deliberate transition. I got married right after my house job and relocated from Lagos to England/Abuja. I didn’t have a job for a while and then I got pregnant with my first child and quit the pro bono stint I was doing. I was bored of staying at home doing nothing and that’s how I decided to have my first event and my first company was born.
I must chip in however, that I’ve always been entrepreneurial. I had a few things I had dabbled into even while in medical school like selling gifts and clothes designing, so it was quite an easy transition.
You’re involved in at least four different businesses; how did your journey into becoming a serial entrepreneur begin?
All my businesses stem from love of certain things and that’s where I get my passion from to run them as I do. Fusion lifestyle was birthed from my love of putting things together (and the fact that Abuja didn’t have anything of the sort when I moved there). The Gift Source was from my love of finding quirky and unique items and the gap in the market for great quality, affordable gifts. Fruit Garden was from my love for fruits and convenience and so on. I am a portfolio entrepreneur because I love to multitask and I thrive on pressure of trying to make several things work at once.
Let’s talk about the hugely popular “Fusion Lifestyle” how did that start?
Fusion Lifestyle (formerly Fusion: a fashion and beauty event) started from sheer boredom! I simply needed something to do! I had gone for a more exclusive event of the same sort in Lagos and decided to model a more middle class version after it and that’s what I did. We have since grown from a 21-vendor and 200 guest event, to a 120-vendor and 2500 guest event, and will be 7years in the business at the end of 2016.
Name 5 female entrepreneurs that you admire?
It’s tough to narrow down as they are too many! But here goes: Funke Awobokun of Grills/Cocktails In and Out, whose humility and constant growth motivate me. Gloria Kekere-Ekun of Fara and Zara, a creative genius! Banke Meshida-Lawal of BM Pro for her amazing growth in her field, Mrs Mo Abudu for all the frontiers she continues to break. Mrs Nike Ogunlesi of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble for her excellence, Mrs Ibukun Awosika for showing us women can be anything they want to be and Jessica Alba for turning love into a billion dollar company with her The Honest Company. Sorry, that’s 7 people.
You are based in Abuja, the North-Central part of Nigeria; most people are of the opinion, that business is slower-paced and perhaps not as profitable, as say, Lagos. What would you say to that?
Yes, Abuja is slower paced than Lagos, but I personally think that’s why it’s fertile ground for businesses. There are still so many opportunities for ‘firsts’ here, whereas Lagos is almost saturated. Profitability wise, I think a business will be successful anywhere as long as all the right ingredients are in place.
Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur, or did you want to do something else in life?
I always assumed I would be a paediatrician. I knew I would want to do something on the side from when I was a little younger though basically because doctors salaries in this part of the world wasn’t something I saw myself being content with and also because I knew I would eventually want to explore my creative side.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in running your business, and how have you overcome them?
Major challenge I would say is finding staff of the same mind-set. I’ve overcome that by not being too expectant of people’s abilities and by being willing to teach. A lot of people say finance, but I wouldn’t say that because I’m a firm believer in starting with whatever you have, even if it’s nothing. I started The Gift Source with no capital! None whatsoever and Fruit Garden with so little. People always assume they need millions to start, but I always say ‘start small and dream big.
Who are your greatest mentors and role-models in business?
I would say my biggest mentor is Google. I just read up on all sorts of people that motivate me and inspire me to be better! I don’t like to think that I have role models, I have a little bit of this and that I admire in people, but the people I would like to model myself after are dead and long gone, first being Khadijah, the first wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him), who was one of the most successful business people of her time and who combined this with being an amazing and supportive wife.
Let’s talk about your other business, Gift Source, why did you go into it, how long have you been into it, and how would you say business has been? Honestly?
I started the Gift Source frankly because I was tired of receiving rubbish gifts at events and seeing my kids come home with tasteless party packs which ironically cost so much! Like I had mentioned, I’ve always had a love for unique items and decided to turn that into a business. The Gift Source will be 3 in September and honestly, it’s been a great journey. I have no complaints. I have been able to show my creativity and I absolutely love doing what I do. The current economic situation and exchange rate is a clog in the wheel for now, but I’m hopeful we’ll overcome it soon.
I love your page on Instagram, it seems that you’re equal parts obsessed (in a good way) with your husband and two children. How does family fit into your space as a business woman and entrepreneur?
Thank you for following me on Instagram and yes I’m a tad obsessed with my family. God and Family always come first. No compromise. All that I do is to feed the love of the first two. I have young kids that I love to tuck into bed every night and pray with so I’m almost always home before bed time for them! I like them to see me working hard, especially my little girl, so they understand the value of hard work and I hope they grow to be proud of me. As a wife, I believe I can be an asset to my husband, whether he needs my support or not. Some men are threatened if their wives attain some success, but my husband just glows with pride. For me, the love and pleasure of God and my family must always be nurtured and nothing should affect that.
You also seem very spiritual and knowledgeable, almost like a muslim version of Oprah Winfrey. How important is your faith to you?
My Faith is EVERYTHING. It guides the many versions of me. Daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, neighbour, employer, stranger! My faith teaches me how to be the best I can be, not just for this world, but for the next. So I’m on a constant journey to seek knowledge about it and share what I know with others!
How do you cope when things get stressful? What do you do to balance yourself and relax?
Oh you can’t live the life I do and not be stressed out! I just unplug! Sometimes I travel and leave it all behind! Often times though, the stress gets to me and I get cranky and unbearable but I try not to let those periods last too long!
What drives you, what is the thing that keeps you going in life and business?
God and my family drive me.
You also seem to love reading; name 5 books that you’d recommend we read?
Oooh books!!! I love anything by Nicholas Sparks/Nora Roberts/ Tasmina Perry. Most of my non-fiction books are Islam-based and my absolute favorite book is Yasmin Mogahed’s ‘Reclaim your heart’.
What advice would you give upcoming female entrepreneurs?
I would say ‘limitations are only in our heads. You can be absolutely anything you want to be with hard prayer and hard work’
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Follow Samiah on Twitter and instagram @thegiftsource @fusionlifestyle
The Leading Ladies Africa Series is a weekly interview series that focuses on women of African descent, showcases their experiences across all socio-economic sectors, highlights their personal and professional achievements and offers useful advice on how to make life more satisfying for women.
It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa; an initiative that seeks to effectively mentor and inspire women, with particular emphasis on the African continent.
Do you know any woman of African descent doing phenomenal things? Send an email to lead@leadingladiesafrica.org and we just might feature her.
Comment:
I like how she loves God and makes it a central of everything. Greater height ma’am