- Tell us about yourself
My name is Ruth Inioluwa Akinnola. I was born July 31st, 1994. I am from Idanre in Ondo State, I live in Osun State. I am a graduate of Fine and Applied Arts Department in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. I am a fashion accessory designer and also the Founder and CEO of Petalous: a duly registered business. I had a group exhibition, ‘SO FAR’ in April 4th, 2016, at Obafemi Awolowo University and I recently won First City Monument Bank’s Award for the #FlexxYourCreativityContest on September 11th, 2016, at the Federal Palace Hotels and Casino.
- Where did the idea/concept for this business stem?
For just about as long as the human race has had hair, we have been coming up with accessories to adorn it with. The history of hair accessories span a diverse range of styles on both men and women, from bobby pins to brightly coloured hair clips and everything in between.
It all started on a hot February afternoon, in the year 2015. Personally, I dislike plaiting my hair (because of the stress of loosing it), so I pack it every now and then, hence the need for a hair bond (not something boring, not rubber band; I mean brightly coloured hair bonds. So I started experimenting with the pieces of clothes I have been keeping (I also sew). I kept making these hair bonds for just myself and people started noticing, commenting and liking the idea, so August 1, 2015, it became a business: I decided to make it commercial and I have not regretted that decision.
- Tell us about life after the #FlexxYourCreativityContest
Life has been good! All thanks to God!
- There are other people in this field, what set your business apart?
It is true that there are other people in this field, but what makes Petalous stand out is the fact that her products are painstakingly handmade and buyer-centered her products are strong and sturdy, brightly coloured and it has a good personal branding.
Petalous is also working smart at making people realize that they need to forget cheap knock offs and start buying handmade beautiful headbands at a decent price.
- During the #FlexxYourCreativityContest, you told us some things you would do if you won the prize of NGN 150, 000. 00, tell us what you’ve done with the prize you won?
Once again, I am using this medium to say a big ‘thank you’ to First City Monument Bank. Just like yesterday, I can still remember all I said I would use the money for. So far, I have been able to register my business with the Corporate Affairs Commission with business number: BN 2450731. I am also working on the website which is yet to be launched (watch out for it!). Then, most importantly, the FABRIC CIRCLE CUTTER. It is still a proposed project because of shortage of fund and getting an online store that ship to Nigeria. This is the fabric circle cutter description:
Brand Name: NT CUTTER
Item no: CL-10000P
Price: NGN90, 880 (194 USD)
Description: NT Heavy-duty, extra large circle cutter with rotary blade makes a great fabric cutting tool. Rotary blade cuts without twisting the fabric. Unique fabric circle cutter with sturdy aluminum holder and rotating grip for extra stability leaves no centre pin mark. Ideal for crafts and projects that involves cutting Felts, Denim, Lace, Soft film, etc. Made in Japan.
BUSINESS REGISTRATION : NGN35, 000. 00
WEBSITE : NGN43, 000. 00
PROPOSED FABRIC CIRCLE CUTTER : NGN90, 880. 00 (194USD)
COMPANY ACCOUNT : NGN10, 000. 00
TOTAL : NGN178, 880. 00
- How has the #FlexxYourCreativityContest impacted your business?
It has impacted my business in great ways, because with that money, I have been able to achieve some permanent successes in the sense that I did things that I will not have to do anymore.
THANK YOU FCMB!
- What has patronage been like for your business after the #FlexxYourCreativityContest?
So it is true that if they do not see, they will not believe. After people saw that I won a sum of NGN150, 000. 00, the realization that I know what I’m doing hit them hard. I have been receiving lots of calls from people from far and near with different motives:
‘I need two sets of accessories…’,
‘We want to buy in bulk…’,
‘I want a custom-made accessory….’, and all that. Some organizations too asked me to send my price list. You know, failure has no relatives, but success has many. It has been exhilarating!
- Where do you see your business in the next five years?
Product: Petalous designs for everyone in any class; whether hairy or bald, we have got you covered! In the next five years, I can see Petalous diversifying, diving into men’s world of fashion accessories, making RTW (Ready To Wear) clothing too.
Customer Reach: Petalous would have a wider range of customers, we would not just be designing for Nigerians, and we would extend our roots to other countries (not only in Africa).
Packaging: Petalous would have a very nice and presentable packaging.
Services: Our services would include home delivery, shipping (nation-wide), and customer care service.
Employment Capacity: Petalous would have different departments and sections and this would give room for massive employment (workers, trainees, interns).
Shows and Exhibitions: So far, Petalous has organized and participated in an exhibition and runway show respectively. In the next five years, Petalous would have organized and participated in numerous exhibitions, shows, interviews, presentations and so on.
- What is your advice to other talented flexxers like you but are too afraid?
Hello Flexxers, it is high time you started taking your talents, gifts and abilities seriously. Dare to Dream big, do not be scared of what people would say, let nothing get in between you and your dreams.
Take care of your hands because they are the connection between your talents and your finished works. Also, build your dreams now so that someone else will not hire you to build theirs.
We had an exciting chat with you Ruth and do hope for many more successes for you in the future.
Thank you very much FCMB.
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