Most Nigerians – young and old, formally educated and otherwise – are endowed with entrepreneurship spirit. Chimaobi Goodluck, the Chief Executive Officer of Goodluck Supermarket in Surulere, Lagos State, is one. The dealer in cosmetics, provisions and health products, in this interview with EKONG EKPENYONG, berates Nigeria’s economy and its harshness on businesses
Last year, there was global lockdown induced by the Coronavirus Disease, and most businesses were hit hard. How was your business affected?
I thank God for his wisdom. I am also into first aid, which is needed in the pandemic; that gave me opportunity to continue with my business as usual. So, I go to work as usual time and close as usual too.
When you newly started the business, what difficulties did you encounter?
There was no capital, and you cannot start a business and immediately break even, just like that. The business took up to a year before yielding income. Also, the siting of a business matters a lot.
How lucrative is the trade?
Aside the flair I have for the business, I have mastered its secrets, especially the medical aspect of it. With the business, I have been able to earn myself relatively good living without stress.
How have you been coping with the relatively hash Nigerian economy?
If I have my way, I will leave this country for a better clime. Despite having a business in this country, one cannot boast of a car, a house or starting a family. Such cannot happen in Europe. Nigeria’s economy is in a mess and not helping businesses.
Has there been financial assistance from your family and/or acquaintances for your business?
Not at all; I run a one-man show. However, I started the business with N100,000, and since then God has been helping me pull through.
What difference do you see between an employee and entrepreneur?
If I should someone employs me for about N500,000 monthly as salary, I will work. But for N100,000, I will prefer working on my own, because I will have more time to explore.
Do you have a mentor?
Even when I came into the business, I learnt nothing from my manager. Most times, the manager preferred working without caring me along or showing me how the business is run. On that aspect, I faced serious challenges until I got on the right track without supervision. Now, there is no business I cannot handle. I believe God has given me the talent.
What is your target in the business?
I only need up to three standard supermarkets and and shops everywhere I can reach.
How do you see sales and business generally?
I won’t advise even my enemy to experience the rough aspect of the business as I did. If someone starts jewelleries business with N1 million or more and another starts with N100,000, the difference will be clear. For the latter, it will only take the grace of God and wisdom to face the business and put things right; otherwise there will be loss that will take the person back to square one.
What are your challenges now compared to when you started?
Provision, cosmetics and Over-The-Counter drugs are no-go area. Things are very expensive in the market presently.
What is your daily turnover like?
I get at least N3,000 daily.
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