Social media (in all its manifestations) often appears like the world’s best-kept secret but even then, it is undeniable that there are no secrets on social media! A notification here, a nudge there, you’re constantly reminded (read that as harassed) about milestones, goals, and projections.
If you pay closer attention, you’ll realize that social media knows a lot more about you than you give it credit for. Scary! It is like the timekeeper with the demanding task of ringing bells in people’s ears or the class captain with an equally unenviable task of getting everyone into shape.
This brings me to the reason for this post. Linkedin just notified me that I’ve been 6 years at Bedouin (pronounced Bed-Win). Wow!
It feels like only yesterday that I was contemplating trading off ALL my material belongings to enable me to actualize a burning ambition to activate a 2-year part-scholarship to study in the US, which had precipitated my resignation from my last place of work.
I eventually gave up the scholarship and the idea of traveling altogether since it was beyond my means, despite my efforts at raising the funds. In the end, it turned out to become a quintessential example of how not all disappointments turn out to be bad after all.
I got inspired to pour out my energies and some frustration on a business I had registered 14 months prior but didn’t feel adequate to run yet. Not in my wildest dreams would I have thought I could build let alone run a business at the time.
Not to be deterred, I set out with my Canon 60D camera + gear, old Mackbook Pro, which were the only legacies of savings from my convoluted work history.
I recall barely having anything left each month after paying for Internet, Fuel, NEPA, and giving allowances to the 2 guys that started with me as interns. We operated out of my bedroom in an apartment my siblings and I contributed some money to rent for our mum. My workstation was a converted shoe rack!
It’s been six years of sacrifices, sleepless nights, heartbreak, disappointments, and frustration but it’s also been a jolly good ride. I’ve established a lot of connections and made a lot of friends and enemies in the process.
From very humble beginnings, our business has grown in value and impact. The goal had always been to make steady progress to achieve organic growth on a year-on-year basis despite the headwinds. As at first quarter last year, that figure stood north of $700,000!
It has not been a walk in the park. We’ve been forced to tweak our business model three times and on the verge of our most ambitious pivot yet.
I designed the roadmap and blueprint that currently drives the business forward, but I wasn’t alone. I’ve had a fully grounded support system made up of a close circle of friends and my ever-supportive family. I’m particularly grateful to Kayode Kolade for working with me to craft that vision, Tunji Mesh for providing his expertise when available. Segun Ogunleye, Basit Arasi for their constant support and guidance. I can’t mention everyone but I’m truly thankful for every time anyone has said NO to me.
Here’s to 60 more years!
