Meet one of OAU’s biggest entrepreneurs in this exclusive interview, Adefemi Akinyemi popularly known as Adebliss
Interviewer
May we meet you, Sir?
Interviewee
I’m Adefemi Akinyemi
Student of Obafemi Awolowo University
Public Administration..
Part 2
Also an Entrepreneur
Founder @the_choice_concepts
Interviewer
Who / What are you outside the_choice_concepts?
Interviewee
I am a forex trader
And also an investor
Interviewer
What’s the brand all about?
Interviewee
Into
branding
Customization
Souvenirs
Printing and a lot more..
You can check my profile @the_choice_concepts on Instagram
Interviewer
How did you come about the name of your brand?
Interviewee
Honestly I can’t say precisely. I woke up a day, i think it was on my birthday 2018, and I discovered I own a brand called TCC.
(TCC) is the acronym gotten from THE CHOICE CONCEPTS.
Then I told my brother about it, i just found a name for my brand then we started using it together just to navigate it among students on campus. Then it was on my birthday 2018.
I never thought of owning a brand a day before my birthday, I prayed on it before i slept and woke up as a brand owner.
Interviewer
We understand that you are also a student, how did you start the business and how has it been?
Interviewee
Well… My dad is an artist but not a modern one so I developed myself on his Legacy, and that has really been so helpful
I started my brand 2018, It has not been easy since then, but good or bad we thank God.
During the lockdown I developed some new skills like tie and dye, then I started trading forex too.
Interviewer
This must have been one of your strongest influences growing up.
Apart from this, what were your strongest influences as a child growing up?
Were they indications that you will eventually pick interest in this?
Interviewee
Well I never thought of becoming an Artist just like my dad. But I trained a lot to become a footballer.
Here I am today.
I repeated classes just for me to be a professional footballer.. Playing competitions across the country.
Interviewer
Oh! Really?
Do you still take part in it till this date?
Interviewee
Not at all
I play just for fun
Interviewer
The fact that schools have not been open must have affected the business… In what way(s) has the business been affected as a result.
Or perhaps, it’s a different narrative?
Interviewee
Yeah the Pandemic really affected my business because of the student environment it’s located.
Most people who patronize are students.
Interviewer
But you definitely get patronage from non-students.
Yeah?
Interviewee
Sure, staffs trade with me on and off campus and Ife citizens too.
Interviewer
Did the brand start off on campus or before you came in?
Interviewee
I started it on campus I came to Ife 2017, before I was given admission then I was working at A&G prints on campus.
Interviewer
How have you been able to merge or juggle your academic life with the business, as well as other aspects of your life?
Interviewee
Its been God.. And discipline..
There is time for everything I planned my schedule for every next two days when school was in session.
I do less of business when its time for test and exam. My deliveries are always late during that time and most student clients will also understand.
Also, if the job is a matter of urgency I give the job out to an expert who will do it for me just to keep my client. Though the gain on the job will reduce but its better than non or to lose the customer.
Interviewer
What will you say has been your most challenging experience in the business?
Interviewee
Capital, Lack of access to loans mainly.
Interviewer
I can relate… Capital is usually a big one when it comes to doing business.
But so far, what has been your main source?
For the capital…
Interviewee
The money I raise myself from the business.
Interviewer
We’ll like to know three things that keep you going despite your hurdles?
Interviewee
God’s Grace, God’s Grace and God’s Grace
Interviewer
What is it that differentiates the_choice_concepts from the rest of other brands?
Interviewee
The difference is clear
1. We deliver with speed
2. We deliver quality
3. We are very affordable
And most importantly you will surely like TCC.
Interviewer
What’s your advice to students out there and starters in the business world?
Interviewee
My little advice is that as the world is going everyone will no longer depend on only your knowledge the world is going to be the world of creativity… Think on what you are good at and improve on it day by day… And put God first in any thing you do.
Interviewer
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? I mean, What plans do you have for the aftermath of your days in OAU?
Interviewee
My plan since when I was in JSS 3, when I Quiet football as a career … Is to be a Boss of my own in future not to be a staff to anyone not even to the Government, I just want to be a BOSS… So God help me.
With God I see it coming soonest even before I graduate Inshallah (If Allah/God wills it)
Interviewer
What major lesson did 2020 teach you?
Interviewee
2020 has thought me not to depend on anyone’s source of income.
Interviewer
Away from Business, Do you have a favourite spot on Campus?
Where and why?
Interviewee
Hmm not really but if I would pick it’ll be central Market and even business wise.
Interviewer
What are the activities you derive pleasure in doing, your hobbies, so to say?
Interviewee
Sports and meeting people
Interviewer
Quickly tell us some fun facts about you
Interviewee
Adebliss that’s what people call me. I’m someone that tolerates everyone for who they are. I don’t have a permanent friend and also don’t have a permanent enemy.
