Rejections and criticisms are part of my stepping stones -Chioma Obiefuna, CEO Kristafield Events

Chioma Obiefuna didn’t start out as an event planner. Despite studying History and Diplomatic Studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, her flair for colours, patterns and design took her down the path of Events Management.

She started Kristafield Events in Lagos. And today, she’s celebrating six years of following her passion amidst the pains, disappointments and failures that characterize her business terrain.

It was heartbreaking during the early days of her business so much so that she would just break down and weep. After awhile, she manned up, telling herself that the industry doesn’t need soft hands, or fragile minds. This strengthened her resolve to be the best in her chosen field.

Her efficiency in the events world especially the Wedding industry has earned her the name, ‘Wedding Fairy godmother’. Chioma shared her entrepreneurial journey with us in this interview with Feminine World.

Excerpts:

It’s been six years you started your wedding events company, what are some of the lessons you have learnt as an entrepreneur?
I’ve learnt how to be patient. Being an entrepreneur has made me understand the adage,’patience is a virtue’. There are some instances that seems as if all hope were lost, but then, patience made me to scale through. Some brides can be impatient, so as a wedding planner, you need to exhibit some form of patience to help calm them down.

Another important lesson I’ve learnt is the act of humility. One needs to be humble to take insults and then utilize it to good use. Act of humility has been one of my greatest lesson.

Looking back now, what three things do you think you would have done differently?
I think I would have pursued a career first as an On Air Personality before diverting to events.

Have you ever felt like giving up?
Surely. Yes, there were days when I felt it’s time for me to just stop and give up. Especially when it seems some plans aren’t working out well. But then, determination and passion keeps me going.

How did you handle rejection and criticism when you started your business?
During our early days of start up, it was heartbreaking, and I would just break down and weep. After awhile, I manned up. This industry doesn’t need soft hands, or fragile minds, so I told myself it’s time to brace up. So now, rejections and criticisms are part of my stepping stones. I go through the criticism, and if it is what needs brushing up, I do the needful.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
Amateurs. The industry has so many amateurs who lack basic structures and intelligence to run this business. They are the ones who wake up and decide to put up whatever price they have, and when clients approach me, they want to compare what A and B gave them to what we have to offer. And so, this is killing the image of the Events industry.

How do you handle difficult clients?
Prayers and Calmness. Most clients especially brides can be so difficult, and no amount of talking will make them see reasons. I just take it up to my Heavenly Father whilst I remain calm in handling them. That has always worked for me and I and the client end up being good friends.

What do you love most about what you do?
I always love the smile that radiates from the faces of my clients. It soothes my soul.

As a woman, have you ever felt inferior?
No! No! No! I always tell my self, ‘Chioma, you are who you are.’ This helps me a lot. Issues might crop up but it doesn’t stop the fact that I’m a woman, so inferiority has no place.

What advice do you have for budding business owners?
I would advise them to stay strong, and be determined. It is quite difficult to manage business in Nigeria. And amidst this economic crisis, it can be worse. Stay strong, use every difficulty as a stepping stone and watch how your business will grow.

Is it true that being a female business owner in Nigeria is hard?

Yes, it is hard. When you’ve got people who want to look down on you because you are a woman, and most clients especially the men folk want to take advantage of that. It takes courage and grace to overcome all these.

Tell us about yourself
Chioma Obiefuna is from Obosi, Idemili north L.G.A in Anambra state. I didn’t start out as an event planner. In fact, I attended Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state, where I studied History and Diplomatic Studies.
I discovered I had flair for colours, patterns and design and so I decided to become a Pro. Hence, I started Kristafield Events here in Lagos. I have attended so many seminars and courses related to Events management.
My efficiency in the Events world especially the Wedding industry earned me the name, ‘Wedding Fairygodmother’.