Adedayo Showemimo
What is your background?
I am a telecoms engineer by profession. I studied Electrical Electronics Engineering for my first degree. I currently work for a telecom service provider as project management personnel. In addition I assist entrepreneurs starting up small businesses to package their business plans for access to funding.
How did you come up with the idea and then arrive at the decision to turn your idea into a reality?
We all came up with it. It started of as a humble idea on a few post-it-notes that we stuck on the wall. Each and every one of us had 'normal' jobs but FameFinder just grew and took over our lives. We love it and are so excited to share it with the world.
What kind of business are you into?
FameFinder, it's a tech business basically an online platform for the African entertainment sector where talent can connect with professionals in the entertainment business. Imagine the possibilities of a young person in the UK connecting with a record label in Nigeria or a superstar in Ghana discovering a songwriter in Kenya all through one website and at no cost!
What was the attraction for you?
The possibilities, really; there are so many opportunities out there and so many talented people so why not help make their dreams a reality?
How long ago did you establish the company?
We started creating the blue print last April but didn't begin in earnest till December 2014, we launched in February this year and the reception we received from the public has been phenomenal.
Is it lucrative?
That is an interesting question because using our platform is absolutely free, zero cost! People sometimes don't believe so lets see how it goes but yes it is lucrative in the long run
Why are you an entrepreneur?
There are lesser restrictions for me. Freedom in creativity excites me and also the fact that I can make some direct impact on society with my ideas. One main reason I became a social entrepreneur was to help people. I have always maintained this motto "always make money while, helping people"
Have you ever had a situation you felt, you couldn’t go ahead with the business?
Well there have been many moments that could have headed that way but thankfully they have made us even more determined a bit like the movie Kick Ass.
What skills are required or lessons you have learned to grow your business?
Learning how to combine the tech world and the entertainment world. Tech people are business in the day coding at night. Entertainment people are night orientated so we basically are just up night and day. Being open to criticism is massively important, as you need to give the people what they want.
What Challenges do you face in your line of business?
Not being able to separate time wasters from the real deal and it can be anybody. They will spend your weeks your hours going back and forth and pretending to be unsure or tell you they are behind you 100% but they really are just wasting time but I think that's General life though not just business
Do you have a role Model or someone with great influence upon your life?
Charles Obioha, a successful serial entrepreneur and yet so humble. That fascinates me. I run virtually all my ideas by him first.
Caleb: A single mother raised me; she went through thick and thin to raise me up, she put in me the never-give-up attitude. I can say she is my first role model.
Many young graduates are waiting to be employed, how would you advise them?
Stop waiting! You all have great ideas put them in to practice. Not everyone can be an entrepreneur and that’s ok go out there and convince people to hire you based on your skills and personality.
What are the benefits of being selfemployed?
Being your own boss is rewarding in many ways. You set the tempo for your success however it doesn't mean you shouldn't work with other people. Self-development and progression are major parts of being self employed that people don't understand. Also it's way harder so be prepared!