It’s the first week of a brand new month which means it’s time for us to introduce to you our latest entrepreneur. In this episode of the Flexxpreneur series, we had a chat with Amaka Goodness Okoh, a professional designer who creatively uses corrugated cardboard to make products.
It was a very enlightening Flexxpreneur session where we learned a lot from Amaka about her passion for her brand. We wouldn’t want to leave you guys out of it so here is what went down with Amaka, our latest Flexxpreneur!
1. Let’s meet you (Your name and what you do)
My name is Okoh Amaka Goodness, the CEO of Nikky DIY Designs. I help homes, companies, schools and leisure centres to make furniture, sculpture and mask designs from corrugated cardboard. These products are aesthetically pleasing, unique and water-resistant.
2. How long have you been doing this?
Well, it’s been 3 years and 4 months now. I started my business in 2017, and it was at first, a hobby. I used to make my room furniture with a corrugated cardboard, lots of people saw and admired it and they asked that I make it for them, too. The demands kept coming, so I thought “why not officially make this a business?”
3. What inspired you to go into business?
My entrepreneurial spirit coupled with my passion for craft and the encouragement I got from people when I was just making designs for my house, inspired me to go into business.
4. What was your highest and lowest point since you started this journey?
I am still a student and can only say every new academic session keeps getting better.
When students resume school, there is always the rush to make their hostels
different and more beautiful. So, they reach out to me to make corrugated cardboard
furniture for them.
My lowest point would be a time I experienced a scarcity of materials. It wasn’t funny, as I ran at a loss being unable to deliver to customers.
5. What do you aim to achieve in the next 12 months in relation to your business?
In the next 12 months, I want my products to be in the retail markets.
6. What are your short and long term goals?
My short term goal is to keep a regular presence on social media; posting more of my products, engaging and interacting with potential clients and customers.
My long-term goal is to expand my business and explore more opportunities. I want to see Nikki DIY Design go public; I want 80% of the products to be used by schools, students, restaurants, churches, companies, homes, leisure centres, etc. All over the world, I desire to make history as the best ‘corrugated cardboard’ furniture maker.
7. Which individuals do you draw inspirations from and why?
I am mostly inspired by people who overcome extreme adversity; people who triumph amidst trials and tribulations. Sometimes, people belittle and condemn my business. So, listening to the stories of people who overcame their obstacles inspires me to keep pushing.
8. How do you unwind?
By going to the movies or reading.
9. What advice would you give your fellow Flexxers who are on this path?
My advice to them is they should venture into a business they are passionate about.
10. What are your social media handles?
10) FB – Nike Akinshola
IG- Nikkidiydesigns
11. Anything else you’d like us to know about you?
I’m a 300-level student of English Language at Delta State University, Abraka
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