Women Connect Entrepreneur: Meet Funmi Olalogun, CEO of Cloud 9 Events

NOW TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY INTO EVENT PLANNING? I started this wonderful journey while I was still at MTN, testing the waters a bit in preparation for when I leave. But technically I started the business proper 2017 after I resigned from MTN.

CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THE GROWTH OF EVENT MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA? The event industry has done well over the years as corporate and private individuals have realized the benefits of having event planners manage their corporate and private events. Event planners have been able to differentiate themselves as professionals delivering value to clients whilst managing and executing events. Recognized event associations are been acknowledged by government and private individuals. In my opinion, the industry has become a force to reckon with in Nigeria.

NOW, WITH THE PANDEMIC, EVENT PLANNERS HAVE BECOME INNOVATIVE, SO IN WHAT WAY HAS IT MADE YOU CREATIVE? The only constant thing in life is change!! The pandemic came and generally changed how we do things. For us at Cloud 9 Events, the pandemic has given us an opportunity to strategize. We have over the past few months managed and executed virtual events, our rental company has provided props to production houses, we have executed several intimate events as well. It hasn’t been a easy journey, but by the grace of God we have become better and stronger.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED SO FAR IN RUNNING THIS BUSINESS? One major challenge is financing. Our business has 3 main arms of business, event planning, styling and venue design and rentals of props. The purchasing of rental items is a huge capital intensive project, and the need to renew items on a regular basis is also critical. Its important to stay ahead with unique, affordable items that other decorators can rent from you.

 

AS A WOMAN WITH SO MANY RESPONSIBILITIES, HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY? I start my day with prayers and just some time to reflect on the day, I don’t leave for the office until about 8.30am so I can generally organize and plan my day. I sleep late most times so my day typically kicks in by 9am at the latest. When I work till late into the night, I might try to catch an extra hour sleep in the mornings. It depends really

 

HOW DID YOU FINANCE THE BUSINESS IN ITS EARLY DAYS? Family and good friends have been a major support financially in my business. Most funds are recycled into the business from time to time. But for now family and friends with my own personal funds has helped built the business to where we are today

 

WHAT ARE THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, EVENT PLANNERS NEED TO TAKE IN THIS ERA OF COVID -19? Health and Safety is key going forward. Having the proper kits for staff, general and frequent trainings on the new norm. Provision of handwash basins, face masks, sanitizer stands etc. Right now safety is the most important element while within the office and whilst on a project.

SO, HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO CARVE A NICHE FOR YOURSELF, DESPITE THE COMPETITION OUT THERE? My experience at MTN has been very useful and beneficial for me. From concept development to execution, Cloud 9 Events is able to deliver personalized bespoke services to our clients, ensuring we give optimal value to our clients. Our strongest marketing tool till date has been our clients referrals to other clients.

 

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST FEARS WHEN YOU STARTED THIS BUSINESS? The ability to run a business effectively, ensuring the welfare of my staff is paramount to the business. Scaling up the business from its current level to the next level.

NOW, WOULD YOU SAY EVENT MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA IS CAPITAL INTENSIVE? Event management in my opinion is t capital intensive, however other elements of business can be capital intensive

SO, WHAT IS THE GROWTH PROJECTION FOR THIS BUSINESS IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS? To increase our customer base and revenue. Having physical structures that would be generating revenue for the business.

HOW CAN THE GOVERNMENT CREATE AN ENABLING ENVIROMENT FOR BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS TO THRIVE? The government can start by providing a more enabling environment for business owners, government can create platforms for growth and enhancement within the industry, provision of flexible and soft loans to entrepreneurs

TELL US ABOUT A HIGHLY DIFFICULT PERIOD WHERE YOU PROBABLY THOUGHT OF GIVING UP AND HOW YOU OVERCAME IT? I haven’t gotten to this point and I have put in too much to call things quit.

A YOUNG FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR OUT THERE IS THINKING OF FOLLOWING YOUR FOOT STEPS, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HER? Be strong, focused, determined. Don’t give up don’t look back. Create a support system that will allow you thrive in the industry. Give it your 110% on all fronts, it will pay off in the long run.

PLEASE, I WOULD LIKE YOU TO DO ONE LAST THING, AND THAT’S TO LIST 5 SHORT BUSINESS LESSONS FOR A BUDDING ENTREPRENEUR Ensure you have a business structure, drive active collaboration across all departments, learn not to be disappointed on discouraged with the word No, Don’t Give UP, Keep pushing, keep winning.

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