MEET VIVIAN EKENE, THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER WHO PREFERS A 9-5 JOB
“May Nigeria not happen to you” is a relatively common saying among the younger generation of Nigerians. This usually refers to when the general situation in the country influences your decision, usually in a negative way. However, can you say starting a business and earning between N100,000-N2000,000 in profit is a negative situation? This was the question Entrepreneur Vivian Ekene left us with after her interview with the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency.
Vivian Ekene is a Business Administration undergraduate student at the Oko Polytechnic College, Anambra. Like most students, she started a “side hustle” to augment her living expenses. Her business, SleeplyLittleThings sells in-door wear such as pajamas, lounge wears, underwear, lingerie etc. to young people. But, Vivian has stated clearly that this is not her dream job.
“Although my business provides me with a decent profit, I would prefer a 9-5 job. I like the certainty that comes with knowing when exactly you should get paid. I feel a corporate job will help organize my life better and reduce the burden of responsibility on me”. –Vivian Ekene, entrepreneur
When Vivian was asked about how the location of her business might have affected its growth, she explained why she initially choose Anambra to do business in.
“Big cities like Lagos and Abuja may have better opportunities but the cost is also high. I live in Anambra and it is easier to conduct my business here. I am affected by the hike in transport services. Getting the goods to the customers is getting difficult but in all these, I have a dedicated customer base and navigating the State is relatively seamless.
“Of course, I feel the State Government can do more in improving the ease of doing business. But so far, I would say my affairs are not facing challenges that the government can influence. If the general welfare of the people is improved, then my target customers may have more money to invest in indoor wear, but I think that is a general problem affecting everyone.”
On the issue of why she choose the clothing sector to invest in, she opined that indoor wear is a part of fashion and lifestyle that is underrepresented in Anambra with untapped potential.
“A lot of people living in Anambra are unconcerned about their look when indoors. They invest more in their outdoor look. That is why even in modern movies, you will see women tying wrappers with only the rich and glamorous dressing appropriately. This mirrors reality.
“Indoor wear is not a luxury item, but a necessity contrary to the current mindset. After all this passion I am speaking with, if I see a 9-5 job, I would gladly leave this side hustle (laughs). Anyway, although it is more popular to sell outdoor wear, I would rather focus on the underrepresented sector and work my way through it as long as I making the money.”
SleepyLittleThings will turn 2 in a few months.