Akinwalere Ayomikun
Daniel is the founder and chief responsibility officer of Struds Models
Int’l, a modelling agency and event consultancy firm poised at giving
faces to upcoming models and bringing them to stardom. An Ordinary
National Diploma holder in civil engineering, Akinwalere speaks about
running a business on his own.
What motivated you to go into business for yourself?
After working with
Brand Tentacles Ltd (an advertising agency) for about 2 years, I
decided to go into my own personal business of helping and promoting
upcoming models, seeing what they go through to get a job. By creating
my own company, I know I can help these aspiring models to becoming
sought-after icons in the industry.
Did you face much opposition before starting the business?
I will say yes, in
the area of funding the business. I was faced by a lot of discouraging
factors, but for the encouragement of my parents, my former boss,
Abdullahi Ladipo, and my ever reliable brother, Odunayo Adekoya; these people helped me conquer my oppositions and fears.
What are the upsides of running the show?
Strud Models Int’l
will be launching out officially and unveiling her models in May, this
year. There have been a lot of upsides in planning and running the
show, most especially in getting supports from corporate bodies and
getting enough funds to run the show.
What challenges have you faced over time?
I’ve been faced by
a lot of challenges, in the areas of getting people to believe in what
I do, getting funds to run the company and relating with different
people from different backgrounds; but all in all, God has been
gracious.
Ever thought of packing up in frustration?
Yes, at a
particular time, I thought of just packing up because things were not
looking up, but thank God for these people, Piccolo Adeagbo, Grace
James and Lara Esho who later joined the company and boosted my morale.
What have you learned that they don’t teach in books?
I have learnt to be self-reliant, to work under pressure, to believe in myself and that hard work pays a great deal.
What projections do you have for the future?
I see Strud Models
Int’l as one of the best and sought-after modelling agencies and event
planning companies in Nigeria and beyond.
What advice would you give potential entrepreneurs?
My advice to
potential entrepreneurs is that, they should believe in whatever it is
they want to do. Surely there will be ups and downs, but with enough
faith in their endeavours, the sky will be the starting point.
