Temitayo Akure, an insurance graduate of the University of Lagos, is the founder of Batabytayy, a Lagos-based footwear outfit. She tells KATELEMI CLAUDE, in this interview, about her enterprise and the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on the business.
How and when did you start this trade?
‘Oh my baby,’ that’s what I call it. I have always loved seeing footwear on people. I had the hope of starting Batabytayy during my university days, but different circumstances stopped me. However, on March 19, 2018, I started my journey.
I make footwear for males and females from all works of life for all occasions; I mean everyone who likes good, quality footwear.
Did you get any formal training?
Yes, I started and at a point I had to pause for some reasons. I will definitely be going back into it.
So, what are you doing now?
I am focusing on my business, Batabytayy. I am trying to stay relevant and work on my business. I have a couple of people that help me in the workshop.
Why did you pause?
I paused due to some health reasons, though now that I’m better and definitely looking into going back to my training on footwear and start on shoes mainly. I would be launching that soon.
How is customer response to your products, considering that most Nigerians tend to value imported goods?
Well, it is true that Nigerians tend to prefer imported products. Over the few years, I have gained my customers’ trust by giving them quality and value for their money and this has led to a steady increase in orders, referrals and positive feedback.
Do celebrities patronise you?
Not yet, but I have some on my radar.
Is the novel Coronavirus Disease drawing customers to you since foreign goods don’t enter the country as before?
Yes, but my track record of providing good quality products has led to more sales and referrals from my customers. Although, at the early stages of the COVID-19, sales reduced drastically because of the uncertain times; but it has slowly picked up as things start going back to normal.
What are the challenges you face in the trade?
Hmm, finding the right materials, leathers, to get the best outcomes. Inter-state deliveries sometimes tend to give you a high blood pressure due land borders and restrictions. I will just say the challenges are quite a lot.
How do you market your products?
Since it’s an online business and service, I use all social media platforms from Twitter and Instagram to Facebook and Whatsapp to create awareness about my business. I run sponsored ads on Instagram and Facebook. Also, the quality I provide my customers speaks for me which in turn creates more awareness and leads to more referrals.
How lucrative is this trade?
It has its ups and downs; but on a good day, it’s quite lucrative.
Do you take refresher courses to improve your skills?
Yes, I do. I have taken courses in marketing, branding and video editing. I am looking to getting professional certifications as well.
How do you get your designs?
My team and I work closely together; we brainstorm and come up with the fantastic designs and patterns. We also use catalogue.
Where do you plan to take your trade in the nearest future and what is your overall target?
In the nearest future, I look to becoming the number one footwear brand in Africa online and hopefully move to physical stores. This will allow me showcase my designs to the public and offer the customers a walk-in to see for themselves.
Any expectation from government to enhance your trade?
The government can enhance my trade by promoting local contents and giving local brands the environment to thrive.
Who is your mentor?
I love TT.Dalk Zainab, the owner of Soles and Shades, and Ajibade, my immediate boss, who taught me all I needed to know about the footwear business and helped me get to where I am today.
What advice do you have for budding entrepreneurs?
I am still a budding entrepreneur myself. But my advice would be: stay focused, work hard, work smart, re-invent yourself and try to stay relevant.
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