There is a saying that goes thus “what a man can do, a woman can do better”. It’s no longer news that women venture into male dominated jobs and businesses as they are going into construction, transport, events management and more related endeavors.
Omotayo Lasaki is a graduate of University of Lagos and has attained success by venturing into carpentry. She is the CEO of Tayasaki Interiors Limited (an interior décor company that produces and finishes all kinds of furniture), operating in the heart of Lagos. NAIJ.com recently met with her, read excerpts from the interview.
Introduction
My name is Lasaki Omotayo. I am the first of three (3) children; with a boy and a girl. I studied Education Administration at the University of Lagos.
How she started
Let’s say it was divine intervention. I would not have thought to be a carpenter. I have always loved to do things that are handy. The whole thing started when I got a job. Let’s just say the ASUU strike was a blessing in a way. I had to find a job during the strike at University of Lagos. I got a job in Lekki then. They were into making wooding doors and I was working as a PA to the MD and Marketer for the company. The factory of the company was far from the office and because of this I did not get enlightened on the process of manufacturing. It was then I decided to learn carpentry and manufacture my own furniture. That was how I ventured into Tayasaki.
What it takes to begin
When I started my business, I didn’t have capital. I was just a random broke person. I needed to be registered but I did not have enough to be registered then. So I was on the level of being “road side”, which was to talk to people on what I can do and they pay me. I didn’t need any documentation. Convincing people is quite tasking. As a business owner or marketer, you have to portray good marketing skill for your business before someone else can market you. I had to speak up telling people about what I can do.
Did education influence her career choice?
Education did not influence my career choice, but if I did not go school, I may have not been able to speak well and communicate properly with my clients. Taking it from primary to secondary and tertiary education come to play here because to learn speak from basic education.
There’s this thing they call packaging in every business. Packaging has to do with the way you dress and communicate with your clients; it’s the total package. If you cannot portray what you sell and you cannot communicate with people properly – it’s a no – no.
Challenges faced so far
Artisans are quite difficult to work with. To manage and control artisans is a lot of work. The business is growing and I can’t do everything by myself. Doing this, you need to know how to manage artisans. Some of them did not go to any form of education, while some went but did not go all the way. So understanding may be difficult for some of them.
Advice for the youths
Don’t give up. If you see a dream, work towards it. Whatever drove you into that line of business, always remember it when you are about to give up. That thing should keep pushing you. You have to be persistent.
Last words
My name is Tayo Lasaki and I am a carpenter. We manufacture doors, wardrobes, kitchen cabinets and general furniture. You can check our Instagram and Facebook page at tayasaki.interiors.
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Source: Naija.ng