Meet the Boss: Eghe Osadolor, Platinum Touch Interior

Eghe Osadolor is an entrepreneur whose business is making living and work spaces beautiful. There was nothing in her arts and social sciences background to suggest that she would one day run an interior décor business, but gifts and talents have their way of shining through. She talks to Connect Nigeria about her journey to entrepreneurship and her interior decoration business.

CN: Tell us a bit about your professional background

I have a diploma in Public Administration from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. I also have a Bachelor in Arts, English and Literature, University of Benin.

After my Diploma, I would wait at the YWCA centre while my Mom went for her driving lessons. At the time, people were coming to learn how to make soap, hats, beads and interior design.

Being someone that had always been interested in making places more organised and beautiful, I registered for the interior classes.

After graduation, I attended a few training workshops in Lekki by a South African outfit. They opened my mind further. I learnt so much.

CN: What services does Platinum411 offer?

At Platinum Touch Interiors, we paint, fix tiles, venetian blinds and wallpapers, make all kinds of woodwork furniture, make beddings, curtains, assist in buying floor coverings, furniture. We also offer consultancy services to clients.

CN: Who is your ideal customer?

My ideal customer is one who is willing to allow my expertise in the business work for him or her. Oftentimes, Nigerians take this “the customer is always right” saying too far. Let me know what you don’t like. I’ll take note and wow you.

CN: How did you raise capital for the business?

My Dad passed away in 2003 and I got some money afterwards from good friends and relatives. I was in school then so started I selling gold in September of that year. After school, my customers changed and I got bored so my friend Joan Odogun suggested entering the interior décor business after hearing of my training and seeing how good I was at playfully transforming homes of friends.

CN: What challenges did you face starting out?

I started out in Benin, Edo State, and one major challenge was not being taken seriously by a lot of people. From being blatantly asked to “Go and marry, your husband will set you up” to hearing how wives handle the interior of most hotels. Others said they imported everything. Then some would use you for their research, consult you with the promise of patronising your services then never give you the job. It was a frustrating period for me.

I moved to Lekki phase One where I lived for about two years. I would put bed linens and duvets in my friend’s BMW, drive to hangouts and sell. I was getting cash and selling weekly. One day, I walked into Lekki Waterside Hotel. The Manager liked the quality of my samples and immediately ordered duvets for all the rooms and curtains for the lobby.

CN: What is the most challenging project you have ever handled?

I started with beddings and curtains, then an architect friend asked me to come and handle the interior aspect of the Government Guest House in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. It was a nine-month project and my biggest and most challenging so far.

CN: What role does the internet play in growing your business?

The internet has been absolutely wonderful to me and I really wish I had discovered its usefulness sooner. Currently, about 75% of my clients come from social media. Others are referrals.

CN: What do you find most exciting about your line of business?

The most exciting part of what I do is the transformation. Seeing a space come to life way better than you had imagined.

CN: What’s the next level for Platinum Touch Interior?

With the whole forex brouhaha, the import part of my business suffers because I import towels, clocks, shower curtains, absorbent foot mats and a few other items. This has made me depend on doing more with what I can find here and that makes the beddings aspect really thrive.

I look forward to working more with hospitals and hotels. Supplying them with quality, durable bed linens, amongst other things will really give my business a year-round financial boost.

CN: What is your unique selling point and why should Nigerians choose Platinum411 over competitors?

I work fast and deliver excellent goods. I have artisans that understand what my brand is about: a good reputation, excellent customer service and quality delivery. We can work anywhere in Nigeria and our products are delivered nationwide.

I introduced customised cushions this year. I had done a few for Super Sports sometime in 2014 but I officially launched it this year. It was football-themed but cuts across any area the customer desires.

I am very grateful for this platform, giving me this opportunity to thank all those that have been part of my solid support group especially my husband while also getting a chance to let more people know about my business. Thank you.

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Joy Ehonwa is an editor and a writer who is passionate about relationships and personal development. She runs Pinpoint Creatives, a proofreading, editing, transcription and ghostwriting service. Email: pinpointcreatives [at] yahoo.com

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