Eno-obong Bassey: I Find Joy in Transforming Ordinary Rooms into Aesthetically Pleasing and Functional Spaces
Eno-obong Anthony Bassey has a deep passion for entrepreneurship and a strong desire to make a positive impact through innovative ventures. She is into interior decoration, like POP ceiling installation, wall screeding and painting and also deals with sales of building materials such as cement. As an entrepreneur, she has acquired critical skills over time like creativity, problem-solving, adaptability, and risk-taking.
Eno-obong says that she ventured into the business 5 years ago out of a passion for design. According to her, “I enjoy creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces and find joy in transforming ordinary rooms into extraordinary. I enjoy working with people and building relationships, this field provides ample opportunities for client interaction and collaboration. Interior design is a dynamic field that constantly evolves with new trends, materials, and technologies.”
The interior decoration business is lucrative and one can make money out of it especially with Customer Retention Loyalty. Building strong customer relationships and fostering loyalty has had a significant impact on the economic potential of Eno-obong’s business as customers not only provide a steady revenue stream but also serve as brand advocates, referring new customers and promoting positive word-of-mouth. Thus, investing in customer satisfaction, personalized experiences, and loyalty programs really contribute to long-term economic success.
Her starting capital in the cement business (Plaster of Paris) with Sisal fibre amounted to N400,000. The high points of the business have been achieving financial success by reaching revenue targets, generating consistent profits and most importantly having positive customer feedback and loyalty. However, the low points have been financial loss due to poor sales, mismanagement of funds, economic downturns, unclear business strategy and inability to pay loans back on time.
But Eno-obong always keeps in mind that failure is a common part of the business journey. Many successful entrepreneurs and companies have faced setbacks along the way and the key is to learn from these experiences, adapt, and develop strategies to overcome challenges and grow stronger.
She admits that she has thought about giving up but she takes some steps. According to her:
“1. I step back and reflect, assess the reasons behind my feelings of giving up and try to gain clarity on the root causes of these challenges I’m facing. This reflection will help me develop a more objective perspective and identify potential.
2. I focus on my motivation and passion. Reconnect with the reasons why I started the business in the first place. Reflect on my long-term vision, personal goals, and the impact I want to make.
3. I seek support and advice; I reach out to mentors, business networks, or other entrepreneurs who have faced similar challenges.”
The Interior decoration business is typically started by one person but individuals who have expertise and experience are needed in interior decoration. Eno-obong says that she has people working with her. “In POP ceiling installation one person can’t do the work successfully you need one or two persons to assist you. So I can’t handle the task alone. But going to a site to take quotation, casting POP ceiling, plain dressing can be done by me. However, I have people working with me we are more like a team”. The business is registered with Corporate Affairs Commission.
Policymakers and investors can assist Eno-obong and other entrepreneurs by creating a supportive ecosystem that fosters innovation, growth, and investment; by investing in entrepreneurship education and training programs at various levels, from schools to universities. These initiatives can help aspiring entrepreneurs develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to launch and manage successful ventures. Policymakers and investors can also facilitate networking events, mentorship programs, and entrepreneurship ecosystems that connect entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, industry experts, and these connections can provide valuable guidance, advice, and access to networks that can contribute to entrepreneurial success.
Eno-obong has this advice for future entrepreneurs, “They should always remember that entrepreneurship is a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. Stay focused, adaptable, and passionate about your vision, and you’ll increase your chances of building a successful venture”.
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