As the brain behind the brand that clothes trendsetters, and caters to the clothing needs of the modern woman, Ifeoma Chizea, Founder & Creative Director, Sama Woman had this to say to our Lady Boss Questions.
What does Entrepreneurship mean to You?
Entrepreneurship to me is like a journey. You have a descriptive idea of where you are going, but you have never been there, so you’re risking it all and, ready to face the obstacles as you take on that journey. Entrepreneurship is about creating and managing a ‘passionate’ business venture to yield profit, alongside all the risks that comes with it.
I used the term ‘passionate’ because as an entrepreneur, there are times when things might be a little shaky and the only thing that can keep you going at that point is the passion you have towards what you are doing.
As an entrepreneur, you must have a vision for the future of your business, where you want your business to be headed years from when you start up. Be innovative, be openminded and willing to take opportunities. Also, be willing to take risks, learn from people who have been in your line of business, and be confident in what you have to offer.
If you had an opportunity to meet one Lady Boss, who will it be and what will you ask her?
If I had an opportunity to meet a Lady boss, it’ll be Folorunsho Alakija. I will ask her the following questions.
-What business mistakes have you made and what did it cost you?
-What were your greatest business fears and how did you overcome them?
– What do you consider a major highlight on your entrepreneurship journey?
-What is your driving force?
3 books on entrepreneurship you recommend?
In no particular order, I would recommend:
1. Rich dad, poor dad by Robert T. kiyosaki.
2. Rework by Jason fried & David Hansson.
3. The Lean Start up by Eric Rie.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and what’s kept you going?
-Electricity.
– Finding credible tailors that can interpret my design just the way it is.
– Logistics, the list goes on and on.
Having a positive mindset and being aware of where I’m heading to has kept me going.
What do upcoming female entrepreneurs need to do to be successful in this path?
– Be consistent.
– Never stop learning, your number one goal should be becoming better at your craft.
– Know where you are going and keep pushing until you get there.
– Avoid mediocrity.
– Don’t stop investing in yourself.
