"I felt like quitting, the challenges were overwhelming". - Oluwaseun Yusuf, CEO Bunnies Collection
By Kemi Mobuse - Friday, May 06, 2016
I was reading an article online some few days back and i came across this quote: "Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, but if you do have the bug to experience freedom and still generate income, entrepreneurship can lead to an amazing life." I was quite thrilled.
Being an entrepreneur is really a tough call to make, let alone in a country Nigeria. But, at the end of the day, if it is something you are truly passionate about, then, no excuse is to big to stop you, you will begin to see challenges as stepping stones, and just another reason to try again.
This is the story of Oluwaseun Yusuf, the CEO of Bunnies Collection, i chanced upon her interview with Startup Stories, and I was really touched by her determination and thought to share...
At a point, I got tired of working as an auditor, my desire was to be a fashion and business woman. I had studied business education at Olabisi Onabanjo University so I just knew that I was wasting my time at an audit firm. After an in-depth thinking, I finally left my job to learn fashion designing. I also learned about T-shirt branding, production and sales. I must say that I did not have enough money to start big but I have nurtured my dream.
I am 27 years old and I live and work in Lagos, Nigeria. I am a fashion entrepreneur, a fashion designer and also the creative director of my brand, Bunnies Collection [BC] which will be 4 years old in a few weeks from now. We are solely into designing and making cloths for both gender and all age groups. We customize and brand clothes for all kinds of events and programs. We also make ready to wear clothes and also traditional attires. All our pieces are designed and made from scratch here in Nigeria.
The brand is not just a fashion business brand because over the years we have put smiles on people’s faces. Some clients have turned into friends and family. It has been amazing doing what I love and getting paid for it. One thing the brand stands for is quality. Seeing people wear my brand brings smiles to my face and makes me thrive to work harder. I know the brand is not at the desired position yet but we are on our way to greatness.
To be honest, the challenges have been overwhelming. Some days I just feel like quitting but then I remember where I started from. Being a young person with a huge dream and passion but no cash to actualize it can be very discouraging. The state of our nation and economy also has its own negative appeal. Before I started the brand, I was waiting for sponsors and investors which never came but I never gave up. At a point, I became really sad. I believe, as humans, we do not really know how strong we are until being strong is the only option. It has been 4 years of ups and downs, tears and happiness but my brand is still standing strong. When you are passionate about your brand, you will always find a way to keep pressing on, without undermining the grace factor of course.
My aspiration is to get better at what I do, to impact the world in my own little way and also help the Nigerian economy progress. I hope that other small businesses can thrive better. I also pray for good health, wisdom and God's speed to achieve the mission of my brand, to see BC grow into a popular and affordable brand, to create more fascinating and affordable pieces and lastly to build a brand that will motivate other young women out there to become creative and entrepreneurial.
My advice to all young entrepreneurs out there is keep the fire burning. No one said it was going to be easy, quitters never win, but with diligence, faithfulness, dedication, hard work and prayer we will surely achieve our goals. May the almighty God make it easy for us all.
You can contact Ms Oluwaseun Yusuf on:
📞07037942064
More pictures below :
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