“My foray into decorations and events went back in my home church – St Anne’s Church, Molete. At the time, the youths would be called upon during any church program or anniversary, to assist in one way or the other to make the program a success especially serving of foods and drinks. When I got admitted to school, as the norm, all freshers were encouraged to join a unit in the fellowship. Of all the units in fellowship, I reluctantly joined the decorations unit.
While in school, I had the privilege of serving for two consecutive terms and to the glory of God, there were many innovations during my time. I started exchange of Altar which simply means my fellowship goes to another fellowship to help with their decor, while another comes to help with ours. I was also able to initiate weekend training for the decorations unit of other churches.
The beautiful thing is, I was able to decorate for some events while in school. Special thanks to Damilola Davids for the motivation. She said if I couldn’t decorate for the JOINT CAMPUS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP…then, I shouldn’t call myself a decor coordinator. One thing I noticed about being in the unit was that, you’ll hardly see me in pictures. I was always behind the scenes in family events, busy doing one thing or the other, arranging things, making sure things go as planned. During our final year party in fellowship, I was part of the team saddled with the planning of the FYB party: both in fellowship and in class. Pearls Events was conceived.
Getting a job after graduating from the university wasn’t easy. I tried looking for a job but couldn’t get any. When I eventually got a small job, I still kept my décor business as a side-hustle. Back then in school, I had this mentality that setting up a business after school was going to be easy but I came to learn that business is no child’s play. At the time, there were no smartphones and so word of mouth was the best way I could advertise my work.
The early stages were rough and bleak. I did *JOHNNY-MAN* internship with my friend, which I still do today. Many times, I won’t receive a dime for my labour after climbing ladders and all sorts. There are times you will work for the big madams and at the end of the day, you’d be given peanuts as pay. At times, I will help in organizing and arranging props, brainstorming on themes etc. with nothing to show for it.
Disappointments on the job while starting out can be overwhelming. Clients reach out to you and give you their briefs then after commencing work, they dash your hopes by claiming that they have suddenly discovered a relative or church member that could help with their decor. For example, in 2016, I had a client – we all went to the same university, attended the same fellowship, studied the same course and stayed in Ibadan.
When they reached out to me, I began to plan their events from conception to execution. I had everything sorted out. Then, a month to the event, my clients called to cancel. They said they suddenly remembered that they had someone somewhere that could help them out with the event. I was seriously pained because not only did I give my best, I even went an extra mile just to satisfy them. Despite all these, there’s hope.
My motivation has been God. I have also been motivated by some top shots in the events industry such as, Funke Bucknor Obruthe, NwadosSignatures, DecorMastaz etc. Also, my passion, the zeal to excel and be the best in the industry and among my peers, has been keeping me in the game. Every day, everywhere and every time I seek knowledge; just to stay relevant in the events industry.
But honestly, the dynamism, tenacity and audacious spirit keeps me going. Inasmuch as the people ahead of me are not resting on their oars, who am I to lose focus and fail to be the best? Though I’m yet to get to where I want to be, I’m learning everyday to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me.”
