INTERVIEW WITH LYDIA NNABUIFE
Lydia Nonye Nnabuife speaks well and smells good. For her, smelling good is good business. Aside earning a living from selling wrist watches and Colognes, looking good and smelling good have been desired characteristics for her. So, she turned her passion into a money-making venture.
Though difficult to survive in a harsh business environment like Nigeria, Lydia is dogged and determined. Inspite of losses and setbacks in her chosen line of business, she is untiring in her resolve to breakthrough and stall tall in the business world.
A graduate of Economics of the University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom state, Lydia believes so much in personal development which according to her can lead to one's independence.
In this interview with GLOBAL ACHIEVERS, Lydia speaks on her life and challenges in the business world.
GA: Can we meet you?
LYDIA: My name is Lydia Nonye Nnabuife. I am a native of Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo state. I am the last child in a family of seven. I have four brothers and two sisters before me. Born and bred in Anambra state, I had my nursery and primary schools at Glory Education centre and obtained my WASCE at Fr. Paul's Memorial Secondary School all at Awka-Etiti in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra state. I obtained Diploma in Business Administration at the College of Business Studies, an affiliated school with Federal University of Technology, Owerri. After which I proceeded to University of Uyo for Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.
GA: Why did you choose to venture into business after graduation from the University?
Lydia: My passion for business started from my days in the university. I recall when I often traveled to Aba to make beddings and market at banks via mobile. This led to my appointment as the manager of the Parish bookshop at the University's Catholic Parish where I worshipped. After studies, I was posted to Delta state for the compulsory National Youth Service Corp. Afterwards, I decided to explore the business field.
Besides, I believe that having accessed my sales force, I could relieve the task off the government by developing myself business wise.
GA: Can you tell us about your line of business?
LYDIA: I am a merchant of wrist watches and Colognes . This was after I tried a networking business which proved my sales-force but couldn't succeed due to low recruitment performance. I then decided to own a business. After my National Youth Service Corp programme, I lost the little savings I made from it to one of the ponzi schemes ,this was because I felt that increasing it would yield something tangible to starting up a business of my choice. I have love for good scents so I started with colongnes when I discovered a market at the Warri Refinery. Though I had no capital, through the help of a woman whom I knew through a friend who stood as a surety for me to pick perfumes from a dealer which I would have to return the money at each sales and take with me whatever profit was accrued after sales. I started hawking them and from then my efforts paid off and I could save up a capital. As time went on, demands for watches from my customers spurred me into venturing into it. So, from what I made from the Colognes as profit, I used it to pick both watches and the perfumes direct from the importers. Then I found out I can make more and here I am today. In other words, I sell wrist watches and perfumes to earn a living.
GA: Can you share some of the challenges or setbacks you have faced in business?
LYDIA: Raising capital for my business after the huge loss was the height of it. Then I would pick and sell like earlier said and return the money with little to go home with. But there is this resilience in me, such that, I would over work myself to achieve it. As a young lady and a fine one at that, some men promised to help me achieve paradise on earth. You know what that means. I tried borrowing from them and they refused because I couldn't meet their conditions but I stood my ground on getting things done the right way. Thanks to my knowledge of Christ. The first month of sales, I made something I could not imagine, that made me became more interested in the business. Then I discovered that those men (customers) patronize me with strings...but I held unto God firmly. It came to a point like now, when they became repentant. Now, some of them are my real converts to customers with no conditions or ulterior motives attached. To God be the glory.
GA: What is your marital status?
LYDIA: I am single. But I am in a serious relationship and hoping to tie the knot before the year runs out.
GA: Do you enjoy any form of encouragement from your partner?
LYDIA: Though he is not a business person but he admires my business acumen a lot. He hopes to see my business empire grows....Making "Lydia's World" a reality. He will see me break China market in few years to come.
GA: What kind of people often patronise you?
LYDIA: All kinds of People ; males and females from all works of life. Looking and smelling good is good business. No one should be left out. Also, I make deliveries nationwide.
GA: If you were not in business, where else would you have loved to be?
LYDIA: Aside business, I would love to work in a government or private firm. But since I did not find the available opportunity to be there, business became my thing.
GA: What inspires you?
LYDIA: My input in people I come across; to be able to convince them keeps me going.
GA: Who is your role model?
LYDIA: My role model is Dr. Ben Carson. After reading his book "Gifted hands", I realised that we can actually become great no matter our backgrounds. All we need is the strength and courage to push on and that is what this book has taught me.
GA: What is your favourite food?
LYDIA: I like taking coffee. Then serve me beans with ripe plantain, am good to go.
GA: What of your favourite music?
LYDIA: I love soft and easy music. I love Blues.
GA: What are some of the changes you desire to see in Nigeria?
LYDIA: I love to see a Nigeria that works. A country that regains her lost glory. A country of justice, equity and fairness for all. I also urge government to initiate policies and programmes for easy access to loan particularly, for young women in business.
GA: What is your advice to fellow youths?
LYDIA: I will advice fellow youths not to wait for the government. The world today is a global village. With our simple smart phones, we communicate globally. The rate of insecurity in Nigeria including the insurgencies have driven away investors who could have involved the youths in their businesses. Government alone cannot be charged with the responsibility of employment in any part of the world. Therefore, the youths should personally develop themselves by venturing into their passions positively so as to make ends meet for themselves.
GA: What are some of the legacies you want to leave behind?
LYDIA: I like the aspect of human development. I want to leave a legacy in this regard. Your personal development defines your independence. Although not everyone can do business, but there is a skill (passion) in each and everyone of us. And that passion can fetch us income by developing it... Develop yourself !
GA: Thank you for granting us this interview.
LYDIA: Thank you so much.
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