Muyiwa Olaitan is the 32-year-old CEO of Nu’ World Africa. He told RUTH OLUROUNBI in this interview that he had been a Public Relations consultant for 10 years before he decided to build his company. He also revealed where he gets his business ideas from. The Ogun State born said he loves music, travel, football and fashion.
Let’s start with how Nu’ World Africa came to be.
It all began in 2010, when I started Designers’ Lounge Nigeria. My aim was to create a platform that was almost non-existent back then, and to also work with an industry that was gradually becoming conscious of its status, importance and followership: fashion. We created a fashion sale party, where we had upcoming designers showcase and sell their works amidst live music performances, drinks, a raffle draw and the media. Till date, I’m personally so proud of what we achieved with the project, as it had designers who today are showcasing and representing Nigeria on the international level such as Kola Kuddus, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, among others.
It all began in 2010, when I started Designers’ Lounge Nigeria. My aim was to create a platform that was almost non-existent back then, and to also work with an industry that was gradually becoming conscious of its status, importance and followership: fashion. We created a fashion sale party, where we had upcoming designers showcase and sell their works amidst live music performances, drinks, a raffle draw and the media. Till date, I’m personally so proud of what we achieved with the project, as it had designers who today are showcasing and representing Nigeria on the international level such as Kola Kuddus, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, among others.
Designers Lounge Nigeria was put on hold because I didn’t have the required resources to progress to the next phase, as it was designed as a full functional fashion business company with interests in large scale production, retail sales, distribution, branding and more.
In 2011, I started a small PR company called KPR Lagos with a mission to create bespoke experiential content and low cost PR strategies for brands. It was just three of us, as we set out on a mission to create ideas and projects that were almost non-existent within the PR industry. This mission eventually grew into what is known as Nu’World Africa today.
When did you discover you had it in you to create the platform?
Back in the days in school (Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye) where myself and a couple of my friends ran an event club, where we organised talk of the campus gigs and parties that have featured world-class acts such as 2face Idibia in 2004. In 2006, I consulted for Soul Lounge Lagos on the first anniversary celebrations, and pretty much put the plan together with my colleague Kemi Odiye. The celebrations featured a special boat cruise and a dinner concert with a powerful roaster of celebrities and artistes such as International RnB group: Next, Dan Foster, Paul Play, D’banj, Nnena, Styl-Plus, etc.
What is Nu’ World about?
We are a young strategic content development, experiential, PR and talent management workstation. Our in-house competence spans high powered events production and management, social media optimisation, digital marketing, talent management and PR.
So what motivated Nu’ World?
The need to bring to life the vast creative instincts of our young minds, as being adopted around the world in recent times inspired Nu’ World. As you know, marketing communications industry today thrives on the platforms and innovations created by young people.
What have you done before starting the company?
I have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and on some of the most outstanding projects, one of which I keep referring to as most stylish event to have happened in Nigeria – The St Moritz Style Selection and The St Moritz Style Awards. I also worked with the Miss Commonwealth Beauty Pageant Company, The KISS events, Wayne Wonder Live in Lagos Concert, The Akon Live in Lagos Concert, to mention a few.
For how long?
About 10 years.
How has your knowledge of PR help shape your business?
I have built my company on one simple principle: “Be Different”. PR as a very vital tool for any business, product, individual or nation, is centered on perception, identity and acceptance. It is a very dynamic communication tool that if properly utilised, could sell just about anything. At NWA, we focus on the offerings of public relations when creating or proposing solutions to our clients and designing our wholly owned products and projects. We are mindful of the evolving global trends in perception marketing for brands and businesses.
Why haven’t you started earlier?
The need to acquire experience and build on the level of expertise played its part. Back in the days, young people weren’t privileged to be so fundamental within our industry as opposed to today’s emerging business terrain, where businesses are relying on the instincts of young minds to drive their brands into relevance within the consumer market.
People say it’s better to be your own boss. Would you say this is true?
Yes it’s true, but it is also a tough and challenging adventure as the fate of your business lies predominantly in your hands, knowledge scope and capabilities.
What excites you daily?
The progressive takeover by young minds who are doing great things and inspiring others to believe in themselves with a great deal of hope for the future.
Where do you see Nu’ World?
Becoming a prominent player within the local and international content development, talent management and PR industry, through our commitment to super service value through ideas, culture and talent.
What are the attributes that you think can make you or break an entrepreneur, most especially the young ones?
Passion, belief and commitment
What is the place of ethics in successful business?
It is the bedrock of every successful business, the world over today. Your work/business ethic contributes massively to the corporate perception and identity of the brand.
Do you have role models and who are they?
Yes, I have. People like Richard Branson, Tyler Perry and Troy Carter are my role models. They just chose to “Be Different”.
How do you get your business ideas?
Inspiration through anything and everything. Being open to the ever changing global trends.
How do you handle failure?
If/when it does happen, just evaluate, re-strategize and go!
What have been the sacrifices you’ve made to get here?
Choosing not to follow a common social trend of travelling abroad to seek greener pastures.
If you were to live your life all over, would you have lived it the exact same way or you’d make some major changes?
Some minor changes. Very minor. I’ll still want to have the same creative instincts, though.
Back in the days in school (Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye) where myself and a couple of my friends ran an event club, where we organised talk of the campus gigs and parties that have featured world-class acts such as 2face Idibia in 2004. In 2006, I consulted for Soul Lounge Lagos on the first anniversary celebrations, and pretty much put the plan together with my colleague Kemi Odiye. The celebrations featured a special boat cruise and a dinner concert with a powerful roaster of celebrities and artistes such as International RnB group: Next, Dan Foster, Paul Play, D’banj, Nnena, Styl-Plus, etc.
What is Nu’ World about?
We are a young strategic content development, experiential, PR and talent management workstation. Our in-house competence spans high powered events production and management, social media optimisation, digital marketing, talent management and PR.
So what motivated Nu’ World?
The need to bring to life the vast creative instincts of our young minds, as being adopted around the world in recent times inspired Nu’ World. As you know, marketing communications industry today thrives on the platforms and innovations created by young people.
What have you done before starting the company?
I have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and on some of the most outstanding projects, one of which I keep referring to as most stylish event to have happened in Nigeria – The St Moritz Style Selection and The St Moritz Style Awards. I also worked with the Miss Commonwealth Beauty Pageant Company, The KISS events, Wayne Wonder Live in Lagos Concert, The Akon Live in Lagos Concert, to mention a few.
For how long?
About 10 years.
How has your knowledge of PR help shape your business?
I have built my company on one simple principle: “Be Different”. PR as a very vital tool for any business, product, individual or nation, is centered on perception, identity and acceptance. It is a very dynamic communication tool that if properly utilised, could sell just about anything. At NWA, we focus on the offerings of public relations when creating or proposing solutions to our clients and designing our wholly owned products and projects. We are mindful of the evolving global trends in perception marketing for brands and businesses.
Why haven’t you started earlier?
The need to acquire experience and build on the level of expertise played its part. Back in the days, young people weren’t privileged to be so fundamental within our industry as opposed to today’s emerging business terrain, where businesses are relying on the instincts of young minds to drive their brands into relevance within the consumer market.
People say it’s better to be your own boss. Would you say this is true?
Yes it’s true, but it is also a tough and challenging adventure as the fate of your business lies predominantly in your hands, knowledge scope and capabilities.
What excites you daily?
The progressive takeover by young minds who are doing great things and inspiring others to believe in themselves with a great deal of hope for the future.
Where do you see Nu’ World?
Becoming a prominent player within the local and international content development, talent management and PR industry, through our commitment to super service value through ideas, culture and talent.
What are the attributes that you think can make you or break an entrepreneur, most especially the young ones?
Passion, belief and commitment
What is the place of ethics in successful business?
It is the bedrock of every successful business, the world over today. Your work/business ethic contributes massively to the corporate perception and identity of the brand.
Do you have role models and who are they?
Yes, I have. People like Richard Branson, Tyler Perry and Troy Carter are my role models. They just chose to “Be Different”.
How do you get your business ideas?
Inspiration through anything and everything. Being open to the ever changing global trends.
How do you handle failure?
If/when it does happen, just evaluate, re-strategize and go!
What have been the sacrifices you’ve made to get here?
Choosing not to follow a common social trend of travelling abroad to seek greener pastures.
If you were to live your life all over, would you have lived it the exact same way or you’d make some major changes?
Some minor changes. Very minor. I’ll still want to have the same creative instincts, though.
- Written by Ruth Olurounbi
- Source: Tribune
No comments:
Post a Comment