Meet Nathaniel C. Ike, Our Flexxpreneur Of The Month

Hey Flexxers!

It’s the first week of August, which means it’s time for us to introduce you to the Flexxpreneur of the month. In this episode of the Flexxpreneur series, we had a chat with Nathaniel C. Ike, the Creative Director of Rich Boy Empire/ Dream Mart Hub.

It was an enlightening interview, as he shared gems about his entrepreneurial career so far. We’re sure you’ll be inspired and learn a lot from him.

Let’s meet Nathaniel, our latest Flexxpreneur!

1. Let’s meet you (Your name, what you do and where you are from)

My name is Nathaniel C. Ike, the Creative Director of Rich Boy Empire / Dream Mart Hub, a digital marketing business.

We are into e-commerce, real estate, public relations and other digital marketing services.
I’m from Enugu State, but I’m based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

2. How long have you been doing this?

Well, I will say unprofessionally, I started 6 years ago when I was still an undergraduate in the University. But professionally, I started 2 years ago.

3. What inspired you to go into business?

Growing up as a young boy, I have always had this mindset of hustling, and my older siblings too have been inspiring me all along. I usually see how they try to do petty jobs back then to make some money for themselves. And before I gained admission to the university, my family always supported me in learning some skills that I can use to survive as a young fellow, one of which is “photography”. So, while I was preparing to get into the university, I was also preparing my mind to start up a business in school.

4. What are the challenges you face as a young entrepreneur?

At first, it was having to do everything alone. Like playing all the roles all by myself as a startup, which wasn’t easy at all, because sometimes, I get exhausted. Also, my major challenge is the lack of close mentoring, and that cost me a whole lot.

You know I was self-learning & sometimes, I end up making some costly errors and mistakes that can’t be reversed. Growth is nice but can be excruciating- especially if it is not well harnessed. Another major challenge I had was raising startup capital for some aspects of my business, and at some point in my business, I had to contact some investors to invest in my business. In return, I gave them back their money after the duration agreed with additional ROI (which I won’t advise anyone to do, because what if the money couldn’t be recovered. We all know that every business has its own risk).

5. What was your highest and lowest point since you started this journey?

My highest point was in January this year when I first acquired some landed properties for myself. It was a feat I didn’t imagine will come so quickly or even so easily as it did. It just happened so fast and I’m glad about that. Also, in July 2019 when I launched my foundation: Nathaniel Ike Foundation ( www.nathanielikefoundation.com ) and carried out a community development project with it. And lastly, when I got enlisted as one of the 50 MOST ENTERPRISING STUDENTS IN NIGERIA (2018) by Ideaslane.com and EDUSKO AFRICA.

My lowest point was between March – April this year, when I lost a cumulative sum of over N900,000 due to some bad business decisions. This got me depressed and frustrated and I could barely share the experience with anyone. But with time, I recovered and bounced back. Today, I’m grateful that I am still pushing.

6. What do you aim to achieve in the next 12 months in relation to your business?

In the next 12 months, my goal is to gain more visibility, build connections and create more brand awareness for my business that will strengthen the business, ensure smooth running and increase our revenue and profit stream. Most importantly, to create some job opportunities for the unemployed.

Also, I hope to have started achieving some of the goals and vision I have for my foundation: @nathanielikefoundation

(http://www.nathanielikefoundation.com)

7. What are your short- and long-term goals?

My short term goal is to set up at least one physical office for my business as I currently work from home.

My long term goal is to have our office outlet spread across major cities in the country. Also, to fully establish my foundation @nathanielikefoundation

(http://www.nathanielikefoundation.com)

8. Which individuals do you draw inspiration from and why?

My mentor, Tony O. Elumelu, the Chairman of Heirs Holdings & UBA Group, where I was privileged to serve as a Campus Ambassador while I was still an undergraduate. Tony O. Elumelu is one selfless individual that believes in the impact young individuals can make for themselves and he has been constantly creating opportunities for young creatives through The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Mr Sam Harvard, a business growth expert who also has shown me that to build a business, what I need first is the will to push at all odds and the determination to win, and not funds as it is widely speculated by lots of young people.

Sabri Suby, a telemarketer, founder & head of growth at kingkong.com.au, actually inspired me to place two of my books on Amazon & surprisingly, I have made some sales and got some reviews on those books on that platform.

9. How do you unwind?

I take the day off, eat good food, Stream YouTube at midnight and keep in touch with some smart gurus around me. I have the most amazing family and set of friends. They are my support system and motivation. Without them and their sacrifices, I probably wouldn’t have made it this far.

10. What advice would you give your fellow Flexxers who are on this path?

Consistency and hard work still pay big time. Sometimes, It’s not always about TALENT. It’s about EFFORT. Effort will get you the WIN when the talent is having a rest day. And most importantly, don’t forget to always try to get better at whatever you are doing.

11. What are your social media handles?

LINKEDIN:

www.linkedIn.com/in/nathanielike

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/nathrichboy

https://www.facebook.com/nathanielikefoundation

https://www.facebook.com/richboyempire_

INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/nathrichboy

https://www.instagram.com/nathanielikefoundation

https://www.instagram.com/richboyempire_

TWITTER:

https://www.twitter.com/nathrichboy
https://www.twitter.com/_NIFofficial

12. Anything else you’d like us to know about you?

In 2017, I was awarded the prize of the Most Enterprising Student in OAU during the 2017 edition of the OAU AWARDS.

Also in 2018, I was crowned Osun Campus King (Culture and Tourism). In 2016, I founded a media brand while I was an undergraduate in OAU known as “OAU Trends”, which bagged an award with the Nigeria Entrepreneurs AWARD (NEA 2017).

Lastly, I have authored and published two books that are currently on AMAZON (http://bit.ly/Nathaniel-Amazon-Profile)

More more entrepreneurial inspiration, take a look at previous Flexxpreneur interviews here!