'As a Young Entrepreneur I Have Learnt Not to Give Up On My Dreams’
Marvis Marshal Idio is a young ingenious Nigerian entrepreneur and CEO of JACMARVIS, a company involved in interior design, building construction and furniture, located in Port Harcourt, River State. In this interview with Peter Uzoho, Idio who emerged wi
Can we meet you?
My name is Marvis Marshal Idio; wife, super-mum and entrepreneur. I hail from Imo State. I am a graduate of Architecture from University of Uyo. I also hold a Master’s Degree in Interior Design from Florence Design Academy, Italy.
Can you tell us about your brand?
Our brand name is JACMARVIS; we are in the business of crafting elegant art forms in interior design, building construction and furniture. We are growing start-up, currently located in Port Harcourt, River State. Our core mission is to become the brand of choice in the interior designs and contemporary furniture space. Our aim is to provide high quality aesthetic creations at affordable value to clients across all income bands. Our creative process is defined by a "waste to wealth" mind set; consequently our raw materials include used rubber tyres, pet bottles, cardboard, discarded furniture pieces and shipping containers
What inspired you to go into this line of business?
My late father, a truly gifted Civil Engineer ignited my interest in furniture making. I guess I inherited his passion for designing intricate yet functional pieces. Studying Architecture was naturally a course for nurturing my passion. Attending design exhibitions during my post-graduate studies overseas deepened my intellectual appreciation for the concept of translating waste to wealth in a practical, commercially viable and fun way. These experiences catalysed what is now a continuous adventure in my research and experimentation with recyclable materials.
How do you source your raw materials?
I go to dump sites to pick them depending on what I need. After which I sort them out to know the ones that really meet what I need them for and then use them for my construction. You know going to dump sites directly to pick them by yourself you don’t have to pay for it- it saves cost. Even those that pick for us go to dump sites to pick them.
Was there a problem you intended solving through your business?
Most certainly, furniture and furnishings is an essential part of the home, and building is no doubt a necessity. The reality is that the cost of importing these pieces is outrageous, when we can produce them here, use, and also export.
My aim is to bridge the gap between the expensive cost of housing, furniture and furnishings and the inability of the modest income earner to afford them, and invariably reduce the need to import furniture largely. And definitely, through recycling we will greatly curb waste problems
What were the major challenges when you started and how did you overcome them?
My major challenge while starting up a business was definitely lack of funds, so I concentrated on producing samples. It is not enough to tell people what you do, you need to show them. I ensured I persisted in my endeavours.
Presently, the country's economic climate has not been favourable to businesses. As a young entrepreneur, are you in anyway affected?
Certainly! Culturally, our appetites for furniture are deeply embedded in conventionality- conventionality of raw materials and process. Essentially, people consider wood to be a more cost-functional material; the materials I choose to work with are considered "exotic, luxurious and cost ineffective". So, in a recession climate,
functionality prevails over exotic. Secondly, access to capital, be it loan facility from banks or seed capital from Angel investors is strangled in a recession climate. Although government has set up numerous funding initiatives for cottage industries and SMEs, penetration is shallow and bureaucracy leaves many young entrepreneurs uncaptured.
How is your business contributing to reduce the unemployment challenge in the country?
Presently, I have seven people working with me on contract basis and I pay them. Being a contract thing it’s about you doing your work and you get paid at the end of the day. So as you can see in my own little way I’m helping in that regard and hope to do more if things improve.
You participated at the Next Titan Season 3 last year and emerged the star prize winner. Can you explain how it went?
It was for me, a truly titanic milestone on my personal journey. For over eight weeks, I was nested with some of the most-compellingly talented persons I have ever met. There was an overflow of passionate creativity; there were several "light bulb" moments of new wisdom from our accomplished panel of judges; there was the intensity of bare competition, the irresistible nudge towards collaboration and the obvious vitality of diversity. Being away from my baby girl forced me to draw on a reserve of inner fortitude and sharpened my focus to the point where I wanted to win for her.
What do you think gave you an edge over other contestants at the show?
It was definitely grace, complimentary to originality and practical perspectives defined in my business plan. True, I was saved by the judges on a number of occasions; I took every such occasion as an opportunity to raise the bar for myself and translate my talent with greater clarity.
The money and the car you won do they have any impact on your business?
I have been producing most of these pieces using the most stressful process due to lack of appropriate machinery. So yes, it will have a huge positive impact on my business.
Do you think the initiators and organisers of the Next Titan Entrepreneurial show deserve commendation for the work they are doing on the lives of young Nigerians?
Yes, they definitely deserve commendation. Beyond the price money, they are constantly awakening the entrepreneurial spirit in young Nigerians, building hope and making dreams come alive. The auditions, boot camp and tasks carried out while in the academy opens your mind more to your plans and pushes you to actualise your goals.
For three consecutive seasons Heritage Bank has been the chief sponsor of this life -changing and economic empowerment programme. What do you say about that?
This is a clear show of their passion for entrepreneurship and support for young Nigerian talents.
Would you say you grabbed your destiny by hard work and by taking advantage of an opportunity?
The word ‘hard work’ can't be over emphasised, it surely paid off.
Being a female entrepreneur in Nigeria, does it come with any challenges?
I wear the badge of "womanpreneur" with great pride. I'm happy to join the vanguard of amazons and Titans who are spicing up the business domain with our unique and highheeled talents. That said, being a womanpreneur used to be considered ‘Norm-defying’. However, I'm happy that many before me and many after me will re-define the narrative with our success. I like the novelty of my identity, female carpenter! Truly iconic. Work - life balance is perhaps the trickiest aspiration; combining my roles as a home-maker and creator-in-chief can get knotty.
What is your message to young Nigerians?
Keep your head high, challenges are bound to come, don't give in. Everybody doesn't have to believe in your business idea at first but keep at it and someday they would understand. Also ensure you get the right kind of mentoring.
Can you tell us more about your family?
I am code-named "double-o three" in a family of three girls and a gentleman. My mum is "double-o one". We were raised with Christian virtues, and my (late) father's magnetism and generosity meant we always had a full house. We are a closely-knit unit, and it’s usual for all four ladies (mum included) to go out for social outings and fun. My family is my most committed fan base!
Who would you say has been a major influence in your life?
My mother, she has believed in me even when it didn't make sense, always pushing me to be and do better. I have always admired her strength to bounce back after all the challenges she had to go through. I call her 'My African Queen'- she is a true African Woman
How would you describe your husband’s support to your venture?
Frankly speaking, I am married to a good man who is not afraid to let me be all I set my heart to and who is constantly supporting me every step of the way.