'Principles Should Guide Every Entrepreneur’s Mission’

Olayinka Pereira is the Chief Executive Officer of PerryPereira Souvenirs, a company that aims at improving the face and outlook of events, gatherings and concerts. She speaks to Maduabuchi Ubani on her entrepreneurial journey, lessons learnt and expectat

How has the playing ground for your kind of business changed over the years?

The business has been characterised by “a do it yourself” attitude. We entered an overcrowded tough terrain but with our professional touch we have been able to raise the bar on standard and self-delivery. It has not being a cakewalk in attaining attitudinal change but all in all the need for expertise has shown the difference of attracting a high clientele.

At what point did it dawn on you to venture into this kind of venture?

If you notice the global trend of today’s blue-chip companies are centered on over 50% in service delivery. PerryPereira Souvenirs in keying to this trend, satisfying the crave of this highly luxurious sector to making our occasions memorable with the aim of being cost effective in procuring souvenirs as momentous have come to stay as a way of hosting our guests to every occasion.

Did your educational background contribute to the running of the business?

Of course, my educational background might be in history and international relations but looking at the exposure of mingling with different people of diverse cultures and disciplines in business and project management, the humanities and arts has made an indelible mark on my orientation even to the extent of luring me in seeking a graduate degree in global business to further enriching my service delivery to widen my horizon.

What makes your organisation tick when compared to your competition?

The client knows that PerryPereira Souvenirs is not only cost effective but also takes the stress and hassles away from the client in preparation for their events. PerryPereira Souvenirs (PPS) is a leading souvenir organising firm set up to provide sophisticated and elegant gifts for all occasions (weddings, children/ adult birthdays, funerals, and corporate events. We emphasise on elegance and the highest quality available out there. It is our duty to make your occasion memorable by ensuring your guests leave with not just ordinary gifts but keepers, which is the main purpose of a souvenir. We strive to get the most cost effective approach for the benefit of the client, with exquisiteness as our watchword. PerryPereira Souvenirs did not start as a joke two years back but a well thought through business ideas with a business plan timeline and minimum set standard that have not been compromised since conception. We opened a website www. perrypereira.com, for global reach out to the clients. Our missions are guided by the following principles; to ensure items taken away are admired by all in its creativity and finishing with a touch of panache. It is our duty to bring colour to the occasion with emphasis on elegance and sophistication in all items. With the downturn in global economies it has ever buttressed the need for our services as people tend to shelve the “do it yourself” attitude for more cost effective ways of hosting their occasions.

Can you identify some of the early challenges and how you handled them?

Advertisements were not cutting it; we needed publicity on a grand scale which came by “preparation meeting opportunity” in the sense that our executed jobs gave us good referrals and we came highly recommended by clients who had an experience with PPS and good referral at that till we went viral.

What lessons have you learnt in the course of operating in the business?

Two words cut, its perseverance and dexterity. Satisfying the peculiar needs and insurgencies of every client as no two clients are the same.

What is your definition of team spirit for an organisation?

It is a synergy of independence for every member of the team in delivering a successful occasion.

Did generation of funds prove to be so much of a problem?

Initially it was a bit of a snag that did not last because family, friends and those who believed in me and the solution PPS has to offer and its immense potential rallied round pooled together my venture capital.

Are there areas or sectors you'd wish to spread your tentacles and explore as time goes on?

Yes, as there’s a whole world of pos- sibilities attached to this sector, creating designs, modifying existing products to suit client needs, also training people in the business as education and human capital development cannot be over emphasised, who knows it might be studied in select institutions world over.

What are the changes or improvement you hope to see in you industry?

Change is the only certainty in life, so we the practitioners have to guide clients into the trends making waves like taking cognisance of weather patterns, seasonal changes advocacy for certain global phenomenon like going green championing the use of biodegradable products like paper bags instead of nylons.

What is you future plan for the company?

Being quoted on stock exchange for clients to have a stake in the industry.

What success story has kept you motivated over the years?

The Mandela story, which has carved a notch in me and my perspective towards life, I remember him saying, “Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great; you can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom”.

Any advise for persons planning to break into your line of trade?

Yes, but not from me it’s from Steve Jobs who once said “I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.

What does it feel like to be your own boss?

It’s tedious, but loving what I do and making fun out of it by following my passion with all my heart has given me clarity of purpose in life.