Young entrepreneur Onyinye Uchibuolu Sarah has taken her passion in restoration of girl child confidence
And done what most entrepreneurs will only dream about or strives to do. She is the CEO of The Stretch Mark Girl.
This interview, she shared with the editor of The BU40 what it is like to start and manage a brand, how she coped and what has kept her going even in difficult times.
This interview I believe will motivate the genius in you my reader, make you to get out of your comfort zone and to start something doing for yourself. Enjoy.
Please can you introduce yourself to my readers and fellow young entrepreneurs?
My name is Onyinye Uchibuolu Sarah, native of Delta state, based in Asaba. I am a friendly person, good thinker, flexible. My lifestyle is very simple. I’m interested in many things such as music, reading, cooking, making reasonable friends. I also love adventure & travelling. Lover of children and a child of God.
How did you build up an entrepreneurial spirit at such a young age, do you believe you were born with it or you developed it?
I will say both; was born with it, in the sense that I have always longed to be an entrepreneur ever since I was growing up and to the passion of helping people. I developed it in the sense that I tried nurturing and building positive mindset towards my feelings of being an entrepreneur.
How long have you been into business?
I have been into this for quite some years back but it was officially defined last year and is now incorporated with the CAC.
Are you the only one managing the Segment or you have other staff?
No, I work with my superb Parent who is a good thinker and also my mentor and a host of vendors.
If you could turn the time, what would you love to do in regards to your business?
I can’t think of any ooo! Smiles. But I could say I would have loved it if I started earlier.
Well, this question might sound funny; do you think it is easy to be an entrepreneur?
Not really simple. To be an entrepreneur requires great multitasking but it is enjoyable, satisfactory and comes with great recompense if you succeed.
Which books motivates you as an entrepreneur?
Lots of them but must mention “True North” by Bill George & “Discover Your Passion” by Gail A. Cassidy really stood me.
What keeps you going even in hard times?
My God!!!! Yes! Cos He keeps giving me hope and amazing strength when I feel like giving up, He gave me wonderful friends that always encourages me, and also the quote that states ‘Winners Never Quit’
What are your thoughts on entrepreneurship for young people especially in an economy where jobs are harder to find?
My fellow youths, It’s been said that, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Many entrepreneurs say they wished they started on their path sooner. Young people don’t need to wait for an opportunity or idea to hit them.
They need to start building their future now. The sooner you start working toward a goal, the sooner your knowledge, experience and money start compounding. Later on in life, commitments can intrude. Let’s try and engage ourselves.
A lot of works that the old generation are leaving for us, such as tailoring, farming, furniture making etc are there for us the new generation to pick up and make exploit with them.
How do you define success; do you believe you are a success?
My definition of success is constantly changing and evolving. As for my believe of whether I am a success, by grace I am really working my ways towards being prosperous.
What do you think it takes to succeed in business?
Staying positive, creativity, believe in yourself, never give up, seek for God’s grace.
Describe yourself in 5 words
Creative, Free-Spirited, Simple, Multifaceted, Ambitious.
What do you do?
I am currently a thespian and content creator. I make YouTube videos about Strech Mark, culture and entrepreneurship.
The life of a digital creator must be pretty interesting, what parts of your job have you found boring?
Yes, it’s pretty interesting because you get to turn simple concepts into entertaining, educational and/or inspiring content. The only boring part is thinking about editing, but once I start selecting music, it’s not boring at all – however it is time consuming!
What was your drive?
I simply wanted to document my life experiences in a creative way. Later on, I realised people were listening and learning from me. That’s when I also realised I was an influencer. The more videos I created, the more confident I became on camera and with public speaking. Creating videos became something that not only helped my subscribers , but grew me as a person. Plus I enjoyed it and still do!
Did you ever feel scared diving into this career?
Yes I did because I didn’t know how to actually make it a career. Now I realise the opportunities everything I have been building as a digital creator has afforded me, all because I just kept going.
Where do you see in 3 years?
I see myself being a successful full time entrepreneur and content creator, producing higher quality videos. I want to empower women around the world and those in disadvantaged communities back home, Africa. Hopefully I will also be making more music as that is passion of mine I have never fully explored.
What would you say to your younger self?
Believe in yourself more. No-one has the power to put you down or deter you from your dreams. The power is within you and your uniqueness so own it with confidence!
What two pieces of advice can you give to someone who wants to become an expert in their chosen field?
My advise is keep working and working and never stop trying out new things.
What is the last ‘one word’ of advice you will give to my readers when it comes to succeeding as a young entrepreneur?
Always say to yourself ‘I can do it’
Thank you very much for squeezing out time from your busy schedule to speak with us.
