2022: Year Of The Paradigm Shift
In the span of seven days, my life changed from winning four awards at Nexford Socials in December 2021 to unexpectedly moving to a new city.
To spare you the details, I returned back to Abuja after a long absence, but this time it was not for a vacation.
To be honest, if you asked me at any point in my life if I planned to leave Lagos permanently, I would say no. I mean, I practically grew up and lived in the same house my entire life.
I relocated two days after Christmas(2021), so I began the new year in Abuja. This was the first time in three years that I did not go on my annual Canopy walk. I do this every January 1st to get myself pumped for the new year.
The poor transportation system is the first thing you notice as a stranger without a car in Abuja. A car is not a luxury here; it is a necessity. Because public transportation is so inefficient, carpooling is the most likely mode of transportation. You can use bolt and uber, but it is not sustainable.
Coming into the year, I had only two goals: finish my program at Nexford University and become a better designer. However, life intervened, and I found myself co-founding Stylebitt with Precious Aleaji.
The Stylebitt discussion occurred a few days after I won the Nexford award for most likely to own a startup. I had no idea the universe was trying to tell me something. To be honest, I’ve always wanted to do something in fashion, but I didn’t know how, so when Precious shared the idea, I jumped on it because, why not? I understood the problem, and many of the fashion businesses I know would still be in business if they had it ( Including my mum).
The co-founder tag looks cool on paper, but in reality, building a startup is the ghetto. There is a lot of uncertainty, but having a great co-founder like Precious makes it worthwhile to try, even if everything could crash and burn. Not to mention the amazing superwomen (Adeola and Victoria) who have helped us along the way.
During the seven months that I joined to build the future of fashion:
- The team grew from just 2 of us to 4.
- Participated in 3 accelerators
- Got admitted into the Microsoft founders hub
- Had 2+ mainstream media mentions
- Signed 10 partnerships and more.
My Nexford program and relationships with friends suffered as a result of my efforts to build a startup. I’m not trying to justify being a jerk to some people, but I was under a lot of pressure. I had to complete a large number of tasks in a short period of time.
I also got scammed and lost money, something only a few people know about. I even pushed people away, but one person saw right through me and stayed. I was struggling mentally and she was that one person that cared to listen. Unfortunately, things aren’t going well between us anymore, but if she’s reading this, I want her to know I’m grateful to have met such a kind soul. I’m hoping we can find a middle ground and work things out because she was by far the best part of my 2022.
I became a digital resident at Talent city( Itana), a city for the builders of tomorrow. Talent city is building a city for the future of work. Where remote work-friendly policy, coliving, speedy internet, world-class infrastructure, and incredible talent seamlessly integrate to give you an amazing digital experience. The first location is located in the Lekki Free Zone in Nigeria. The special economic zone fosters a business-friendly environment with policies including zero corporate tax and ease of remote company registration. I am excited about this and can’t wait for it to be ready.
I also became a Director at Blacks in technology — Abuja Chapter.
The Blacks In Technology Foundation is the non-profit for Blacks In Technology (BIT), the largest community of Black people in the technology industry. Our goal and mission is to “stomp the divide” between Black tech workers and to fundamentally influence and effect change in an industry that has historically not sought parity with respect to Black workers. Our intent is to level the playing field through training, education, networking, and mentorship with the support of allies, partners, sponsors, and most importantly our global members.
One thing I have learned about staying here for a year is patience. You can’t use Lagos gra gra to solve problems here. The city forces you to slow down. I actually like it here because it is peaceful and the air is clean( Yes! this was shade at Lagos)
The year came with multiple challenges but I am standing strong. I don’t know what 2023 is going to bring but I am ready.
Shout out to everyone that came through for me, and to those I let down, I am sorry; it wasn’t intentional, but I will do better.
The End.
11: 30pm
