Described as one of? the best in event management, Pembi Stephen- David? writes that? Mrs. Susan Craig is never backward in moving forwards in her quest to give every event she manage a deserved background.
Knowledge acquisition, for the wise, is a journey that begins in the cradle and terminates in the grave-it is a life- long exercise. This perhaps explains? why? 35 young men and women took the economically informed decision of being part of a session organised by the Entrepreneurship Development Centre(EDC), Lagos in honour of Mrs. Susan Craig, an Afro- American, widow of? late Mr. Obadiah Craig, who was a Nigerian, to share her experience.
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The experience sharing, which lasted an hour, was ‘‘so educative, it has opened my mind to business. I am glad I was part of it, ‘’ revealed Onwi Edet, one of the participants. Craig was truly on duty as she was able to not only inspire her audience, but through her in- depth knowledge, made everyone to see why being creative is necessary.?? Craig, the CEO of Tropic Décor & Design, Lagos, leaves her mark on everything she does. ‘’Every work is a new challenge to do more and an opportunity to express yourself.? So do your best to improve on the previous. I imbibed this culture right from time and I have never regretted it,’’ she said.
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?Her attention to detail, giving her clients every moment just as they dream, gives her an edge in the business of decoration.’’ I believe that nothing is as important as my reputation so I do my best to give attention to detail because I have integrity to maintain and my work is my identity.’’ Craig explained that for every work she does, she considers how she will feel later, how others will see her and ask herself if any action she takes is fair, true or hurtful .’‘I weigh my actions or inactions anytime I am given a job to do.’’
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?This way, she argued, “will tell more on my business.’’ Giving insight into her ‘working principle’ as she calls it, Craig said “First, you plan what you are going to do, ask yourself if you are in the right direction, what aspect of business you are going to develop and so on. The next is the question of time.? Ask yourself this question -when should I start? And finally, ask yourself the stage you feel you have attained your goal.” She mentioned finance as a critical issue in doing business “How is your financial plan like? Do you intend to get a loan, or use your personal income? Or do you plan to have a joint business?” These, according to Craig, “are fundamental in venturing into a sustainable business. “
Almost collaborating what Napoleon Hill said –all achievements, all earned riches, have their beginning in an idea, she continued that ‘‘All you need is the idea that the previous work you did and the one you will do can market your business, it will allow people know what you can offer. I recall that most of the events I managed were as a result of the works I had done for others’ .Your task is? not about finding a particular work, it is about creating an opportunity for the next by doing your best in the one you have. You will certainly encounter difficulties, but dare to be different.’’
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Working with Nigerian team, which she trains, Craig has in her own way, employed some people who have something to offer “I hire staff depending on the contract but I have a team of five with some on call” moving on to say, “ they are doing well and can now stand on their own” In other words, they can create ceremonies and receptions to remember, because they, she said,’ can provide unmatched romantic stage decorations, good balloon decor, enviable floral arrangements, eye catching bridal train flowers, state- of- the art Limousine car services and excellent video/ TV monitors.”
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The work culture at Tropic Décor & Design can best be described as a win-win thing. Craig explained that she benefitted from mentoring her prot’eg’es. ‘‘They transferred knowledge to me and as a team, we know more and have achieved more because we have a sustainable experience.’’? Glamour may not be the world that comes to mind when it comes to event management, yet what comes to mind in décor is glamour.??
Speaking on likely competition, she revealed that “I don’t bother about competitors, I have my style, it marks my business and it stands out any day”. Stressing that “we have made our reputation”. Like anyone else who should grow in business, Craig started small and like a cedar in Lebanon, her business has grown and have become great today.” I started very small but today, I have a measurable success” she explained that she did not just jump into décor business, “I did some research on décor and talked to people who know. “ The road to success she said was not smooth.’’ I had failed in business and I have struggled a lot. There were times when I had issues with my costumers but today, the story is different.’‘ She has indeed paid the price. Her successful business is run on her diligence and expertise added to her staff dedication. This explains why the eminent in the society always patronize Tropic Décor & Design for their numerous occasions.
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As an expert in the true sense of the word,? Craig has, with her transatlantic touch to social occasions, decorated for Aero Contractors, British Airways, the U S Marine and many embassies . She has done that for over twenty years. ‘In my twenty years of decoration, I had the privilege of working for Aero Contractors, British Airways, the US Marine many embassies.? It is indicative to note that Mrs. Craig is tireless in the performance of her many decorative duties. She and members of her team (as she calls her staff), labour unsettlingly for the good of the occasion, office or home they are contracted to decorate. With their unparallel concepts, they set magnificent examples in all their works, providing ‘an affair to remember’ in all décor works they set their mind and time on.??
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Having seen samples of the product and listened intently to the narration of the seasoned decorator, the participants were convinced of?? her competence. ‘’ I now understand the secret of business integrity’’ Jomoke Ade, a young entrepreneur noted. The experience sharing, Toni John, advert assistant, said affirmed that ‘’ the session has opened my eyes to more business strategy.’’ Bukola Adebayo, a young entrepreneur, in her submission, said ‘‘this session is a breath of fresh air not only in décor, but in any business.’’