Valentine a season of responsibilty as indeed a season of love

Oye Somefun

valentine is a season of love as it is a season of responsibility. in this interview from the This day Newspaper, a UK-trained lawyer turned florist who manages EKO Bloom, a thriving flower outfit in Lagos speaks with ADEOLA AKINREMI on gifts for Valentine’s Day and how her mother introduced her to flowers

Can you let us into your background, where you grow up and what was it like?

I was born in Ghana, schooled in Switzerland and England. I’ve travelled and lived in the United States, Senegal and England. I speak French and English with a passable understanding of Italian. Growing up has been an exposure to many diverse cultures and peoples.

Are you married?

Yes

How and where did you meet your husband?

I met my husband in the UK, we were actually introduced by some friends.

Do you celebrate valentine?

Yes, we do. We used try to get away for a couple of days, to recharge and spend time together.  In the last couple of years, we haven’t been able to get away, because Valentine’s is a very busy period for a Florist.  I actually started my business four years ago on Valentine’s Day. So for the last couple of years Valentine’s Day has been pretty low key.  We usually go out for dinner. We choose a restaurant that has a bit of ambience.

What is the best gift on a valentine date?

That really depends on your budget. The day should be planned out from beginning to end. It is such a special day, you should make it so.  I have four favorite things I love to do. I would say first being surprised with flowers. I love receiving flowers and I love to see the look on the faces of the people we deliver to.  It always brings a smile to their faces, especially, when the flowers are delivered to the office.  I love being whisked away for a romantic weekend, it doesn’t have to be anywhere far, maybe to a beach resort, where you can just spend time together and recharge your batteries.  If you have the budget, then maybe leave the country and go to Ghana or Gambia, for the weekend.

Then if being whisked away for a romantic weekend, isn’t within your budget, maybe go out for dinner and listen to some live music. Make sure it has a romantic setting.  There are loads of good restaurants in Lagos, that have Valentine’s Day specials.   If you want to make the day really intimate and special, then get a bottle of champagne or wine, get a takeaway or even better, cook a meal for your loved one and pamper them at home.  And then, make it really special with giving your loved one flowers and have some slow music playing in the background when they get home. Burn some incense or have a scented candle burning. Run your loved one a bath, maybe give them a massage.  Just make your loved one feel really special and appreciated.

What is the story behind Eko Bloom?  How did you come up with the idea?

My mother introduced me to flowers, she has green fingers. I remember her always in the garden, pruning and checking her plants, making sure they were watered.  She would always cut flowers from the garden and displays them in the house. I always wanted to have a flower business.  I used to buy flowers all the time when I lived abroad.

As a flower lover I knew of only one place in Lagos that had flowers, a big supermarket in Victoria Island, so I would pick up flowers from time to time.  One day I was discussing business ideas with a friend of mine and mentioned that the flower business was something I really wanted to get into.  She told me that anything was possible in Lagos, so I started doing my research and found out how to get flowers.

I decided on an online business, because we live in Lagos and getting around is a problem because there is traffic jam everywhere. The website allows clients to see the different floral arrangements available, before they place an order, then they can pick up the arrangement or we can deliver.
As for the name “Eko Bloom,” I was looking for a name that really depicted what I wanted to do.  Eko, which means Lagos is such a vibrant city and it is the heart of Nigeria. As far as I am concerned Lagos is the heart of fashion, music and culture of Nigeria.  I love this city, so what better way to appreciate it and name your business after it.

What was the attraction?

Making people happy, lightening a dark mood because a loved one has passed away. Showing appreciation and gratitude.  Basically, putting a smile on someone’s face.

Why did you leave the legal profession to concentrate on floral works?

I worked in the legal field for 12 years and then decided I needed a change.  I wanted to do something I love and wanted to work for myself.

Do you think the market for flower is in Nigeria?

Yes, there is a market for flowers in Nigeria.  There are hundreds of weddings in Nigeria every weekend.  Most brides want fresh flower bouquets for their wedding day.  We deliver flowers for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and even corporate events and of course Valentines Day.

Are your flowers homegrown?

We do have some homegrown flowers available, they are mainly tropical flowers - Anthuriums, Ginger, Porcelain Rose, Heliconia, to name a few.
Most of our flowers, such as roses and lilies are imported from overseas. If we don’t have flowers that you want, we can order them for you.  It happens a lot with bridal bouquets, a bride sees an arrangement she likes and wants to recreate it. We will order the flowers for them.  We ask that for custom orders you give 3 days’ notice, so that the flowers can be ordered and flown in.

Does your husband believe in giving out flowers?

Yes, he does.  He used to buy me flowers every Friday, but ever since I started the business there really isn’t a need.

Any plan for the valentine day?

Well, Valentine’s Day is a very busy day for Eko Bloom. It is the busiest day of the year for us. We have loads of flower orders and deliveries, so I’ll be at work creating beautiful arrangements and making sure deliveries run smoothly. Each year we would like people to do something special and dramatic, so create a collection of flowers specifically for Valentine’s Day and range of hampers available for purchase.  We have on offer a “Say it with Roses” – floral arrangement, which consists of two dozen red roses and baby’s breath flowers beautifully presented in a vase; a stunning hand-tie arrangement called “Valentine’s Perfect Gift” arrangement which consists of 60 red roses or hamper “Be My Valentine”  - hamper of a box of Swiss Chocolates, champagne and a dozen red roses or a “Cake Lover’s Choice”, which consists of  a dozen red roses and a six inch red velvet cake, beautifully presented in a hamper.

Why are you an entrepreneur?

I’ve always wanted to run my own business. I don’t believe you get as much satisfaction out of what you do working for someone else. I thank God every day for allowing me to do what I do. I have learnt so much in the last couple of years, about business and this is something I wouldn’t have been able to do, if I had a 9 to 5 regular job.

Have you ever had a situation you felt, you couldn’t go ahead?

Yes, this happens when things don’t go to plan, through no fault of you, but in situations like this, you need to be versatile, find alternatives, work with what you have and create something that will excite your client.

Do you learn any lesson along the line?

You need to be patient and have determination and drive.  You will always have your ups and downs. Patience is very important.

What Challenges do you face doing what you do?

Electricity is a major problem.  Fresh flowers need to be kept in a cool environment and because we live in a humid tropical climate, they need to be kept cool and with electricity not being stable we find ourselves running the generator for long periods of time.

Do you have a role Model or someone with great influence upon your life?

My father was my role model. May his soul rest in peace.  He was an entrepreneur himself and he taught me that hard work does pay off and that things don’t always work out the way you want them to, but in the long run it’s for the best. In floristry, I would have to say Preston Bailey, he creates such exquisite pieces. He is my role model, when it comes to flowers.

What other plans do you have, looking into the future?

We have started doing event décor for wedding and corporate functions, so building that side of the business, is the plan for 2014.

Many young graduates are waiting to be employed, how would you advise them?

Presentation is important, always have an up-to-date CV with you. Make sure you look smart when going for an interview.  Determination and perseverance, just because one door slams in your face does not mean another will not open.

Confidence is very important, always find out a bit about the company before you go for an interview.  Make sure you know what type of business is being run. This will give you an edge.
If you are planning on starting your own business, make sure you start off small, even if it means you start from home.  Don’t over extend yourself and hard work is required, it will not happen overnight but listening to your market and hard work, will make it happen.

What are the benefits of being self-employed?

I get to run my business the way I want to. Decide on the direction I take my business. I am challenged every day.  It is hard work.