SMALL business owners have been described as the most important people in Nigeria today, taking on the challenge of providing much-needed products and services, and contributing to the economy in the process. Maris Buchi Ogoegbulem studied Fisheries at Delta State University, but today, after a stint as an IT Support Technician, she runs a cleaning business, O2Cleaners. She talks to Connect Nigeria about her entrepreneurship experience, from which every aspiring entrepreneur can learn a few lessons.
What is the story behind O2Cleaners and what inspired the name?
O2Cleaners was born some months after I lost my job. I had to look within me and find something I could do without breaking a sweat and one of those things is cleaning.
The name O2Cleaners was formed from the first letters of my middle name and that of my partner, where mine is Onyebuchi.
Who is your business aimed at?
O2Cleaners is aimed at everyone who needs a clean environment (office, home, outdoor). The need to keep your surrounding clean automatically puts you in our target market.
What exactly are the services your business offers?
We offer home, office and outdoor cleaning ranging from pre/post renovation, move-in/move-out, daily/bi-weekly/weekly/monthly cleaning, window cleaning, carpet cleaning and fumigation.
How did you raise capital for the business?
The business is self-funded. To my advantage, it is one of those businesses that requires very little funding to begin.
What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
I would say coverage. Most of the requests we have gotten have come from potential clients who live on the Mainland and we currently only provide services on the Island. However, we have started to manage it and hopefully soon it’ll no longer be a challenge.
What advice do you have for Nigerians who desire to start their own businesses?
Start from where you are right now. I know this sounds cliché but it’s the truth.
Who are your role models/mentors?
When it comes to business it has to be my mum, she is the strongest woman I know; the very perfect definition of a hustler.
What is/are your favourite quote(s)?
“It’s not rocket science.” It sounds funny but whenever I need to do something and I feel discouraged, the fact that it’s not as hard as rocket science keeps me on my toes.
What is your long-term vision for O2Cleaners?
My long term vision for O2Cleaners is for it to be a part of every household and business.
Address: Plot 110B, Idiroko, Ilaje, Ajah. Phone: 07034382761 Email: buchimaris[@]gmail.com Twitter: @O2Cleaners
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