Quick Facts
Name: Mrs. Oluseyi Afolake Abdullahi
Birthday: She’s born on July 10, close to 60 years and with a wealth of crafting skills. A serial Craftpreneur.
Education: BSc Business Administration, several workshops and courses in different crafts; training by Swarovski and working silver smith
Craft Business: CEO/Founder, Crafties,
General Craft Materials, tools and Books
Carrying a few brands such as Beadalonu;ILoveToCreate, Polyform, Collection D’Art and many more
Crafties stock materials, tools and books on many crafts: Crochet, Cross stitch, Knitting, Embroidery, Fabric Painting, Paper Crafts, Children’s crafts, Jewelry Making, Tapestry, Rugmaking, Felt works, Polymer Clay and more
She started craft business in 2002
Founder, Zilman Jewelry
Convener; The Craft Fest Show
She’s been referred to as a
multi-talented crafter, a serial craft entrepreneur, the pioneer Craftpreneur
in Nigeria, seasoned Craft Trainer and Consultant. …and Her titles are growing
TCC:
What’s your vision: for self, the circle of your choice of craft business, and the country?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
The aim of Crafties is to ensure that materials/tools and Know-How are available to as many people as possible. We aim to encourage creativity in everyone and through e-commerce reach as many people as possible
TCC
How far are you willing to go to take Crafties, Craft Fest?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
Very Far! We hope to become a regional force
TCC:
What’s your greatest source of encouragement, inspiration/motivation? Did you have any family influence on your choice in the crafts industry?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
No family influence on my career choice but I enjoyed a lot of family support. The fact that some people come to learn and then use such acquired knowledge to create amazing things continues to inspire me
TCC:
What kind of exposure (within or outside the country) shaped you/your creativity the most?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
As a teenager I spent holiday time in craft shops. I knew after a while that I wanted to have a big craft business
TCC:
Who are your key clients, for the products, services and craft supplies?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
We provide materials and tools for many individuals and Schools
TCC:
Next to yours, what craft companies/businesses do you admire? And perhaps would love/need to collaborate with?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
There are Wool companies asking for an impossible MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity). The one we would really love to work with is Alize based in Turkey.
TCC:
Please share three pieces of advice with an undergraduate who is a potential craftpreneur, underscoring the long term benefit of being an entrepreneur over being an employee.
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
i, Start small but have someone look over your accounts
ii Maintain a separate account for the business
iii Be prepared to work really hard
TCC:
How best do you think Nigerians can get involved to support the crafts industry for the nation’s economy and eventual benefit of all?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
As many people as possible should find something they love to do, improve on the skills and make strictly beautiful things for sale. That way, unemployment would be banished.
TCC:
How easy (in an ideal situation) or difficult (in the current state of our society) is it to secure investors for a crafts venture? Where or how did/do you raise capital for your own business(es)?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
It is extremely difficult. In my case family and friends came to my rescue
TCC:
Which do you think are the least/most explored kind of crafts in Nigeria at the moment?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
Ceramics/ Pottery
TCC:
How/when best do you generate new ideas? Crafting, craft supplies and craft business
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
On going all the time but I like to have quiet around me
TCC:
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful craftpreneur (especially within or around your own choice of crafts business)?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
Accounting and record keeping skills
Tenacity
Originality
TCC:
Do you have any specific tip(s) on how to get the right people to build a business?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
No. Right now it is very tough,
TCC:
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage it?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
None
TCC:
What has been your most satisfying moment in your craft business?
Mrs. OA Abdullahi:
Having businesses spring up and seeing the way skills are applied differently to what we teach
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