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I started my perfume business in 2017 shortly after I graduated from OAU, which was registered and fully operational in the heart of Ibadan.
Until sometimes last year.....
A thread.
1/15
Until sometimes last year.....
A thread.
1/15
when my dreams got bigger, and I was enthusiastic about expansion with the full awareness that I had little or no funds at all. It was an exciting step for me, which I wasn’t going to sideline. I grudgingly reached out to a family member
2/15
2/15
who is the PA of a renowned investor in Ibadan for any assistance his “oga” could render. He promised to get back to me.
It was 10:52am on the 1st of January 2020 when a text notification popped on my phone “Send your business growth plan and the estimated funds needed NOW
3/15
It was 10:52am on the 1st of January 2020 when a text notification popped on my phone “Send your business growth plan and the estimated funds needed NOW
3/15
to my personal email” – this was my uncle. My heart leaped for joy! The said investor gives out annual grants to SMEs. Luck was on my side because the PA (my uncle) was in charge of collation and selection. What a glorious way to start the new year?! I muttered with a smile.
4/15
4/15
I forwarded the mail as requested with the help of a mentor who reviewed my business plan. Days turned weeks with no response, nothing nothing at all. It got to the point where I had to send him a text “just to greet him and his family” lol.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😁" title="Grinsendes Gesicht mit lächelnden Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Grinsendes Gesicht mit lächelnden Augen">https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😁" title="Grinsendes Gesicht mit lächelnden Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Grinsendes Gesicht mit lächelnden Augen">https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😁" title="Grinsendes Gesicht mit lächelnden Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Grinsendes Gesicht mit lächelnden Augen">
5/15
5/15
I was running low on stocks and had to visit my supplier on Wednesday, 29th January, when the PA called and requested, we hold a brief meeting at Dugbe, that oga will like to do a proper screening. He asked if all my business documents were complete and available
6/15
6/15
I responded in the affirmative.
To avoid stories that touch, I left home very early on Saturday morning, and on arriving at the venue, I met other folks seated in the waiting room. I was the first to present; the Oga looked impressed with my presentation
7/15
To avoid stories that touch, I left home very early on Saturday morning, and on arriving at the venue, I met other folks seated in the waiting room. I was the first to present; the Oga looked impressed with my presentation
7/15
but the first question from him was, “Do you have a registered business bank account?”
My thoughts were loud as I responded, “Not really Sir”. What do you mean by not really?https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤷♂️" title="Achselzuckender Mann" aria-label="Emoji: Achselzuckender Mann">He asked, looking slightly upset. I was about explaining when he cuts in “You are not serious,
8/15
My thoughts were loud as I responded, “Not really Sir”. What do you mean by not really?
8/15
you finished from OAU, yet you are not smart” jeez, I was ready to interject, but he cuts in again, “You are not prepared to be an entrepreneur and no serious-minded investor will take you seriously, you are lucky I granted you an audience.
9/15
9/15
And do not think because it’s a perfume business, you shouldn’t open a business account.
“You can try again next year when you’re fully prepared for expansion, NEXT WHAAT!https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😳" title="Errötetes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Errötetes Gesicht">https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😳" title="Errötetes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Errötetes Gesicht">https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😳" title="Errötetes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Errötetes Gesicht">
I looked at my uncle who was trying to whisper but I couldn’t decode.
10/15
“You can try again next year when you’re fully prepared for expansion, NEXT WHAAT!
I looked at my uncle who was trying to whisper but I couldn’t decode.
10/15
My uncle accompanied me to the gate and expressed how disappointed he was, so tell me, what exactly do you even do online? I gave him a confused look. He asked again, “what do your generation do online?” Duro o,https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😏" title="Grinsendes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Grinsendes Gesicht">
11/15
11/15
I thought you were into HR hoping you’d be knowledgeable with vital and updated information, this business registration doesn’t take time and you get an active business account number within 5mins. I giggled and replied faintly, “no bank does that, sir.”https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤷♀️" title="Achselzuckende Frau" aria-label="Emoji: Achselzuckende Frau">
12/15
12/15
He asked me, have you tried FCMB Business Account online? .
With immediate effect, I opened a business bank account on the spot after my uncle left and in 5mins. I was disappointed in myself due to my ignorance. I quickly reached out to my uncle to apologize.https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="☺️" title="Lächelndes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Lächelndes Gesicht">
13/15
With immediate effect, I opened a business bank account on the spot after my uncle left and in 5mins. I was disappointed in myself due to my ignorance. I quickly reached out to my uncle to apologize.
13/15
Now, I don’t know if I should ask him to schedule me again for another batch or chill for everything to die down before throwing the question to him?
14/15
14/15
Do not lose that deal because you don’t have a business bank account, “you can register your business even if it’s only you” get one now in 5mins. To register, visit http://www.fcmb.com"> http://www.fcmb.com
15/15
15/15
