Interviews

The talented youngster! DPK MEDIA

Real talent isn’t hard to spot! That was exactly my sentiment when I ran into this new up-and-coming wedding photographer at the Hilton wedding fair in November 2020. She had the smarts to go into the marketplace and do some research to see what is out there, and the offerings of other vendors.

During our conversation at the fair, I was impressed not just by her photography skills, but also her approach to customer service, and a willingness to be flexible in trying out new ideas to satisfy her customers. The decision to interview her was a straightforward one!

If you are a bride or a groom planning on getting married in 2021 and beyond, I really think she should be one of the vendors to be considered for your hit list. With that said! This is my personal opinion, and not the official endorsement of this vendor 😊

Moradeke Okupe, Describes herself as a creative and passionate female photographer. She runs a photography business in Abuja to provide wedding, portrait, fashion, food and event photography services. Portraying beauty and capturing memorable moments is “her thing”. 

She started off in the wedding industry after she covered a friend’s sister’s wedding. Needless to say, they believed in her more than she believed in herself! They trusted her to capture their day in the most beautiful way possible.

This made her job an easy task especially because Moradeke loves “love”, and it has always been a dream of hers to document it in the most beautiful and memorable way. 

She has no regrets about the way she has gone about her business so far, in fact in her own words…

“Yes I would start my business again if I had to. What I will do differently is research more about being a better business person…. passion isn’t enough to run a business. I would also stop comparing myself to other people and just stay focused.”

Her greatest motivation? God, photography, family and friends! She also has this to say about the wedding industry in Nigeria and Ghana:

“I think it is so beautiful, the growth is extra ordinary! The effort wedding vendors put is remarkable!” 

What does she like about her business and working in the wedding industry?

“I like that my brand DPK Media sticks to it’s true art and has an amazing team!”

Clearly what differentiates her from others in her space, and her greatest strengths are:

“The way we care for our clients and go the extra mile… our commitment and confidence.”

If you would like to work with her in the future, this is what she expects from her brides, grooms, and other clients…

“…respect, professionalism, and good rapport…”

The most rewarding part of her shooting your own wedding is going to be, Putting a smile on my your face and seeing the love between Bride and Groom.

Frustrating parts of shooting a wedding?

“…other wedding vendors, and family or friends of the bride or groom who try to hijack the day…”

Her advice for those of you who would soon be newlyweds is quite simple…

“Go with an Event planner who knows what they are doing and that can deliver the best. It will make your day easier… pick a good hotel that will allow flexibility on where to take pictures and let it be close to the event space or church… Get enough make up artists for your bridal train! Everyone should wake up early enough to get ready because time flies!”

For other up-and-coming wedding photographers and videographers she has this to say…

“Do not be discouraged if you are not getting enough clients or you haven’t booked your first wedding. It took me 5 years to book mine and it was worth the wait. Keep learning and working hard in the mean time, you can never stop learning. Do collaborations, meet people and network. It is okay to start small, start with what you have!”

Even though she is yet to receive an award for her talents within the industry, I think these words of wisdom are sound advice to go by.

Her final piece of advice for brides and grooms, on how to get the best out of the vendors for the wedding day?

“Appreciate and respect wedding vendors… we work really hard to make sure your day is special and it turns out great…”

And thus ended my interview with Moradeke of DPK!

Keep an eye out for her in this space! I promise that you all are going to be seeing more of her very soon. For now you can find her on her Instagram handle @dpk.media

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About Tavershima G. Ayede

Tavershima G. Ayede is a photographer and a guest writer. He describes himself on his Instagram profile as a wedding photojournalist and gun for hire who is addicted to Fanta, but settles for Sprite occasionally.

Interviews

The Bride turned growth consultant – Grow Co

I first met Koyona at the British Council business accelerator programme. Even though I’m a wedding photographer I moonlight in the corporate space every once in a while.

“My Name is Koyona Duke, I am the founder of Growco Management solutions. My job is to help businesses find simple solutions to difficult problems around people, processes, structure, and strategy… and that’s what Growco does.”

That’s not how she introduced herself the first time! She’s really cordial, grounded, and makes you feel right at home.

Outside of the British Council, we had our first meeting at Salamander Cafe when she had me out to tea to discuss financing options for wedding vendors. Apart from getting the info I needed, I found out some interesting things about her… She always wanted to work in consulting. While speaking to a mentor of hers when she was younger, she realised that she loves figuring out how to solve problems.

“My inspiration for getting into management consulting is seeing how difficult it is for Nigerian companies to stand the test of time, and wondering what it is that we do or don’t do in our businesses that make our businesses not last as long as they could. Management is the difference between a successful business and mediocre ones. When you think of things you love about major world-renowned companies, it can all be traced back to a style of leadership and management that worked best for the organisation at that time. Management, when done right, is much broader than walking around and telling people what to do.”

For wedding vendors like myself who aim to build businesses beyond themselves, she has an interesting gospel… She continues

“These are the 4 cornerstones of any organisation. When one is weak, there is a tendency for all to suffer. No matter the size of the business, you have to constantly be working to improve one or all of these at any point in time, and that’s where Grow Co comes in”

How do these things relate to wedding vendors? She has some interesting advice and it’s more customer-focused than you’d expect.

“As a vendor, your job is to build a system that not only solves problems for your clients but does it in a way that matters to them. People… both clients and employees are the core of your business”

The processes and structures she continually refers to are created so that your business can run with or without you.

Koyona is a former bride (by that I mean now happily married). I wondered if she had any tips? Any feedback for wedding professionals from a former bride?

“When I was getting married, the options weren’t as diverse as they are today, however, because I had vendors on my side who wanted to work with me to make the day memorable I didn’t even realize how hectic it was. We did our own wedding planning. Of course, not all the vendors were helpful. Some wanted to scale by with doing as little as possible that we even got into some fights. Finally, the day came and went and all was well.

Vendors need to learn to be solutions minded. Find a solution to a problem especially one created by your lack of planning and don’t forget that your customers can and have the right to change their minds. So from the beginning, create a system that protects you and gives your clients comfort. Like contracts and clear bills.”

What do you expect from your clients? And what should wedding vendors know before they call you for a consultation?

“My ideal customer wants to change and is ready for it to happen. My clients understand that no one benefits when your business isn’t well structured and cannot scale. So I would love to work with people who want to see change and understand that it comes at a cost.”

What do you think of the Entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria? Has it changed over the years and how?

“The tougher things are, the more people will look for ways to solve them and Nigeria is no exception. The culture of entrepreneurship is great because the impact that small businesses can have on the economy at large can be astronomical. What we need is an environment that will enable it.”

What advice do you have for intending entrants into the wedding industry?

“For any industry, steep competition is the norm. This is usually the case for lucrative businesses and sectors that allow for creativity and innovation. To stand out you have to pay attention to the customer and know how to connect with the customer. Don’t do this because others are, do it because you know you are operating in the gap… doing an old thing in a new way and have the capacity to work to stand out.”

What has been your greatest motivation?

“People and their stories motivate me. I also have a need to see wonderful ideas to become actual profit-making machines.”

What do you like about your business?

“I like the flexibility and interaction with people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse challenges. The opportunity to learn, grow and inspire is compelling to me.”

What differentiates you from others in your line of business and location? What are your greatest strengths?

“I am passionate about seeing the growth of my clients. Having a client leave with a solution that targets the real problem and being able to implement this to their specific needs. Solutions that best fit their problems. My greatest strength is my ability to dig down to the core of a problem and tell the client exactly what it is. I am a people person and that connectivity helps a lot.”

The first time I met you, we were exploring financing options for people like me. Any advice about financing opportunities available for the wedding industry?

“There are small business grants available for businesses in any sector. Some are equity-free and some involve giving up a certain percentage of ownership.
There are also short term bank loans that can be accessed.”

And there you have it, folks!

Wedding industry professionals are used to going it alone, and when we engage a professional, I suspect we end up with one without insider knowledge about our industry. Why not try out a former bride who can take a scalpel to us not just as a former client of ours, but also as a doctor with the unique insight to help and heal.

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About Tavershima G. Ayede

Tavershima G. Ayede is a photographer and a guest writer. He describes himself on his Instagram profile as a wedding photojournalist and gun for hire who is addicted to Fanta, but settles for Sprite occasionally.

Interviews

The Event Consultant DioPartyland Who Creates Something From Nothing

Planners come in all manner, shapes and sizes, but none like Damilola. The first time I met her she was self effacing, very confident and responsive to the client we were both working with at the time. It was a 2 year old’s birthday party and she was working magic with the Doctor Seuss theme. We got talking and it turned out she has more layers than an onion.

She is a health consultant for an international development agency. They support Nigeria in the areas of human security and achieving the MDGs (Millenium Development Goals). The work also includes providing infrastructure for Nigeria’s sustainable economic growth. Not bad at all!

This is a far cry from the typical stereotype in event planning circles. Her event planning company is called “DioPartyland” which she started about a year ago because of her passion for kids and event planning. So she decided to merge both.

Wait! Why am I interviewing a kiddies party planner for an online wedding planning platform? Because of Damilola’s innovative party ideas! It turns out that at weddings now, people also have children’s play areas! Dami says many industries have been evolving recently and so have our ideas about how events are staged. Some couples now want to make it easier for their guests to bring their children to the wedding!

To achieve this, they provide a safe and interactive play area with a little set up for the kids at the reception hall. This is perfect because the kids don’t need to be left at home. Now everyone can enjoy the day! Both adults and kids alike. This is something DioPartyland looks forward to doing in conjunction with Abuja wedding planners. The play area would come with a childminder with extra decor for an additional amount.

Where do these inspirations come from?

For her it was clear that she would always do something around parties and children. The process hasn’t been all easy. She credits her passion as what has kept her going whilst juggling a regular job with her business. Damilola’s greatest motivation comes from the ability to create something from nothing. She loves being able to execute something perfect and unique.

As a planner, she knows that her creations will not only be enjoyed on the day of the event, but that they will always be remembered fondly afterwards.

“…It’s also rewarding to know that through this business I am able to empower others who work with me no matter how small…”

My turn to ask questions again…

“So with the challenges you’ve experienced, if you were to start all over, would you start the business again?” I asked her… “And what would you do differently this time?”

I like her answer especially since we’re now in the age of “serial entrepreneurs”

“…if I were to start all over I wouldn’t do anything much differently. This is because most of the challenges I have faced have to do with things that are unavoidable. For example, the challenges of finding a reliable and an affordable clearing agent, as well as dealing with outrageous custom charges. I’ve also had to deal with identifying the right suppliers abroad with unique and affordable items… and so on and so on. As time goes by, I have learnt through the process and I believe these challenges have more or less been a great learning curve for me…”

This is really beautiful! I remember thinking to myself. If only we would all think this way!

What differentiates her from others in her line of business?

She says knowledge of her brand, her business and her competition are essential. Her company has been creative and innovative with their growth. They initially started off as a rental company and now have diversified and expanded in a short period of time to include events… especially a “childcentric” view of events.

“We literally serve as your one stop shop… we do it all from kids party rentals, styling and selling of party pieces to basically any vendor or DIY client. You can get everything required from us to create a party or hire our services to style the perfect party… this makes us different.”

With that in closing, I’m looking forward to being the photographer at a wedding where she pulls off this imaginative child play area concept… especially since we’re beginning to have 3,000 seaters in Abuja which would be large enough to handle multiple sectioning.

And now ladies and gentlemen! I introduce to you, my new friend Damilola the event consultant!

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About Tavershima G. Ayede

Tavershima G. Ayede is a photographer and a guest writer. He describes himself on his Instagram profile as a wedding photojournalist and gun for hire who is addicted to Fanta, but settles for Sprite occasionally.

Interviews

Up, Close & Personal With Segun Gele: The Maestro Shares Insights On His Career And More

The amazing Nigerian make-up artist and entrepreneur, Segun Gele who is based in the United States and has had his work featured on CNN for his ability to tie the gele in flamboyant style took us on a journey through his early life and start of his career.
Enjoy!

Please tell us about yourself and your business?

My name is Hakeem Oluwasegun Olaleye. A lot of people don’t know me as Hakeem which is my first name. I attended St Gregory’s College and was known as Hakeem. After my education, I became known as Segun. I have different friends, so they call me whatever works for them. Over the years, I’ve had different nicknames and aliases. At LASU where I graduated with bachelors in English, people called me Segsy.

In the business industry in Nigeria, they called me Segsy as well but coming to America in 2001, the name changed from Segsy to Segun Gele. So pretty much that’s me.

Makeup and Gele: Segun Gele

So how did you start and what inspired you to get into the wedding industry?

I started out helping my mom. This is actually my 22nd year in the wedding industry because I owned my salon in 1996 before the wedding industry became the wedding industry. Some of us have been pioneers to start without saying, so I have spent that long in the industry. What I tell a lot of people is to turn their passion into possibilities, into their vision and make a living out of it. So pretty much that’s what it is for me. Starting, I never knew I was going to do this. Never! I wanted to go into journalism; junk journalism to be precise.

Junk journalism is dirty, oh-my-god gossip, and all the juicy stuff. I saw myself in Hollywood. I really wanted to go into journalism, but coming to America I realized it is a totally different ball game. I didn’t have any guidance and nobody to put me through prior to coming to America but when I came here I had to find my own way.

I had to find my feet and everything and I won’t say I regret it. I love what I do and I’ve been doing this for sixteen years in America. Thank God, it’s been good so far. So hence I’m still in business today.

Would you start your business if you were to do it all over again and what would you do differently?

Yes I will. When I got married in 2010, the wedding industry was not like this, social media was not like this, and makeup business was not like this. Photography business was okay but it was not like this. I’ve been doing this for twenty years. Yes, I will start all over again if the business is really like this because the industry has really grown. A lot of people I know (lawyers, doctors, etc.) left their professions and are fully in the wedding industry today. They are making a lot of money because it’s what they enjoy doing. It’s all about your passion. It is just all about you and your calling. So, yes I will go back to do it and I promise I won’t do it the same way because it will be bigger and better. That’s just what I know. It will be bigger and better.

Makeup and Gele: Segun Gele | Photo: Michael Akinbamiro Imagery

What has been your greatest motivation?

My greatest motivation is seeing other people doing the same thing I do, succeeding in what they are doing even though there are ups-and-downs or challenges. For most of my peers back in Nigeria, given labor is cheaper, it is easier and cheaper for them to run their businesses. I don’t envy them. I just look at them and I’m like “ok wow! I can do better and I will do better”. Seeing them still in business and in the industry keeps me motivated and trust me there are tons of people that motivate me.

What do you think of the Nigerian/Ghanaian wedding industry? Has it changed over the years and how?

Has it changed over the years are you asking? It’s like asking if the Nollywood or Ghallywood industry has changed over the years. It sure has. I knew back in the days, for instance, when Banke Meshida started her makeup business which I think was almost the same year Tara started as well. Then I wasn’t into makeup but was doing hair. They would do makeup and I would do hair. I’ve actually worked with Banke one-on-one and most times with Tara’s staff back in the days.

It has really increased because back in the day people looked down on makeup artists and the gele guys. They felt they were university dropouts or whatever but forget it right now. That’s not the case. They know that most people in the business are doing it out of passion. Of course who doesn’t want to be a part of someone’s happiness and beautiful beginning?

Makeup and Gele: Segun Gele | Photo: Michael Akinbamiro Imagery

What do you like about your business and working in the industry?

I get to travel a lot for free and meet a lot of people. I get to experience so many things. Most weekends I get a vacation and most importantly I get to be a part of someone’s happy beginning. I have built long lasting friendships because I am quite friendly with my brides.

What differentiates Segun Gele from others in your line of business and location? What are your great strengths?

My strength is me. It’s putting my personality in what I do. My unique selling point is me and the passion I have for my business. I’m self-taught and didn’t go to school to learn. Every day I still yearn to learn more. Like I said, I look up to those that are in the industry with me; seeing what they are doing and trying to better myself. I’m going to Nigeria in two weeks to perfect as there’s a new method of gele tying. I saw it and I kind of like it but I think there’s a way I can make it better for me. I have my own shortcomings that’s why I have not jumped into that style of gele yet. I want to go and learn how to do it and perfect it in my own way.

Is there a name for that gele tying style?

It’s a multi-plait gele that everybody is doing right now and I consider emphatically that they invented that style because they did not know how I tie my style (*winks*) which is the real traditional style. I can say it anywhere, not everybody can tie the gele the way I do but I can tie the gele the way they can. Not everybody, not everybody can.

I don’t tie gele like the market women back in Nigeria especially back in the days where they used paint buckets to tie gele. I don’t. I tie it on your head. I form it up and everything.

That’s one thing I really appreciate right now because a lot of people have actually reinvented those styles. They have put their own creativity and that’s just the beauty of the industry. Now I see some things and I’m like “oh wow that’s nice!”

I can actually think back 10-20 years ago and remember that style. I am pretty much my greatest strength. I stand apart from other people. Now when I work at weddings, I just don’t do it because I want to get paid. I do it because I want to leave a mark with my clients and be a part of something really good at the end of the day. When paid, I go above and beyond and that’s just it. I think that is what sets me apart.

Bridal fan and styling: Segun Gele | Photo: Caution Pictures

What do you expect from your clients (brides and grooms) and what don’t you expect?

So far, I have really not been disappointed. I speak my mind really and during consultation I get to understand the client I am working with. I get to do tryouts which I really don’t do most of the time because most of my clients trust what I do as they’ve seen my work. Except for those that want something in particular and we actually discuss before providing service. In the long run, I expect mutual respect from both parties even if they’re young or old because I am rendering a service. Respect is key in this business.

What are the most rewarding aspects of providing your service and what are the most frustrating aspects?

The most rewarding aspect is when a bride gives me a free hand to work on her. I tell people if you want to look totally different, that is hundred percent transformation, don’t come to me because makeup is all about enhancing your inner beauty. It is not total transformation where you’ll see and not recognize the person. I don’t do that.

I tell people if you want to look like a drag queen, which I jokingly mention, you can go to some people but not me. Some brides are really very difficult and some brides are just very demanding. I have learnt to bite my tongue so I don’t say the wrong thing. You cannot have a face like mine, for instance round and want it to become oval right now, and tell me you want to look like Angelina Jolie when you don’t have the facial features. They want you to make them look like some person and they can’t look like that person. They start behaving some way. It’s just frustrating when you have a difficult client. At the end of the day, you don’t put your all in what you are doing. You just want to do it and just get out of their face. You just do what they want and you just leave.

When I see that she needs a touch up, ordinarily I would want to give it but if you are a bridezilla which is the word then I’ll just stick to my contract. If you are supposed to get two and I see you need four, you are going to get the two you deserve. But if you are nice and supposed to get two and paid for two and I see you require four or even six, I’ll give you the extra as I stand by my work. I do makeup for some people and they’re like “oh is there a way you can make me not sweat”. I cannot control that.

If you have a very oily skin, I can control the oil to an extent because it’s inherent. Sometimes they start to say “oh I heard they do make up that you don’t sweat”. How do you control that?

Another thing I don’t lie to people. I don’t Photoshop images for my work. What you see online is what you get. I’m talking about heavy editing when it comes to Photoshop. If at all I do anything, I’ll probably just smoothen out the skin just lightly and I do it on my phone; not heavily these days which is okay. I hate when I see a bride’s picture and they look like plastic. That’s not the work because when you depend on Photoshop editing too much you tend to relent on your efforts to do the actual job.

Makeup and Gele: Segun Gele | Photo: Michael Akinbamiro Imagery

What advice do you have for future brides and grooms regarding your type of business?

My advice with the era of social media, photo enhancements, passing of in-law which is taking somebody else’s job and making it your own and everything, is to do a thorough research on the vendor.

Get word of mouth from somebody who has worked with the vendor before. What I’m saying is don’t judge a book by its cover. I get a lot of that because I’m a very strong and firm person. You see me from afar and you think this guy is mean but really I’m doing my job if it is what the bride says.

For instance, I have a bride I am working with and all she wants is for me to make sure nobody messes with her. Some brides are very detailed. These are the things they want. When she’s coming in, she doesn’t want people with their phones and tablets coming in front of the photographer to take pictures.

That is why she is hiring me. I’m not doing her makeup but just dressing her up. When you pay a photographer almost $10,000 to take pictures, then they should be able to deliver. It makes the job difficult when you have all these unprofessional photographers come in and mess up the day.

Pretty much that’s all she’s hiring me to do. Now guess what? Somebody in the crowd might see me and be like “oh he’s doing too much”. I was paid to do that. People do not realize that.

Some people know if you are supposed to rsvp for a wedding, with limited seating say four hundred guests, that you have to rsvp to attend the wedding. They have reserved seats. If your name is not on the seat you cannot sit on the table. That’s why they get me. I make sure you don’t sit on the table.

Another example, you come into a beautifully decorated wedding reception venue with eight chairs to a table, and you pull a chair from a table you don’t belong, it messes up the whole arrangement. I am all about making my brides happy and making the job easier for the planner or coordinator when they hire me for such services and even when they do not.

Is there a name for that role?

Not really. When I started, I had the business named the bride’s escorts, which is doing what I just described to you. Coming to America, I had to change the name because the word ‘escorts’ is totally different. I was getting lots of unsolicited calls wanting lots of unnecessary things so I just had to get rid of that name.

Makeup and Gele: Segun Gele | Photo: Michael Akinbamiro Imagery

What advice do you have for up-and-coming businesses in your line of business?

Look for somebody you look up to and shadow the person. Right now, there are lots of people in the industry that are new to make up artistry. If you can do make up on yourself that doesn’t mean you can do it on somebody else. I cannot do make up on myself. If I was a lady, well I’m sure I would have improved on that because I don’t have the choice as I have to wear makeup every day.

Study the business you want to go into. Don’t just wake up one day and think you can just start doing something. Study the business, look for somebody and shadow the person. Be dedicated and committed to whoever you choose to shadow. It goes a long way. I am going to Nigeria to meet Oni Gele. He is like an aburo (brother). He does gele beautifully well.

I’m not going to say that I’m Segun Gele, featured on CNN twice, featured on this TV show and that TV show. No! He knows what I want so I go to him and he shows me what he wants to show me. It is now left to me to make it my own.

The industry keeps evolving and growing, so you just have to evolve. Never burn bridges with anyone because you never know who you can learn from. Be attentive, be patient, and just keep learning. I have a friend coming in soon, GlambyIsoken. I’ve had this product in my shop for the longest time and I just was using it the wrong way until she came and hung out with me.

I approached her online via social media and we became friends. She will say “Segun, you need to do this; you need to do that”. I really appreciate it. She’s a social media influencer in the makeup industry, and she showed me how to use that product. You just have to mix with other people and learn so many things from them. I’m not so proud to beg and that’s just the truth. If I need to learn something from you, I will ask you. There are some people that I have contacted and they refuse to respond but it is okay. You move on. Nobody is stopping anybody from growing.

What awards, if any, have you received?

There are quite a few of them. I can’t even remember. I don’t let those things get into my head. The best award is being married to my wife with my lovely children.

What else would you like to share with our readers?

Never judge a book by its cover. Get to know somebody and meet the person. In business, we all have different approaches and techniques of doing things. The only thing is we all arrive at the same answer at the end of the day. It is just like solving a math problem.

One thing I’ve learned to do is to never underestimate anybody. Be open minded and friendly. Never leave your door too open door though. Welcome criticism. A lot of people think I’m stuck up when it comes to it. Criticism can be positive or negative.

If it comes in a very positive light to let me understand I might be doing something wrong, I will take it in a very good way but if it comes in a very bad orcondescending manner then it becomes a negative criticism. When the person now responds, then it becomes “oh he is rude or he is mean”. It still comes back to never judge a book by its cover.

So never judge a book by its cover and take criticism lightly.

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About Iludio

The Definitive Destination for Nigerian/Ghanaian Weddings. Follow iludioweddings on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Interviews

Vendor Interview: Keziie Photography

A great photographer is creative, pays attention to detail and has a strong desire to explore. He/she will excel with time. Keziie is a such a person; extraordinary with a lot of heart. Read on to learn what inspires him and gets him to do what he does best.

Please tell us about yourself and your business, how did you start and what inspired you to get into the wedding industry?

My full name is Ekezie Pascal Onyenwenyi. I have always been called Keziie, so I am pretty used to the name. I am from Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government in Imo State, and I come from a very small and happy family. I studied at Madonna University as well as Imo State University. Prior to my university education, I didn’t see myself becoming a photographer. I wanted to be something else, work for a reputable company and carve a niche for myself. However, I looked at the future and my environment and I observed that it wasn’t going to be exactly rosy for anybody seeking a job except he/she creates it. I started off with music and learnt a little bit of audio recording, mixing and mastering, and I started making music for a bit. But then, the music business wasn’t so amazing. It was pretty much self-fulfilling, meaning that I will only derive so much joy from making beautiful music that was only going to be limited to family and close friends. That was pretty much the circle it covered. My work wasn’t able to reach a lot of people at the time, but then I was also growing interest in photography and didn’t take it seriously.

Prior to starting my National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), I took time to think about what I wanted to do; if I wanted to further my education or find a skill. I came across an old friend who talked about finding a skill and carving a niche for yourself. I gave it a deep thought and decided to go for my service and use the time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. During my NYSC year, I got the opportunity to work as a Project Manager with an Italian firm – AVSI (Association of Volunteers in International Service). I helped manage their social responsibility in the community. I was in charge of a reach out program for orphans and vulnerable children which required me to take pictures to document. My boss handed me a camera to take pictures. My first encounter with a camera wasn’t so amazing because I had to battle with how to get a very clear picture of the people. Sometimes, people complained that the pictures weren’t clear or they looked so silly, or something appeared. I realized I had to learn to take better pictures and that was how photography started for me. I read so many articles, and found interesting stories about the art of photography – the wedding and portrait aspects. I later realized that I probably should go into the photography business and I saved up most of my salary and when it was enough to get a camera, I got my first camera.

Would you start your business, if you were to do it over again? What would you do differently?

I probably would start differently because I wasn’t exactly pointing myself in a direction when I took to photography. I didn’t know I was going to end up being a photographer as it started off as an interest in taking pictures. I would have better prepared myself to be a professional photographer with proper training but it wouldn’t be that much different.

What has been your greatest motivation?

My greatest motivation right now is feedback from my clients. So far my growth in photography has been amazing and I am thankful to God. I have come a long way and have realized that what pleases me the most is the joy that my clients get when they receive their pictures. They are always over-the-top happy, always thankful for my work regardless of the fact that they paid for the service and deserve the best. This inspires me to continue to be amazing at my work, meet the various needs of my clients and give them the most amazing pictures and moments as the case maybe.

What do you think of the Nigerian/Ghanaian wedding industry? Has it changed over the years and how?

Of course there has been a huge change over time. The wedding trend continues to evolve and get bigger. There are new innovations and trendy ways of carrying out a wedding party. The change is constant and will continue. New things will come up and by the grace of God we will continue to grow.

What do you like about your business and working in the wedding industry?

There are so many things I love about being a photographer and in the photography business. It’s such an amazing and fun business. My passion and interest keeps me going. An amazing thing about the business is the flexible time frame. Instead of being the regular 9-5 worker who will wake up very early in the morning and rush to work to sit down for long hours, I get to my office at my own time and pace, and work at my schedule. I have a much better output without being under full pressure and working in a defined time frame. I am only under pressure when having fun taking pictures at work. Pressure now subconsciously becomes fun because I am testing my skills over and over again and pushing myself to the limit, becoming better and better. This is what I like about my job.

Another aspect of my work I love is the fact that I am able to make different couples happy for different reasons: capturing amazing pictures, and sharing moments and experiences together. So many amazing couples have shared different love stories that make me realize that life is beautiful in so many amazing ways.

What differentiates Keziie from others in your line of business and location? What are your greatest strengths?

There is a huge difference between Keziie and other photographers. To the best of my knowledge, the art of photography has to do with an individual and his/her creativity, mindset, personality and exposure. So I will speak for myself. My views and creative work are obviously different or would be different from every photographers’ view because we are all endowed with various skills and ability to come up with ideas and get creative on set.

Another difference between Keziie and other photographers is that I like to get really personal with my clients. I get close enough, understand my couple very well, know what they want and then deliver. I am proud to say that I always do a good job.

What do you expect from your clients (brides and grooms)? What don’t you expect?

I like to say that I’m open minded when working with a new client. We are all from different backgrounds, communities, and are brought up differently, so everyone has his/her own perception about life and how things should be done. As such, I don’t have a particular expectation from my clients. I just like them to come as they are and we will carve a niche, make chemistry and work together as a team.

What advice do you have for future brides and grooms regarding your type of business i.e. photography?

My advice for future brides and grooms is to choose your photographer wisely. Apart from amazing pictures, I really think that the personality of the photographer goes a long way in the course of work in getting your wedding photographs done. Believe me! Photographs are very special and important because they are going to be viewed so many years down the line. You are going to look back at your wedding pictures and have generations to show your stories so it should be as important. Photographs hold a lifetime of memories for couples. So choosing the right photographer is key for the purpose of getting amazing pictures and having an amazing time with an amazing photographer.

What is (are) the most rewarding aspect(s) of providing your service? What are the most frustrating aspect(s)?

I will start with the rewarding aspect. It is rewarding when I am able to put smiles on the faces of new couples, while having an amazing time working. Also, the money is rewarding. Photography is quite a physical business but also a profitable business.

Photography is challenging because it pushes me to the limit. I have had situations where I had to deal with difficult brides. I am not calling anybody difficult, it is just that there are circumstances where the bride, groom or the client as the case may be would react differently. I don’t expect a client to always be in a good mood, but sometimes when there is so much pressure and the client is not-in-so-amazing mood it affects the performance of the photographer. However, I always find ways around it.

Sometimes the job is stressful but then it is part of being a photographer. It is also interesting. I take time to personally work on the pictures because I get very close to my clients and when I take a photo, I have a finished picture in mind. This means that I have to sit down and thoroughly work through the images. But asides that, it’s an amazing process.

What advice do you have for up and coming businesses in your line of business?

My first advice to upcoming photographers is to tell yourself the truth. Be sure that you want to be in a line of business such as photography. Photography is a very personal business. It is a business that becomes a lifestyle. You are going to deprive yourself of being a regular individual to become a photographer and you have to be ready to deal with the advantages and disadvantages.

Secondly, you have to properly master the art of photography. Be very sure that you are well educated, and know how you are going to express yourself, show your art and creativity. Your work will always speak for itself and if you don’t get thorough understanding of the art of photography and you hit the street, you won’t make a good mark and will be dragged back to square one. It brings us back to the fact that you are supposed to have mastered the art of photography first of all before you get into it.

Another advice is to take your eyes off the monetary profit that you see at the top. Photography is a learning process. It would be good if upcoming photographers channel ample energy into studying, understanding and deciding if photography is really what they want to do before actually get into it.

What award(s), if any, have you received?

Yes, I have received an award from my family as the only and best photographer, from my mother in particular. I have also been honored with a few invitations to talk at Babcock University and University of Lagos. No physical awards per say but these recognition serve as awards to me.

What else would like to share with our readers?

Life is a learning process for us all. It would be advisable to live every moment as if it would never return, which is the case. If we value our precious time, we will execute our daily endeavors to the fullest and maximize our time. This would result in fulfilling your purpose in life. Let us not procrastinate. Whatever you have to do to be amazing, do it today, do it now. If you want to make a change, it starts with you as an individual and not the next person. Finally, whatever you have to do, put God first because by the grace of God, everything will be fine.

Thank you for this opportunity.

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About Iludio

The Definitive Destination for Nigerian/Ghanaian Weddings. Follow iludioweddings on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Interviews

Vendor Interview: A Peek Into The Life Of Olaleye Babatunde

Tunde Olaleye is a Nigerian wedding photographer based in Lagos. Albeit a graduate of Mathematics, Tunde has an intense passion for photography and his works are proof.

He spoke on his life, career and more in this interview with Iludio.

Please tell us about yourself and your business.

My name is Olaleye Babatunde, a graduate from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo state with B.Sc. in Industrial Mathematics. I am a photographer by profession and the C.E.O of Mimshach photography. I am married with a daughter.

How did you start and what inspired you to get into the industry?

It started out with my love for pictures. I used to take loads of selfies and this was in 2008, then it grew into profound love for images. I met a graphics designer called Jeff in church who had a digital camera and extra laptops through my best friend. He thought us some basics on how to shoot and also a little on editing. I already had love for pictures, so it was easier for me to start creating my own images since I had a free camera to use. My friends and I covered mostly church programs. Mimshach photography started officially and professionally in 2014 after I graduated. It was responses from the people I took photos in church that inspired me to make a business out of it outside academics

Will you start Mimshach photography, if you were to do it all over? What would you do differently?

Yes I will. Differently… I would have started before I got out of school.

What has been your greatest motivation?

The Word of God and a few colleagues in the business.

What do you think of the Nigerian/Ghanaian wedding industry? Has it changed over the years and how?

Yes it as changed a lot. Now most weddings have amazing decor that helps photographers to create good images.

What differentiates Mimshach from others in your line of business and location?

Customer friendly, always ready to learn from anybody, and accept constructive criticism.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

The word of God, my wife, nature and movies.

What do you expect from your clients (brides/grooms) and what don’t you expect?

I expect my clients to be calm, wear a smile, look good & comfortable and be patient. I don’t expect them to be impatient or not pay for services rendered.

What do you like about Mimshach and working in the wedding industry?

I love the fact that the growth is constant.

What are the most rewarding aspects of providing your service? What are the frustrating aspects?

The most rewarding aspects are when I deliver a job and the client pays without hesitation and I get referrals from clients. The frustrating aspect is when it takes  forever for a client to pay the balance.

What advice do you have for brides and grooms regarding your business?

If a photographer needs to take a picture at a particular time, they should indulge him or her because you never can tell the idea behind it.

What advice do you have for the up-and-coming in your line of business?

This business is highly competitive I must say but it doesn’t stop you from having your own clients, thousands of weddings happen every week so there is room for you. Just keep improving on you, believe and pray more.

What awards if any have you received?

I got an award from a gospel group in Dec 2017 appreciating me for supporting their concerts.

What would you like our readers to know?

Mimshach photography is the photography company you need for that event, because we are the best at what we do and your budget is our price.

Check out our works @mimshach_photography on Instagram and mimshach photography on Facebook

Interviews

Vendor Interview: Get to Know Doyin Fash

We met Doyin Fashakin – the owner of Doyin Fash, an event planning company based in Houston, to get more insights about the business and the wedding industry. She is a seasoned wedding planner who enjoys giving back. We left with two key lessons: “Never sacrifice quality with quantity” and “It takes years of hard work, consistency, dedication and patience to grow a great brand”. From our interview, you will discover a lot about her, her business, the wedding industry and useful advice. Here is the full interview:

Please tell us about yourself and your business.

My name is Doyin Fashakin and I am the owner of Doyin Fash, an event planning and design company. I’ve been planning events for a little over 12 years. Doyin Fash is based in Houston, Texas but we plan events internationally. A few places where we’ve planned events are Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Africa, and of course various states all over the US. The types of events we plan are weddings, corporate events and other kinds of social occasions.

How did you start and what inspired you to get into the industry?

So growing up in Nigeria, we had a lot of meetings and events in our house because of the nature of my dad’s work. We actually had a small ballroom in our basement. I was always the one assigned to help the caterers and set up the tables and chairs. Hosting events became a part of me from my teenage years. Fast forward, I moved to Atlanta for college and would always invite my friends over for dinners and small gatherings. The dinners/small gatherings will be color-coordinated or have a theme. A few of my friends who loved some of my design ideas asked for help with their birthdays and encouraged me to look into planning events professionally. In 2004, I had the privilege of helping a high school friend with her wedding. Word got out after the wedding and the rest is history..

Will you start Doyin Fash if you were to do it over again? What would you do differently?

I love and enjoy what I do so I will definitely start my business if I were to do it over again. If I had to do anything differently, it will be to help more up-and-coming event planners. Many reached out to me a few years after I got started but I didn’t believe I had enough expertise to be of help to them. I’m glad I still have that opportunity. After many more requests I founded the Doyin Fash workshop which is an intimate setting for new event planners or seasoned event planners wanting to take their business to the next level.

What has been your greatest motivation?

So my motivation comes from seeing others who have been at this for a long time. Seeing their work, where they got started, and where they are today inspires and gives me hope. What encourages me the most is that some of these people making a difference in the industry are people of color just like me. An industry giant I look up to is Preston Bailey who is based in New York. He started with nothing but has built a solid brand known all over the world. I hope to have a brand that solid someday.

What do you think of the Ghanaian/Nigerian wedding industry, has it changed over the years and how?

Oh wow!! Yes it has changed a whole lot. Years ago, weddings in Nigeria and Ghana were pretty simple and sometimes chaotic with so many aunties involved in the planning process. Now, these weddings are so organized and over the top with opulent ambiance. They are setting standards: people all over the world look at these weddings for inspiration through blogs like BellaNaija. In the US, you don’t have ushers, and you probably just have like one caterer for an event. In Nigeria and Ghana, you have an event with four caterers and at least 10 or more ushers. Some of my fellow planners in Houston who are American ask about weddings in Nigeria and how they can tap into that market.

What do you like about your business and working in the industry?

I like the flexibility of working at your pace. I’m my own boss and can set my own hours. I can work from home or from the office based on what I have going on. This allows me to spend more time with my family. I love the fact that I get to travel to different parts of the world and learn about other cultures. For the wedding industry, I love the fact that it’s an industry that is fun and you get to see extraordinary creations by different creatives from all over the world.

What differentiates Doyin Fash from other planners and what are your greatest strengths?

I’ll say one of my greatest strengths is my personality. I’m very personable and calm. I bring a lot of calm into the events which helps when you’re doing events for brides as they are likely nervous. When you have someone around that is very calm, that brings calm to all the nervousness going on and all the stress. It makes the clients happy. Each time I ask my clients what they like about me, their answer is always the patience and calmness I bring to the planning process.

One thing that differentiates Doyin Fash is our diverse team. We are very diverse, we deal with different ethnicities, and we plan weddings for different ethnic groups. We have done events for Brazilians, Mexicans, Middle Easterners, Europeans, and for people from all over the world.

What do you expect from your clients (brides and grooms) and what don’t you expect?

Well each client is different so I can’t really say that there is something I expect or don’t expect. Usually when I meet with clients, I expect them to at least have a vision. I don’t expect them to know everything because they are new to it; they are not the professionals, we are the professionals. I don’t usually expect them to come already organized and have everything set in stone. But at least I expect them to have a vision of what they want to do and how they want their wedding to look.

What is/are the most rewarding aspects of providing your service and what are the most frustrating aspects?

The most rewarding aspect is when my clients are happy on the event day. I’ve had some cry tears of joy because they were so blown away by what they saw. We went over and beyond their expectations.

I won’t say I have a frustrating aspect of the business but I would say working with vendors who are not flexible can be a bit challenging sometimes. We communicate with them and let them know it’s all about the client and they need to be happy on their event day. Once they see we are all working towards the same goal, things get better.

What advice do you have for future brides and grooms regarding planning?

Try to enjoy every moment of the planning process because it goes by so fast. Never sacrifice quality for quantity. You get what you pay for. There are great vendors who do a great job that are affordable. Work with a planner or other family members who have planned weddings before to direct you to professionals who produce quality work. Never go cheap on your photographer – everything you will remember will be captured by this vendor, so chose wisely.

What advice do you have for up-and-coming planners?

Be patient! Rome wasn’t built in a day. Many people doing well today in the industry had to put in a lot of hard work. It takes years of hard work, consistency, dedication and patience to grow a great brand. Find someone you admire in the industry and ask to learn from them. They may be able to share a thing or two with you on how they became successful. Keep working hard, don’t give up and you will eventually get to your desired destination.

What awards, if any, have you received?

I have received a few awards here in the US – Brides’ Choice awards by Weddings in Houston for about three years. Also WeddingWire Couples’ Choice awards for four years.

What would you like to share with our readers?

I enjoy traveling and spending time with family. I love food so I love to cook, and in fact I cook every day. I enjoy giving back and I always love when up-and-coming planners reach out to me for help. I am a firm believer to always put God first and he will crown all your efforts with success.

 

View Doyin Fash page to learn more and to contact vendor.

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About Iludio

The Definitive Destination for Nigerian/Ghanaian Weddings. Follow iludioweddings on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Interviews

Vendor Interview: Get to Know Qmara Vie Planners

If there ever was a little Miss Fix-It for the Nigerian wedding planning industry, it would be Queen Ohamara.

She is the CEO of Qmara Vie Planners, an event planning company based in Abuja Nigeria where she has been planning weddings on her own since 2015.

She comes alive when working on creative and unconventional weddings like the time earlier in 2015 where a bride didn’t want flowers and candle lights as part of the decorative set up.

At first, it seemed daunting because flowers are part of the usual decor, but our bride wanted clear vases and candle lights.

In the typical resourceful Qmara fashion, she was able to get the best out of the vendors on her roster and deliver the bride’s creative vision for the day.

Then there was also her first outdoor wedding which she also planned in the first year.

Finding a befitting and unique location was the drive here. This wasn’t going to be the usual church wedding. The minister had given the thumbs up that he would come to the location and so all hands were on deck to make sure all the plans pulled through.

We’ll let her tell the rest of the story in her own words.

Photo: Atilary Photography

Starting and inspirations for getting into the wedding planning industry

“I started my business in 2015 after working with an event planning and decor company. Being the first child I’ve always been one to take charge of situations and fix things. It started from school where I would help my friends plan their bridal showers. I derived so much joy doing so.”

When she says “school” here she means the University of Abuja where she finished in 2011.

After that, she worked as a website designer and content development specialist for a company. She would later work for another company and rise to be the head of admin before she found the passion for the wedding planning industry.

Even though she had seen the movie “The Wedding Planner” when she was younger, Queen never thought the wedding industry in Nigeria would evolve into what it has become today. Back then professional opportunities in the wedding industry weren’t so well thought out.

Her entry into the industry wasn’t orchestrated in the usual way. She didn’t foresee this, and so all the wedding planning she did prior to this was for fun and not the money.

Would you start your business over differently if you could?

Her answer is a definite…

“Yes, I would.”

Before Queen started out on her own she had only worked for about 8 months with another planning and decor company before leaving.

She says this time she would spend more time making sure she was assured of everything.

As the perfectionist that she is, she doesn’t think that was enough time and enough projects to learn, improve on mistakes, and create a distinct professional style.

Luckily it all worked out well in the end.

Photo: DeejayKay Photography

What has been your greatest motivation?

“Accomplishing a task or something worthwhile motivates me, I always want to deliver.”

A worthy task can be anything like getting unique fresh ivory bouquets ordered for the bride when pink ones were delivered in error.

Instead of throwing blame games, she had it fixed. There was a Plan B; another fresh flower vendor willing to send a florist over on a Saturday morning when most Abuja outfits aren’t open yet.

It pays to have a healthy roller deck of vendors on call in case of a setback and an also healthy dose of Igbo skepticism that makes one cover for all possible outcomes.

Changes in the Nigerian/Ghanaian wedding industry

“The Nigerian wedding industry has improved tremendously. There is so much creativity and it has created room for more employment. There are more vendors coming up with new ideas which are really spicing up the wedding industry.”

Even though she hasn’t planned any Ghanaian weddings yet, she does have plans to expand into destination weddings.

Any place would be nice for a start… Ghana? Togo? Dubai? She is open to the challenge and would approach the job the same way she would for a Nigerian wedding by researching vendors, wedding customs, and making sure all the protocols add up.

The joys of working in the wedding industry?

“It allows me to be creative, meeting new clients, coming up with new ideas… No two events are the same so there is always something new and exciting to look forward to.”

Photo: DeejayKay Photography

What differentiates you from other planners and what are your greatest strengths?

“Our attention to detail and the amount of effort we put into delivery.”

In planning a wedding and pulling off those miraculous saves which she has now come to be known for, she expects “maximum cooperation” from all her clients.

What if you aren’t in the country anytime soon before your wedding? Not to worry! Queen has been able to pull off beautiful weddings with only having physical access to the mothers of the bride and groom.

The last time that happened, she was able to work with the mothers and put together a tight ship without previously meetings of the couple. She did meet the bride and groom eventually 2 days to the wedding and they gave their seal of approval to everything Queen and the mummies had done.

So long as your parents or proxies are trusting and cooperative, the wedding planning Queen can pull it off.

What Advice do you have for future brides and grooms regarding using a planner?

“Get a planner! it saves time and money.”

Most people are skeptical about how a planner can save time and money as I’m sure that you are.

For Queen, the math and the logic are quite simple. A planner has access to many vendors with favorably pre-agreed rates.

She can get discounts from the vendors that the client cannot. That’s just the nature of the planner and vendor relationship.

Photo: George Okoro Photography

Advice for up and coming wedding planners?

“Take your time and work with an experienced event planning company. Study the market before you start your own business.”

Over the phone, she starts to tell me about how this kind of experience can be really helpful. Planning an event is more than just calling vendors.

You need to learn how to track incoming payments and outflows. You need to learn how to come up with production schedules.

There are lots of things behind the glitz and the glamour… you can only be exposed to the administrative work involved once you work behind the scenes.

What’s in it for intending brides and grooms?

The value you get when you roll with the Queen is clear… the wedding of your dreams with all the pomp and pizzazz from a well-oiled wedding machine.

If you doubt it, give her a call. Craft it together and slay it together! That’s what the Queen does every day and that’s what she’ll do for you.

View Qmara Vie Planner’s page to learn more and to contact vendor.

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About Tavershima G. Ayede

Tavershima G. Ayede is a photographer and a guest writer. He describes himself on his Instagram profile as a wedding photojournalist and gun for hire who is addicted to Fanta, but settles for Sprite occasionally.

Interviews

Vendor Interview: Get to Know Bunmmyx Events

We first met Bunmmyx Events at WedExpo in Lagos and she readily signed up to become a vendor on Iludio. A few months later, we met up with her to learn more about her business. Here’s what we learned:

Please tell us about yourself and your business?

My name is Mrs. Benson Morinsola and I am a wife and a mother of three. I studied at YabaTech School of Art and started a fashion designing outfit, and later a ready-to-wear boutique. I recently expanded to event planning.

How did you start? What inspired you to get into the wedding industry?

I started when I was in Yaba College of Technology. I planned weddings, birthdays and get-togethers for so many friends. Then there was a time I organized a send-forth for a HOD (Head of Department) who was leaving the school. I got into full event planning after a friend called me and asked how much I received for events that I was doing for church members and I told her I was doing them for free. She was surprised and then asked me to plan her sister’s wedding. I got home and I realized that I could actually make money from event planning. I charged her for that wedding and that was how I started.

Would you start Bunmmyx Events, if you were to do it over again? What would you do differently?

Yes I love my business and I would do it over and over again because from the onset, I have had passion for what am doing. You need passion for any business. If you don’t have passion for what you do or you are forced into the business, you won’t last long. I started my business before I got married and now I am married, I have a very supportive husband who occasionally joins me for events. So I will do it over and over again. I will do it differently if I could do it again. I would love to have all vendors under the same roof. You walk into a plaza and find someone that can take care of your cocktail, drinks, decoration and everything that has to do with your event.

What has been your greatest motivation?

My motivation is when I plan an event successfully and people are satisfied with my services and provide recommendations to other clients. More importantly, it is having friends and family support and encourage me in whatever I do.

What do you think of the Nigerian/Ghanaian wedding industry? Has it changed over the years and how?

Yes it has changed tremendously especially due to social media. Long time ago, the bride and groom will plan the event themselves. They didn’t engage wedding planners. The bride’s mother will take care of everything and employ a cook, and most times the cook will not come till almost the end of the event. But that has changed. Now more planners are contracted to plan weddings. You sit down and the whole event is done perfectly. That’s a big achievement in the Nigerian wedding industry.

What do you like about your business and working in the wedding industry?

I think it is the opportunity to meet people especially other event planners. Meeting more vendors, showcasing my personality, getting to know different people and interacting with them are the things I love about my work. Working in the industry has made me more organized and detail oriented.

What differentiates Bunmmyx Events from others in your line of business and location? What are your greatest strengths?

I call myself event planner extraordinaire. I am a certified event planner from two major academies – Busy Bee Academy and Wed Academy. I am always ready to learn from anyone I can learn from, even from younger people. This makes me different from other wedding planners and it has been my greatest source of strength, making me sure of my actions.

What do you expect from your clients (brides and grooms)? What don’t you expect?

I expect my client (bride and groom) to trust me completely and be honest. Most clients will hire a vendor and not trust the vendor. They will find all their vendors after hiring a planner due to lack of trust. If they trust you to do your job as a planner they won’t ask “Iya Amala” from Mushin to cater without discussing first with you. You are planning the event but you are not in control of the vendors. For instance, if a vendor you don’t really know and didn’t hire ruins an event. No one will blame the bride/groom or anyone else who brought the vendor but the wedding planner.

What is (are) the most rewarding aspect(s) of providing your service? What are the most frustrating aspect(s)?

I think the most frustrating aspect is when the client decides to provide all vendors after they have paid you to plan the event. It’s very frustrating. You call a vendor and he/she tells you that you are not the one paying so can’t tell them what to do. An instance when I called an MC and he said “Who are you? What are you planning?” At that time, church service had ended and he had not shown up at the reception which was frustrating. If you are the one hiring the vendors, they will be able to respect you because you are the one paying them but indirectly.

Another frustrating aspect is when a client consults or hires you and later informs you that the wedding is postponed or cancelled whereas it’s false. I was supposed to have a job, so I planned everything and called just to remind the client of the plans only to hear it had been cancelled.

A rewarding aspect is when you plan an event successfully and the client is happy. The client calls back after the event with positive feedback that’s rewarding. At times you are not fully paid but getting great feedback is satisfactory and rewarding.

What advice do you have for future brides and grooms regarding your type of business?

First and major advice is to cut your coat according to your size of event before contacting an event planner. Open up to your planner or vendor about your budget. Recently, a client contacted me and she wanted a cocktail for one thousand guests. I didn’t take her seriously; even if you are very rich, I will still ask if you are sure of what you are saying. I asked if every guest will have a taste of the cocktail, and she replied yes. I was surprised when I gave her the cost and she said it was much. My advice is for brides and grooms to plan and work according to their budget and not collect loans just to fund a wedding. I take my clients as my family so I advise you not to spend beyond your budget and know you limit before contacting a planner. Finally, start planning early say at least 9 months before the wedding.

What advice do you have for up and coming businesses in your line of business?

I have a saying that success is excelling in any legitimate business that gives you joy. First, you must have passion for whatever in life you want to do. Once you have passion, then go for training and get certified. You will be bold when you are certified. Finally, be a good listener and listen more than you talk.

What award(s), if any, have you received?

Not yet but am working towards it. We are just three years into the business; I assure you soon awards will start coming in.

What else would like to share with our readers?

Iludio and I have almost the same vision. As Iludio has all vendors under one online platform, I want to have all vendors under the same roof. You walk into a building and you have many vendors in it. Thank you.

 

VISIT Bunmmyx Events page for reviews and contact information

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The Definitive Destination for Nigerian/Ghanaian Weddings. Follow iludioweddings on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Interviews

Vendor Interview: Get to Know STM Magical Creations

Earlier this year, we met with Ify of STM Magical Creations in Enugu. We are glad to have her share about her business & the wedding industry and give great advice for couples & vendors. Read the wonderful interview to be inspired. 

Please tell us about yourself and your business?

My name is Barr (Mrs) Ifeoma Stella Okoye. I am a Global Event Planner/Coordinator based in Enugu, Nigeria, a Professional Makeup Artist & Makeup Educator, a Lawyer, mother of 4 lovely kids, loving wife and a lover of God.

I’ve been a creative nerd for as long as I can remember with particular flare for all things weddings & beauty. I’m the Creative Director CEO of STM Magical Creations (formerly Pastel Creations) an Event & Beauty Company based in Enugu.

How did you start STM Magical Creations? What inspired you to get into the wedding industry?

How did I start? Informally, I’ve been doing this as a hobby since high school. I would paint and draw; loved playing with makeup and planning weddings for friends & family. I took it seriously as a business about 5 years ago after I left active Legal practice and my job as a full time Human Resource Manager for a US based NGO funded by CDC. What inspired me into the wedding industry? Well I would say the industry chose me. It gave me a platform to explore my creativity and passion. It’s also one of the most gratifying industries.

Would you start STM Magical Creations if you were to do it over again? What would you do differently?

Oh yes I would still start the same business if I was to do it all over again. What would I do differently? Well probably I would have spent less years in active legal practice and started earlier.

What has been your greatest motivation?

The feedback & smiles I put on my clients’ faces, that’s what drives me the most. Also my hope & faith in God, my passion for the art and the fact that I have an emotionally supportive husband.

What do you think of the Nigerian/Ghanaian wedding industry? Has it changed over the years and how?

The wedding industry in Nigeria & Ghana has definitely exploded over & beyond the worlds’ expectations. With the most colourful and richest cultural celebrations and so many skilled vendors, the rest of the world want to be us right now. The industry does not only generate great revenue, it tackles unemployment and fosters tourism.

What do you like about STM Magical Creations and working in the wedding industry?

Everything actually. The fact that I am doing what I love and making people happy. Also at the same time getting paid to do what I love. The wedding industry is a happy place and it’s an honour for me to be part of one of the most important & happiest days in a persons’ life.

What differentiates STM Magical Creations from others in your line of business and location? What are your greatest strengths?

I work with my heart. I treat every job and client like my only one. I don’t put money first. I have a sense of God because I put all my trust & hope in Him plus I have great passion for my job.

What do you expect from your clients (brides and grooms)? What don’t you expect?

I expect honesty and commitment. I also like very realistic and supportive clients. I love easy-going clients who know what they want and don’t make a fuss about every little thing. I don’t expect pettiness and dishonesty.

What are the most rewarding aspects of providing your service? What are the most frustrating aspects?

Most rewarding are the feedback, the results, and the emotional, spiritual and financial gratification. For frustrating aspects, it’s not all rosy all the time. I would say mostly when vendors disappoint or fall short last minute. Thank God for plan B and C.

What advice do you have for future brides and grooms regarding your type of business?

My advice is to hire a planner/coordinator. It’s not overrated. You need one. Family and friends can only do so much but a planner would make you truly enjoy your big day. Get a good makeup artist and cheaper isn’t always better. The goal is to be an effortlessly beautiful YOU on your big day, not a painted transformed YOU.

What advice do you have for up and coming businesses in your line of business?

You can’t do without God. Also make sure you’re in it for the right reasons; you have a passion for it & not for the money. That’s what will sustain you in the business: your skill & passion. Be approachable and humble, have a great personality & attitude, and provide a great customer service. Continued skill improvement, business & personal development is a must. You can’t be stuck in one place. Keep equipping yourself. Be out there and not under a rock. You need to associate and identify with your colleagues in the industry. You need a solid team to build a sustainable brand. Lastly never give up.

What award(s), if any, have you received?

The Experience Womanity Awards for Makeup Artist of the Year 2016

 

Visit STM Magical Creations’ page to learn more or contact vendor.

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About Iludio

The Definitive Destination for Nigerian/Ghanaian Weddings. Follow iludioweddings on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.