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In this interview with Tomi Lala, Osun based Painting and Home Decoration expert, CEO of Abike Luxe Living revealed how her career as a painter started, the challenges and her aspirations.
Tell us how the journey began.
My journey began in a very funny way. Actually, my Dad is a painter and while I was still a kid, he saw me climbing a mango tree, he just walked past me, he didn’t say anything. So there was a day I came back from school, I climbed the same mango tree and then he was like “Since you like climbing trees maybe you should come and start climbing ladders and that was how my journey began as a painter.
What were the challenges of turning your passion into a business?
I have faced so many challenges, my work personally is something so many people are not into, especially ladies, so I have faced so many challenges from the Engineer, from my clients and so many people but I have been driven by my passion. So I don’t see it as a challenge, I face it head-on.
How has being based in Osogbo influenced your style or opportunities?
My journey started when I got married and moved to Osogbo. Being in Osun state, I faced so many challenges, firstly there was no connection, I didn’t know anyone here and I just had my family, my husband was there for me when I started, so I was able to scale through. I don’t reject job offers, even if it’s a shop, I do it. From there, people who would award me a contract, saw me and referrals have been helpful too.
What has been your proudest moment or biggest project so far?
To the glory of God, I have handled so many projects. One of the projects is the Timsed Hotel at Ijebu Ijesa. That was my first biggest project when I graduated from my dad. I didn’t even believe I could handle such a big project, I was able to do it with my team and we ordered for paint, everything went smoothly. Anytime I pass that same place again, I’m always proud of myself that this is one of my works.
How do you handle moments of self-doubt?
At times when I meet some clients, when I’m doing my job, some will complain, and they will ridicule me for being a lady painter. I’d even finish the job without any complaints they will owe, some people will owe me for my work. I would deliver their job perfectly, but they will still owe. So I began to doubt myself, that maybe I should venture into something else or I should just give up, you know, but my husband has been there, he’s always encouraging me that sooner or later the people that will appreciate my work will appreciate it so that shouldn’t be a big deal for me. He has always been there, helpful.
How do you stay updated with global trends in art while still preserving your originality?
My motor is living and learning. I believe so much in that, if you want to upgrade, you have to learn. You have to be open-minded, I go to seminars, I search online, one has to be updated in painting. We have so many colours, so many paints and the method of application is different. I go to seminars, anywhere they’re taking seminars. I went to a master class in decorative painting recently. I’m a proud decorator too. I can decorate, I can do many colours, most of my work, I produce the paint myself, almost all of my work because I learnt paint production too. I can produce almost every painting.
Do you feel painters in Nigeria get enough recognition compared to musicians or actors?
No, no, we are not being recognised enough and I want a platform whereby painters especially female painters, We are not many, especially here in Osogbo, I’ve only seen one or two. The government should do better in helping us, by organising platforms for us where we can showcase our talent or teach people how things are done too, so our voice needs to be heard.
Can you share a major setback you faced as a painter and how you overcame it?
One of the major setbacks was when I was pregnant with my child, it was around 2020 during lockdown. I had to work in Abuja then, because my client insisted I must come and do the work, so my dad was there to assist me, my elder brother, because we are just three in the family and we are into painting. My son was two months old then and work was so hectic, but I had to be there, I had to deliver. That was a major setback, breastfeeding and coping with my job. Though I was able to deliver the job.
What’s the most unexpected lesson entrepreneurship has taught you?
There are so many lessons and one of them is, using my money to execute contracts, I will not do that again, I’ve done that a lot. There was this government job I was awarded in Esa Oke Health Centre, I used my money to execute the work and in the long run, I wasn’t paid. So ever since then, any work I want to do, I will make sure I collect, if not all the money, at least 80percent has to be paid before I start any work. I’ve learnt not to use my money to execute any work.
If you could speak to your younger self when you were just starting, what would you say?
I would say, I should have started much earlier. If I had known this is what I would finally do.
Where do you see your brand or career in the next 5 to 10 years?
I want to be known globally, I want people to see my paintings, I want to create memories where people will not forget my name. I want to give a lasting memory, it will not even be up to 5 years, my painting has to speak for me more than my voice.
Do you see Abike LUXE LIVING getting national or international awards?
Of course, I’ve been putting in so much effort so I deserve some accolades and an award too.
What advice would you give to aspiring creatives trying to turn their talent into a livelihood?
My advice is, young people should start with what they have, they should believe in the beauty of their dreams, they shouldn’t procrastinate and most importantly, they should be prayerful, with prayers nothing is impossible, you can achieve what you thought you couldn’t do. Don’t stop believing in yourself.
If you’re not into painting, what other business would you have done?
Aside from painting I’m into thrift business, I own a thrift shop where I sell grade A clothes for both adults and children, aside from that, I think I’d still choose painting.
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