Metrowoman entrepreneur of the week: Francisca Onyinye Ogunlade

Francisca Onyinye Ogunlade is the CEO of Eftinzz Events Outfit, the creator of Nigeria’s first Events Budget and Planning App presently on Google PlayStore and the producers of the pioneer Events and Wedding Exhibition-Beauty and Bride Exhibition- in Southwest Nigeria excluding Lagos State.As an individual, she helps corporate employees start and grow a profitable side business via public speaking, coaching and online courses.

What problem does your company solve?
A faulty budget is the beginning of an event crisis. Our events company helps individuals create their desired event in Class and Glam within budget and without stress. To ensure the comfortability of our clients, we created the Eftinzz Events Planning and Budget App and the Beauty and Bride Exhibition, which is the first Events and Wedding Fair in southwest of Nigeria excluding Lagos State. As a Business Coach, I help corporate employees start a profitable side business in 90 days or less.

What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture?
I was just recovering from a car crash that happened in December 2012. I was broke and with a baby in my hand. I needed to augment my take-home from my bank job and also help my family. This was how I started the sales of diapers in September 2014. In 2015 February, I started my events business, which is a place of strength for me. As I was growing my business, people started asking me how I manage to cope with the job as a banker and an events planner by the side. This was how I found myself coaching and consulting corporate employees as a side gig.

What are the top-three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Clear Vision, Discipline and Consistency.

How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
I don’t easily give up. Maybe it is because I always start out very determined.

How far are you willing to go to succeed?
I am willing to work and pray for my success.

What is your greatest challenge, and how do you manage it?
My greatest challenge is stress. Some days, I have to let go and just sleep. To manage it, I have a support system and I ensure I find happiness within myself and with people around me.

What are your ideals?
Integrity and customer excellence.

How do you define success?
Success for me is making way for others to grow with me, seeing others smile and living a good life of gratitude.

What book has inspired you the most?
The Bible.

What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Bringing my creativity and liveliness to fore.

To what do you most attribute your success?
God.

What would say are the five key elements for starting and running a successful business?
Determination, Consistency, Integrity, Skill and Financial literacy.

How do you go about marketing your business?
I use Social Media mainly.

What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Referral and Social Proof

In one word, characterise your life as an entrepreneur
Fulfilling.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
I took a non- professional advice on a job and I almost lost the job.

Where you see yourself and your business in 10-20 years?
I see myself having an internationally recognised business coaching institute, Eftinzz Events Outfit, having the Beauty and Bride Exhibition franchise established all over the world with the Eftinzz Events Planning and Budget App being a reference guide in the events world.