University strike pushed me into mobile mall business – Architect Nakore

What inspired you to start this business?

The whole idea was conceived during the last university strike. As an undergraduate I figured out that staying at home during the strike doing nothing was prostrating and as the saying goes ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop’ I began to think of ways to get myself to buy as well as earn something.

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I was lucky I had a car then, I was in level 300 and therefore I gathered my little savings and went to the market to get some textile materials which I display through my social media handles. I was lucky that people began to patronize my wares and I later introduced a door-to-door delivery system, which is delivered to your doorstep after purchase.

 How did you develop the mobile mall-like strategy?

As I have told you earlier I was opportune to have a car and when the business began to expand, I bought a bigger car which I personally designed to contain as well as allow me to display all my wares.

I have also adopted a method of branding; I have branded my wares with the ‘Nakore’ brand which has gradually become a household name now especially on social media. People will go through my wares and place their orders. Currently I have customers across most of Nigerian states. I deliver it within Kano and I liaise with some transportation agencies if the order is outside Kano and I can’t travel out.

 What are the risks involved?

There is the risk of travelling a lot, I travelled a lot but with prayers I was able to endure it all. Another risk is that of debtors, some will give you part payment and at the end after taking delivery of their orders they will fail to pay you back.

I have come to realize that, doing business especially in this part of the country entails having to deal with a lot of debts and one has to be very careful in the way and manner he or she handles these debts otherwise one will be forced out of business completely.

 What was your start-up capital?

I started this business two years ago with a capital of about N40,000, and it was with capital that I kept moving the business up to this level. No doubt the capital has increased to an appreciating level now and I thank God for everything.

 Have you raised enough funds through this business?

Not really, but glory be to God, the business is indeed growing and people are getting to know me every day. The business has been paying the bills for me, I am happy today that I have made the decision to start this business.

Do you practice as a trained architect?

Of course I do practice, in fact I have been doing some architectural works for some people and also I have saved as site engineers on some construction projects as well.

Would you consider other opportunism above your business?

To be honest with you I don’t think I will leave my business for anything else. My dream is to grow into a multi-national outfit with unique services that have never been experienced before. I have started this and I am not willing to stop mid-way.