Hey Flexxers! In this new episode of Flexxpreneur, we had a chat with Basmallah Akomolafe, the Founder & CEO of Career Corner NG.
She spoke to us about her entrepreneurial journey: her challenges, inspirations, goals, and more.
Let’s meet Basmallah, (9MOBILE 3816 4280 8635 257) our latest Flexxpreneur!
1. Let us meet you:
My name is Basmallah Akomolafe, I am the Founder & CEO of Career Corner NG- a human capital Ed Tech media firm that provides training and development services to entry-level young professionals on workplace readiness, as well as business owners on hiring strategies. But it does not end there… I am the program coordinator of Aspire Business Support Associates, Member Board of Trustee at Differently Abled Initiative and Volunteer Facilitator at 2 other NGO’s. Not to forget, I am a graduate of History and International Studies from the better by far institution…University of Ilorin. I am from Lagos, Nigeria.
2.How long have you been doing this?
Career Corner NG began in the first quarter of 2018. However, I have been gearing towards it way before then. In fact, I authored a book and published it on Amazon and Okada books (though it didn’t do well). I can tell you that the content of that book, among other things, is what gave birth to Career Corner NG.
3.What inspired you to go into business?
The need to fill the vacuum in the human capital space, particularly with helping entry-level young professionals secure employment with reputable organizations. Sometime in 2013 when I was still an undergraduate, we had a break, and I went home. While at home, I searched for a holiday job to engage in before resumption. I applied to an online job posting and did not see anything wrong with getting an interview invite within 24hrs to an organization somewhere in Surulere. Turned out it was a multilevel marketing affiliate company, but I didn’t know that until I was neck-deep in their M.O. Today I can sniff out a phoney/shady job advert from a mile, and this has empowered me to help entry-level applicants with securing legitimate employment with reputable organizations.
4.The challenges I face as a young entrepreneur:
Honestly, it is wearing multiple hats in the business. Running an online business, I am the social media manager, content creator, brand and marketing expert, curriculum designer/developer, etc. This sometimes affects the level of attention some of these roles should have got.
5.Highest and lowest point since I started:
My highest point was attending, participating, and winning at the Nigerian Canadian Youth and Entrepreneurship competition at the Nigerian Canada Investment Summit 2019.
My lowest point happened to be in the same 2019. I had burned out, and my health challenges with endometriosis came to a fore. I had to get an exploratory laparotomy surgery by August 2020
In the next 12 months, I hope to help at least 3000 entry-level job applicants get a job through the workplace readiness program.
6.Short term goals:
My short-term goal is to employ 3 – 5 people for smooth and effective running of the business.
Long-term: Be the leading human capital Ed Tech media firm in sub-Saharan Africa.
7.Who do you get inspiration from?
Chioma of Accounting Hub NG. I like her mode of business operation; I mean the business model she uses in running her business.
8. How I unwind?
Good food, good book and good movie
9.Advice to fellow Flexxers:
The consistency you put into your business becomes your overnight success. Keep at it.
11. Social media handles:
• Instagram: Instagram.com/careercornerng
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/careercornerng
• Facebook: Facebook.com/Basmallah.A
Its a great privileged for me to participate in this platform