Hi All, being a Mompreneur isn't easy. Having to joggle being a wife, mum and entrepreneur.Today, we delve into the life of Mrs. Mofolusade Sonaike who is a Gift Consultant and CEO of Trezorlandia.
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| Mrs. Mofolusade Sonaike |
My name is Mofolusade Sonaike. I have a background in
Chemical Engineering from the University Of Lagos and an MBA from Lagos Business School. As at the time of studying at both institutions, I had no idea
I would be an Entrepreneur, LOL!!!! I am currently a Gift Solutions provider
trading with the brand name Trezorlandia.
JDC: What determined your passion for business? Tell us
about the moment when you decided this is the way to go.
It came at a time when I was tired of the vicious cycle
having moved from banking to manufacturing after my MBA. I was also the
mainland-island commute and leaving my young son in the care of nannies! I
wanted a change, I wanted a life and I wanted to do something that made me
happy.
I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew one
thing, I loved to shop for people. In my engineering days, I would help my
course-mates deliver gifts to their girlfriends and when I once again found
myself in the midst of men in my IT job with the bank, I continued this role.
I did some research and found that there was a career in
gift consulting; I decided there and then to develop myself in this line. It
wasn't an easy transition from paid employment to entrepreneurship, but I made
the decision and here I am today.
JDC: Can you remember the first business you did? Describe
it a bit
I remember it like it was yesterday! I arranged a surprise
birthday package for an old colleague’s wife – one of the people I called up
when I started to say, hey this is what I do now. It was in three phases; first
we (my friend, Maureen who runs JobMag helped make this happen, because we had
to be there quite early) got into her office before she got in and decorated
her table with fresh flowers and balloons including a mini fresh fruit basket.
Then when she had settled in to the office still reeling
from the shock, we delivered a cake with her picture on it. Hours later we
delivered a huge box of various gifts including a Tiffany and co bracelet with
a locket charm. Even for me it was exciting.
JDC: What aspect of business do you specialize in?
Recommending, Sourcing, Packaging and Delivery of gifts.
JDC: Describe your daily routine regarding work and how do
you combine it as a Mother and Wife
I have an elderly nanny who works Mondays to Fridays. I drop
off the boys at school in the mornings and she’s there to receive them when
they return on really busy days. On not so busy days, I work from home, so we
have time to play catch up. My typical day is one of taking and fulfilling
orders. A client gives you their brief and you work to ensure that everything
in the brief is implemented as documented. I plan the routes for the day and
logistics to ensure that deliveries are not late, because time is very critical
especially for office deliveries.
Combining the role of a mother and wife with running a business
has been mainly possible because of the support system I have. I am truly
blessed and grateful for my God’s grace, my husband, parents, siblings and
friends who have made the journey bearable, because nothing really prepares you
for the challenges of entrepreneurship.
JDC: What is your favorite book/magazine on Entrepreneuship
How about your favorite blog?
I am not too sure I
have a favorite book per say because I read everything and anything on
entrepreneurship offline and offline. Information and what you do with it is
what separates you from the pack at the end of the day. I recently read “The
Secret” because Nike Ogunlesi recommended it at a seminar I attended and it was
worth the read.
As for my favorite blog, I have to be biased here and say my
blog of course! Hehe. Mofolusades.blogspot.com. It’s my space where I can rant
and ramble about entrepreneurship.
JDC: What inspires you?
I am inspired by challenges. If someone says something can’t
be done, I want to see it done, just because.
Growing up, my father would always say nothing is impossible
and that stuck. I don’t always win, but I try with all I've got.
JDC: What is the most frustrating aspect of your job and the
most rewarding one?
The most frustrating aspect is the logistics; Lagos traffic
can sometimes make you look incompetent and irresponsible. It’s tough, but I
get better at routing deliveries every day.
The most rewarding part is the look on the face of a happy
recipient. I once delivered a cake and flowers to someone in diaspora’s elderly
mother and she practically hugged me! That’s more than money can buy.
JDC: If you had no
limits (money, resources), what would you aspire to do?
Haaa, don’t even ask! My hubby would have to put a leash on
me, hahaha. I can’t even begin to imagine. I want to travel the world though,
proper travel, experience the mountains and whatever there is to experience,
so…..
JDC: Share something
you would like the world to know about you or your ideas.
I have probably shared too much already on my blog *covers
face* No more!
JDC: What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs reading
this interview?
I saw something recently and it struck me, I’ll just quote
it.
“You know that thing you've always wanted to do? You should
do it”
There’s really never a good time to try. Just go ahead and
do it! Like Esther said “Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I
and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king,
even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Notice too that she called for prayer, don’t
underestimate that!
JDC: What do you think of our blog?
I have been following this blog for a while and have watched
it evolve. I like the travel bit best though and I guess you know why!
Cheers!
Do you have a story you like to share or want to inspire people. Please send your story to juep2002@gmail.com
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