I started my business without any support, with just my savings to see me through - CEO Belle Perle
By Kemi Mobuse - Tuesday, May 03, 2016
I remember those days, when my Mom was still very much alive, i used to sneak into her room, just to admire her jewelries and also, steal some honey to lick.
When God decided to teach me a lesson on stealing, it was through a wicked spider, i was busy playing with one of mummy's pearl, and admiring myself in the mirror, with the bottle of honey to keep my mouth occupied, when the spider landed on my arm. In fear, i flung the pearls at the wall to try to kill the fleeing spider, while knocking over and breaking the bottle of honey in the process and cussing out at the same time.
The sound of the pearls scattering all over the floor, jolted me back to reality and stopped me dead in my track. To say my Mom beat me so much, that i forgot my name was saying something. To say, i even hated the sight of honey since then, was just a bonus, let alone a spider. wicked Spider! lol!
So, i can definitely relate, with what the CEO of Belle Perle meant when she was doing same, while honing her skills, read more of her start up story in the exclusive interview she had with KMB below:
Kemi Mobuse blog: Can we meet you?
BellePerle: My name is Uloma Uzoigwe, the CEO of BellePerle
Kemi Mobuse blog: What do you do?
Kemi Mobuse blog: What do you do?
BellePerle: I make hand crafted jewelry from beads, wire, wood, shell, clothe etc. Anything that can be turned into a jewelry. I also make hats, fascinator, wedding flowers, bridal veil, bridal fan, hair piece for children, Cake box, jewelry box, ring box, and customized packaging.
Kemi Mobuse blog: What inspired your going into this field?
BellePerle: I have always had love for crafts. Growing up as a child, I had lots of beads used for making my hair. Most times I would string them together to make a necklace. I would sneak to my mom's room, open her jewelry box, take out her coral beads and start playing with them
Kemi Mobuse blog: Haha! Hope you didn't break anything?
BellePerle: Hahahaha! I did o, a few got cut during the process of examining how they were strung together and it didn't go down well with my Mum. But I wasn't discouraged; I always found a way back there, So, when I found out that bead making was now a trend back in 2006, I got hooked on it
I taught myself the basics because it was really expensive enrolling for a beading class and momsy will sure not give me money for it. "Concentrate on ur studies" she will always say.
I then started saving every kobo I had to buy beads and bead supplies
Funnily enough, she later became supportive and even interested when I started making beads for others.
I taught myself the basics because it was really expensive enrolling for a beading class and momsy will sure not give me money for it. "Concentrate on ur studies" she will always say.
I then started saving every kobo I had to buy beads and bead supplies
Funnily enough, she later became supportive and even interested when I started making beads for others.
Kemi Mobuse blog: How was starting out capital wise?
BellePerle: Sincerely I don't know exactly how much I invested capital wise because then I spent from my savings
Any little money I had I took along with me when going to the market and whatever bead or supply that caught my eye, I bought
Any little money I had I took along with me when going to the market and whatever bead or supply that caught my eye, I bought
Kemi Mobuse blog: What is the name of your brand and how old is it now?
BellePerle: The name of my brand is BellePerle we've been on since 2006
Kemi Mobuse blog: Where do you see your brand in 5 years?
BellePerle: In 5 years, by the grace of God, BellePerle will be a recognized and go-to brand in the fashion and packaging industry.
Kemi Mobuse blog: Looking back, is there anything you wished you have done differently?
BellePerle: Differently; yes. I wished I had gone into the online market earlier than when I started. Most times I ask myself 'Oma why didn't you do this all along"?! Well it's better late than never. I also wished I had taken pictures of my works over the years or even took time to snap captivating and clear pictures because a good picture is mostly what it takes to get an order online. I'm definitely working on it.
Kemi Mobuse blog: Any advice for future entrepreneurs?
BellePerle: For an entrepreneur to succeed, you must have a plan and a goal. You don't do something because others are doing it or because it's the 'in thing'. You need to work hard, pray hard, have courage, believe in yourself, be determined to succeed, and have a great passion for whatever business venture you want to establish
Kemi Mobuse blog: Lastly, how can you be contacted?
BellePerle: We can be contacted via whatsapp on 07067985441 or
a dm on ig @belleperle1
More Pictures below:
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