This week, we celebrate Olamide Olatunbosun, Co-Founder of Parliamo Bambini, a Baby Comfort & Lifestyle Company in Lagos.
In 2015, Olamide carried out a survey on importation in Nigeria and realized that most Nigerian parents were going through the hassles of importing quality baby furniture in their homes. At that time, Nigeria had recently banned the importation of furniture and some goods so it was a great hurdle to get quality and safe baby furniture. The drive to solve this problem inspired Olamide to take the path of entrepreneurship.
In this interview with Uzoamaka Mbara, Olamide took us on an exciting journey as an entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry. She also highlighted the struggles of being an entrepreneur in Nigeria and her passion for reducing unemplyement in Nigeria.
Youth have a role to play in the development of Africa… we are the most suited to solve our problems in this 21st century- Olamide Olatunbosun
Who is Olamide Olatunbosun?
Olamide is a human resource expert turned entrepreneur with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Covenant University and a Masters’ Degree in Human Resource Management at Coventry University in the United Kingdom. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), a certified auditor who had undergone training for the International Standard Organization (ISO 9001; 2015), a pivotal member of the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN) and the Coordinator of the monthly Nigerian Youth Sustainability Development Goals Café.
She was selected amongst 30,000 entrepreneurs as a Forbes Fellow in October 2018 to attend the Forbes Entrepreneurial Summit in Boston, the United States of America in recognition for her contribution towards entrepreneurship in Africa. She also sits on the board of trustees of some well-renowned organizations in Africa.
How did Parliamo Bambini start?
The Federal Government in 2004 introduced a new policy banning the importation of furniture amongst other products. The ban was a response to stalling economic growth and to promote local production. During that period, one of Olamide’s friends was a victim of “illegal importation” when trying to get her baby furniture, her goods were confiscated at the Port Authority, and she was left with no alternative. Though the ban was to enhance local production, there was a great issue of low substandard furniture by roadside carpenters with no training on children safety.
Olamide and her Co-founder launched Parliamo Bambini in 2015. The goal was to meet economic needs with a focus on children’s furniture, and over the years, the Baby Comfort & Lifestyle Company has successfully transformed the children’s industry in Nigeria.
With a production site in Lagos, Nigeria, Parliamo Bambini is providing quality, creatively designed locally manufactured furniture which are safe and of international standard. The Standard Organization of Nigeria certifies every finished work. The Company has directly impacted the lives over 60 youths by improving earned income and enabling them meets their basic needs thereby reducing poverty and reduction in crime rate in the society, “In the next five years, the Company should empower over 5000 youths”, Olamide said assuredly.
Some of the items Parliamo Bambini manufactures include; baby cribs, changing table, rocking chairs, kids reading table and chairs, floating shelves, sofa chairs among others.
Naturally, women are entrepreneurial… we have the zeal to keep pushing and learning from all experiences-Olamide Olatunbosun
What are the challenges of being an entrepreneur in Nigeria?
Olamide noted a few challenges she encountered when starting her business and how she was able to overcome these challenges;
- Erratic power supply: Our production house depends on electricity to complete the cycle of production and keep production prices low
- Inadequate funding- to get raw materials but we were able to access finance through grants awarded to the business which helped us scale.
- Fluctuation of foreign exchange and High inflation rates- which affects the buying power of the people. We engaged an accounting firm that helped to regulate this and create stable pricing and profit margin to ensure sustainability.
- Access to mentors. We leveraged on fellowship programs, platforms, and community that gives access to entrepreneurs and mentors.
What is the primary challenge hindering African youths to having decent jobs?
As an HR executive for 8years, Olamide explained that one major challenge that has been identified over time is the fact that a lot of African youths are not employable. While in the western world, for example, young people engage in a lot of Young leader’s initiatives, fellowships and exchange programs which help improve behaviour. It creates a balance in their educational knowledge giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
She further explained that most of the competencies required to thrive in an organization effectively are not taught in our educational institution. They are self-taught. She advised young people not to rely on only institutional knowledge alone but boost it up with other competencies required in any organization.
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What can African Leaders do differently to salvage the high unemployment rate of youths?
Olamide believes that not everyone can be employed or function at optimum in a “9-5” environment. The population is increasing daily with graduates from several universities with minimal jobs available; as a result, many youths have now resulted in embracing entrepreneurship and engaging in several vocational training to meet ends needs. We expect the leaders to create an enabling environment for these businesses to thrive which will foster more job creation and ensure a sustainable economy.
How do you thrive in the manufacturing industry?
As a lady thriving in a male-dominated environment, there are hurdles, Olamide explained. Resilience is what keeps her pushing.
Do Women have the capacity to excel in any field of their choice?
Olamide gave a resounding yes! She emphasized that women have some naturally inhibited behavioural skill that always gives an edge in the organization.
What she does at leisure
I like ‘restauranting’ and travelling.
The two books that have greatly influenced her
Becoming Michelle Obama by Michelle Obama and Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T Kiyosaki
Her advice to young women who are yet to find themselves
Do not underestimate yourself! Please take your time to find what you are passionate about and just run with it. Please run your race and do not compare yourself to anyone. I cannot overemphasize this; Entrepreneurship is not for everyone, some thrive better and function well in a work environment. Do not give in to procrastination but start where ever you can and find a mentor who will hold your hand and walk you through the journey! The sky is the starting point.
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