[INTERVIEW] Meet Otu Abimbola, The Amazing Entrepreneur Who Wants To Empower a Generation

Today, we will be meeting someone absolutely amazing. A young lady whom we can attest to her creativity and love for entrepreneurship. 

Otu Abimbola is a devoted Boki Born Graduate and someone who who has passion in impacting the lives of others. She is the founder of Unique Arts International and CEO of Unique Fruit And veggies. She's also a poet and actress.

RECOMMENDED: Click Here To Read More Updates On Boki's First Online Magazine 

In an interview with Boki Blog, Abimbola revealed more about herself, what she does, and areas she needs support. Below are excerpts from the interview. 

Can you please introduce yourself to our readers!

My  name is Abimbola Otu,  a graduate of Mass Communication from Cross River University of Technology, Calabar. Founder/Art Director of Unique Arts International, CEO of Unique Fruits and Veggies. I'm an actress/percussionist with Crown Troupe of Africa(A theatre company) in Lagos. I'm a poet and i love to experiment with visual art.

How did you build up an entrepreneurial spirit at such a young age, do you believe you were born with it or you developed it?

I developed it how of necessity. I started working at 18years old and with the little value placed on workers,  i decided to do things on my own,  to maximize my gifts and build businesses of my own.

Can We Know About Your Educational Background?

I attended St Mary's Convent Primary school, Ajele Lagos.Then went to Methodist Girls High School,  Yaba Lagos and Longford International School, Oyingbo. My tertiary education was at Cross River University of Technology, Calabar where i studied Mass Communication.

With Unique Arts International, Unique Fruit And veggies coupled with being a poet and actress. How Do you cope with time?

Well, over the years i've learnt to use my time well,  not giving to much or too little to anything i need to do. Once i set my mind to it, i go ahead to achieve it.

What were the main challenges you faced at the early stages of your business/career? And do you still encounter them to this day?

The main challenge has been and still is funding, there's been no sponsorship so far and so i've been using personal funds which has been wearing me out but i take comfort in the joy i get when things work out.

What exactly do you do at Unique Arts International and Unique Fruit and veggies ? and how did you come up with the names?

Well, the name came through inspiration in 2008. Unique Arts International is an organisation that researches, trains and creates a platform of expression for all art forms, visual art, fine art, theatre art etc. Usually we have workshops where participants learn art crafts that will make them artpreneurs, we also host hangouts for writers, poets, visual artists and more. We're working on publishing our magazine. Unique Fruits and Veggies is a business venture where we sell fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices,fruits and vegetable salad,  smoothies and fruit trees.(Both indoor and outdoor services).

How did you move from ‘idea’ to ‘action’ with the business?

Well, the business is still in its first stage so i'm still seeking for grants to make it full blown

Well, this question might sound funny; do you think it is easy to be an entrepreneur?

No, it isn't. Just like every other thing in life, entrepreneurship has its challenges but then that's what fuels us to strive harder.

What Do you think it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur in Nigeria?

It takes a whole lot of hard work, determination, passion and finance

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

I see myself as a successful artist/art trainer/art consultant. I also see myself as a successful boss in all my businesses. An enterpreneur with a difference.

You talked about seeking for Grant to grow your business, what steps have you taken this effect?

I've reached out to some individuals, some private bodies too but so far nothing has come forth.

What areas do you need support?

Financially. I need money to set up my business spaces, fill it with materials and stocks for the business.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs like you?

To be steadfast, work smart, be diligent and keep hope alive.

At this point I must say thanks for your time!

Thank you very much