Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in branding and marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Temi Akinsanya, Founder of TMA Brand Consulting, located in Lagos, Nigeria.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a brand consultancy firm that offers strategy, branding design, and digital marketing services to a wide array of clients. Our ideas are fresh, creative, and innovative; our designs are clean, memorable, and modern. Our goal is to work with brands to stand out in a crowd while thinking strategically to ensure longevity and growth.
Tell us about yourself
I started TMA as a side hustle while I was a Marketing Specialist in a Fortune 500 company; this fueled my passion for creating memorable designs and effective strategies for businesses in Nigeria. I moved back home shortly after and spent a couple of years gaining experience in this specific market so I could better serve clients. Fast-forward almost a decade, and we work with a diverse selection of clients ranging from global brands like L'Oréal to National Banks to Start-Ups and SMEs.
Creating beautiful designs and effective strategies that can work in a global landscape keeps me motivated. Growing my team and transferring knowledge and an excellent mindset also keep me motivated - we don't always have the education or resources available to our international counterparts, but that should not have a negative impact on the potential growth of brands in Nigeria.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, one of my biggest accomplishments is steadily growing my team. I want TMA to become a household name that continues to grow beyond my time at its helm and leaves a lasting legacy in the marketing/comms industry.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me is dealing with the unknown. Running a business can be very unpredictable, but unlike working in one, owning a business comes with the added pressure of knowing that things going 'wrong' can affect your growth, your team's security, your client's confidence in you, and much more. Another hard thing is the work-life balance; you have to do whatever it takes to ensure the job is done, and this can often eat significantly into your personal life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Plan everything! Write a business plan, research your industry, find your niche or USP, map out your short and long-term goals, and try as much to build a structure - this helps you prepare for the many challenges that come with running a business.
- Get a support system - you need friends and family who buy into your idea and are willing to help. This should also include people who may have some experience in your field or industry and can offer expert advice.
- Network and Collaborate - I'm still working on this one, but it's always a good idea to meet other business owners and exchange stories or collaborate with other business owners in your industry who may offer a service that you don't.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tmabrandconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tma.design.consulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tma_brandconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tmabrandconsulting/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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