The Look of pure satisfaction and delight I see on my Client's Face after a Job is my favourite part of what I do - Creative director of Oak&Teak.
By Kemi Mobuse - Tuesday, July 19, 2016
I remember my excitement, at moving to a freshly built house sometime last year with my Family. I was very excited and happy simply because, I would have the luxury of decorating the house purely to my taste and that was exactly what I did. I was determined to get my house looking like something in the Yanks and all these Home remodelling magazine, but I was determined not to go overboard or break the bank to get it done.
My Husband naturally didn't share my enthusiasm at all, but then, why would he? when he would be the one paying for it? Infact, anytime, my phone beeps, that another of my numerous orders is about to be delivered. The guy will just sigh, and make himself very scarce. Lol! I no kuku send. I went about happily, buying and decorating nitemi! By the time I was done, and the house was ready to be inhabited, we showed everyone around, the oohs and aahs I got really made my already big head, swelled up more, and you could have seen my husband ke, pushing out his chest and strutting around as if, he did all the work by himself. Sigh!
Ha!Before I get carried away, let me introduce to you, this Lovely Interior Decorator I was privileged to come across on Instagram, She is a personable lady, who has achieved much at such a young age, and I really love everything about her work. I had an exclusive interview with her, and it's really an eye opener...Read below:
Kemi Mobuse: Can we meet you?
OaKandteak: My
name is Morenike Molehin. I am happily married with 2 beautiful daughters
Kemi Mobuse: What do you do?
Kemi Mobuse: What do you do?
OaKandteak: I am
the creative director of Oak&Teak. An interior design company for kids and
adult spaces. I also sit on a board of an agro-allied company, where we
manufacture Soya beans and process into feeds for poultry farmers. We also
produce soya oil.
Kemi Mobuse: How old is Oak & Teak now?
OaKandteak: The business has been running for 2 years now.
Kemi Mobuse: What determined your passion for
design? Tell us about the moment when you decided this is the way to go?
OaKandteak: My
mum has always loved interior design. She didn't do it professionally but, she
would always re-arrange the house; Add or subtract from time to time. You can't
come to our house 2 weeks after and meet it same way as your last visit. I’m
pretty sure, picked it up from her.
I have always
loved interior design, anytime I walk into a beautiful space, all I'm thinking
is inspiration or how to apply some design elements in my projects.
Kemi Mobuse: When did you decide you wanted to follow her footsteps?
Kemi Mobuse: When did you decide you wanted to follow her footsteps?
OaKandteak: It
was about 4 years ago; I decided to turn my passion to a business but inspite
of that, I didn't start immediately.
I had to read up and educate myself informally for 2 years before officially starting.
I had to read up and educate myself informally for 2 years before officially starting.
I will say my
major 'breakthrough ' came when my parents asked me to re-decorate their house
last year. That's when the business fully started.
From one referral to another.
From one referral to another.
Kemi Mobuse: Can you remember your very first
design project?
OaKandteak: Hmm…
I just did some curtains for some people around the time I was still learning
informally. But, in terms of putting together a space,that would be my
daughter's room.
Kemi Mobuse: How did you start up your brand capital wise?
Kemi Mobuse: How did you start up your brand capital wise?
OaKandteak:
Capital wise I will say; I started with about 150k and that was for putting up
an advertisement on bellanaija.
And that's excluding having to register my company with cac as a business name
And that's excluding having to register my company with cac as a business name
Kemi Mobuse: Do you have a favourite book or
magazine on design?
OaKandteak: Hmm I
don't really have a favourite book.. If I see any magazine on interior I buy. But
most of my research is done online.
Kemi Mobuse: Who can you say is your inspiration / role model in this industry?
OaKandteak: I
have plenty ohh. Both local and international
My Nigerian inspirations are:
DO II
Vivabella Designs
Beddings and beyond
AD interior
Sixth sence
Internationally - Rebecca Robeson
Kemi Mobuse: What is the most frustrating aspect of your job as a designer? And the most rewarding?
My Nigerian inspirations are:
DO II
Vivabella Designs
Beddings and beyond
AD interior
Sixth sence
Internationally - Rebecca Robeson
Kemi Mobuse: What is the most frustrating aspect of your job as a designer? And the most rewarding?
OaKandteak: The
most frustrating aspect is having to deal with artisans and deadlines.
The most rewarding is; seeing the look of satisfaction on a client’s face and acknowledging a job well done. My sleep will be sweet that night😂
The most rewarding is; seeing the look of satisfaction on a client’s face and acknowledging a job well done. My sleep will be sweet that night😂
Kemi Mobuse: Where do you see oak and teak in
say 5 years?
OaKandteak:
Oakandteak should be in the top 10 interior design firms in this country. We
also would have started operations in a furniture factory. We also would have
diversified and had more portfolios
Kemi Mobuse: Any advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?
Kemi Mobuse: Any advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?
OaKandteak:
Research research research
Be open to learning everyday
Seek knowledge
Practice and strive to be excellent at what you do
It might seem stressful at the beginning but after a while, your brand will be synonymous with excellence
Be open to learning everyday
Seek knowledge
Practice and strive to be excellent at what you do
It might seem stressful at the beginning but after a while, your brand will be synonymous with excellence
Kemi Mobuse: Lastly, how can you be
contacted?
OaKandteak: Call:08084977818
Email:
rennymol@oakandteak.com
Instagram: @oakandteak
Instagram: @oakandteak
7 comments
I am so proud of you my darling @Morenike Molehin. God bless the works of your hands. All of your designs are simply beautiful and breathtaking.......come let me hug you!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you my darling @Morenike Molehin. God bless the works of your hands. All of your designs are simply beautiful and breathtaking.......come let me hug you!
ReplyDeleteHAHAHA. here I am. Awww thanks soo much for the kind words. God bless you.
DeleteWell done Renny. Amazing work. Plese book my consultation ASAP. X
ReplyDeleteAwwww thanks soo much sis. hahaha@consultation. Me sef I want to do abroad work..lol. Thanks babe, it means alot.
DeleteResearch research and research! Beautiful works I must confess! Well done sis!
ReplyDeleteResearch research and research! Beautiful works I must confess! Well done sis!
ReplyDelete