My Interview with Bola x Founder of Kekereandco
(Encouraging the younger generation to embrace the African culture through fashion)
It is with great pleasure I bring to you another amazing female entrepreneur in my circle. Bola is my big sister from another mother and I am beyond proud of how she is spreading so much love for the African culture through African fashion. Read more on her entrepreneurship journey and be inspired to never give up on your passions and dreams.
What inspired you to take the path of entrepreneurship? Everybody has a story, what is your story?
My boys inspired me to take up entrepreneurship. Apart from the need to have an additional stream of income, I wanted to do something that was beyond 9 to 5 and that I had a passion for. I love African fashion and I first thought about the idea of setting up a fashion brand many years ago but I let fear hold me back. I had to relocate temporarily to Nigeria in 2020 and had some time on my hands so decided to explore this idea that I have had for so long. It has been an interesting and challenging journey so far and I have no regrets.
What advice will you give your younger self?
Invest in good relationships. Know your worth and be kind to yourself always. Rise above your fears and take that risk
Relationship building – Let’s talk about this! How important is relationship building for you and how did it help your business?
I am a shy introvert but I recognize the importance of networking and building good relationships so running a business has helped me to step out of my comfort zone. Over the years, I have built great relationships with suppliers, artisans, and other business owners and this has helped me immensely in my business journey. Building relationships takes time and effort but it pays off. I am always happy to support others and I have also met people who have made a real difference in my life and my business.
Do you take risks? What risk did you take? Was it a good or bad risk? What would you do differently?
I am naturally risk averse but this has changed since I started my entrepreneurship journey. Starting the business itself was a risk because it was just before the pandemic hit in 2020 and though It was difficult at the beginning, it also opened up new opportunities for businesses like mine. I have taken risks that haven’t paid off but I see them as a learning opportunity. Also, I have learned that it is important to have a strategy when taking a risk so you can consider if the positive outcome will outweigh the possibility of failure.
How do you find a balance being a full-time mompreneur?
Motherhood is a beautiful experience but can be tiring. As a mum of 2 boys with a 9 to 5 job, running a business involves a constant struggle to find a balance. I try to schedule tasks for the week, I plan everything including time with the family and rest time for me. When things don’t go according to plan, I carry the boys along and try to make it up another time. There are times when the boys really need me and I have to step back from the business a bit but it helps that I am now able to delegate some aspects of the business. It also really helps that the boys are my greatest supporters, they are passionate about my business and they are very happy to help. My 10-year-old came back from school last week and told me he showed his friends my website and they loved the products and one of his friends chose a playmat for his little baby sister. That was a real proud mama moment for me.
Who inspires you?
My first inspiration is God, He inspires everything I do. I am also greatly inspired by my boys. I am conscious of the fact that these little humans are watching me and are being shaped by what they see. Once in a while, I see them replicate something that they have seen me do or say and it makes me proud and inspires me to do better. I also get inspiration from wanting to make a difference and give back to society. One of my reasons for starting Kekere & Co was to make a difference by empowering artisans in the African culture and community and also to encourage the younger generation to embrace the African culture through fashion.
How do you self-care?
I enjoy spending time on Netflix, going to the theatre, and spending quality time with friends.
What advice would you give to anyone who is about to embark on the entrepreneurship journey?
My first advice will be to write down the vision. Have a business plan and set out measurable goals. Don’t try to do it all by yourself, entrepreneurship is a full-time job so you will struggle and burn out if you over-exert yourself. Invest in good people and outsource what you can as soon as possible, especially in the areas in which you lack expertise. You will have to cross some hurdles on the way, stay focused, and remember success does not come overnight. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to keep going. Set up a process for everything, it will save you money in the long run and makes your business scalable. Finally, remember to schedule regular time off to recharge so you can continue to give your best to your business.
What is one of your greatest accomplishments in business? How did you get there?
Rebranding Kekere & Co earlier this year was a great accomplishment for me, it was not an easy decision but I had to do it and the reception has been great. I also created and launched the website for Kekere & Co in July.
Are you open to mentorship? How can you be reached? What are your social handles?
Though I have a very busy schedule, I know the value of mentorship and I am open to it for the right person. My social media handle is @kekereandco on all platforms though I am most active on Instagram. I can also be reached via email [email protected]
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