27!
Another 365 days round this circle called life and I am forever grateful for this amazing gift called life.
Unlike previous years where I just make a simple post appreciating my family and close friends, this year, I have considered it best to do a longer post centring around my journey over the last 12 months; people who have inspired me; goals I crushed/failed and most importantly; brands doing amazing things I believe you will — please patronise them 🙏.
In order not to bore you, I promise to keep this under 1,000 words.
My Journey over the Last 12 Months:
One of the defining personalities in my life has been my elder brother; ‘Bros B’. Unlike previous years, his words served as an anchor for my 26th journey around the world. I recall speaking with him on the morning of my last birthday and given the reality of Covid-19 and how Zoom became a global go-to-app, his birthday wish was for God to give me a great idea, one that will announce me. Given my self-acclaimed title of being an ‘idea box’, this was a very solid prayer. However, deep down, I knew it required more than simply being an idea box to execute something of this magnitude.
I spent a couple of months studying the ideation and go-to-market strategies of traditional and tech brands and I was still convinced it required more than this, so I enrolled in a Product Management Internship. Spent about 3-months in this internship, with a sizeable amount spent on building a mobility app that didn’t scale (a story for another day), but I am eternally grateful for the experience and the contribution made by all members of the team — particularly the team lead.
In March 2021, I introduced Small Business Plug; a pro-bono small business consulting firm. Eight months down the line, SBP is not where I anticipated it to be, I am however grateful for the small businesses who have trusted me over this period to be their growth partner.
One of the highlights of the year is speaking at the inaugural session of Worthy Andrew’s monthly platform; Skill Shift. Given my love for small businesses, it’s a great privilege I will forever cherish. I love you, bro.
I also published some articles on small business management, cryptocurrency and SDG 7.
People who have inspired me:
My family tops the list. Beyond blood connection, I consider each and every one of you an integral part of my life. Unlike previous years, thanks to my big bro, I have had more family time. Though virtually, its’ been a session I always look out for because of the amazing bond.
Over the last 12-months, I have been inspired by amazing beings and groups such as the Osasona and Okon family, Fikayo, Jackz, Biso Biso, Wura, Olubusola, Mrs. Ademilua, Tosin, Ojonubi 1 of Africa, Korede², Ibukun, Sheli Sheli, Israel, my APGC family, Beyond Beauty Women Initiative, my CDSS Ojo family, among others.
Shoutout to Rev. Abolanle and Otobo Williams whose giveaway questions always offer me an opportunity to learn something new or think outside the box. Thanks, Boss, greatly appreciated.
Special shoutout to Busola; whose perfume oil business unlocked a skill I never knew I had; marketing and above all gave me a return on what I didn’t consider an investment. Thanks a lot. Beyond business, this is one relationship I am glad I built over the last 12 months.
I appreciate the important role Dr. Franklyn Akinyosoye has continued to play in my career, I am eternally grateful for the opportunity you gave even when I wasn’t entirely qualified for it.
Shout out to my accountability partner; Ada, who has continued to play a very strategic role in my personal, career and spiritual growth process. The sky is definitely our starting point.
Of course, I can’t forget my twin; Jackson who has been a solid support system for almost 10 years. The way Jackson treats relationships can be likened to the famous ‘soap’ everyone wants to cut from.
I started the year with zero intention of making new friends but rather building and sustaining old relationships. Reflecting on my actions, I think I can say I tried.
PS: I actually made a new friend; Wura and she has been the best thing since sliced bread. She also makes one of the best cakes and Small chops in Abuja.
Above all, a special shoutout to Tosin who introduced me to Next Level Prayers via her WhatsApp Status. I am forever grateful dear. Outside prayers, all the way from faraway Lagos, Tosin gave me a treat; one that introduced me to a food combo I have never tried and it was perfecto 🤩.
Brands to look out for: In no particular order
Beauty: Onyx Scents, Reinah Luxe, Oudmajic Essence, Abefe Make Me Beautiful
Beddings & Bathroom Essentials: Bim’s Beddings
Content Development, Poetry & Design: Andres
Design and Fashion: Koda Silver, AJ Fabrics, Harshe Targe, DBT Designs, Ozaram Luxury, Glam Exquisite Clothings, Stitched at Obianuju Stores, Olysah Wears, Oma Stitches, The Native Store
Food and Beverages: Ahava Pastries, Bee’s Treat, Shawarma Sensation
FMCG: SMD stores.
Real Estate: Aleshua Solutions
Software Development & Branding: Xamarano ICT
NB: I do not have any financial relationship/partnership with any of these brands. Hence, you may not enjoy any special discount if you engage them, stating me as your referral.
Although the 26th chapter was not the best, I am grateful for the lessons I was able to learn. Even as I start a new chapter, I am thankful for the fact that I am alive; hale and hearty.
Beyond this, I am super pumped for the next cycle. I will greatly appreciate it if you can forward Data Analysis and Product Management related training materials/opportunities to me through seunolorunmaye at yahoo dot com.
Unrelated: Watch out for Brands by FISEL.
PS: I only wrote this last night, and I must have definitely skipped a handful of people/brands. Please note that this does not in any way undervalue the role you have played in my life.
