PGI's May Girl- Banke (Businesswoman, Easy Peasy)

Banke and I have talked about many things from flowers, to jobs, to school, to business to marriage, to husbands who like to cook, and to food-processor-made pounded yam. We talk about hair and the care of it. She taught me to have a pair of scissors for my hair; a girl can't use the same pair of scissors to cut up Christmas craft and then trim her hair an hour later, with the same pair. My hair deserved its own pair of scissors, she said. It did? (Don't judge me lol!)  She always had these really useful tips on her Instagram page and I knew she knew hair. Of course, she had to do something with this passion and skill she had, so we talked some more about dreams and possibilities. Then one day  Banke stopped the talking and did something. On this day, I was scrolling through Instagram and on Banke's page was displayed a jar that read "Butter by Banke". She had done it! Just like that! She had launched a hair-care product line- a brand, she was suddenly an entrepreneur! The day that jar popped up on my timeline, I was so excited. She did it! She birthed a dream just like that. Without drama, or drumroll or cymbals. Her story is so simple and inspiring, she'll make you want to start that thing you think is a big deal in a snap!

Here she is, making business look too easy since 2016...

What's your full name?

Oluwabamike Olaoluwakitan Adewale (nee Ogundairo)

Cutest nickname(s) 

Bankymoon; Kilolo, short for Bankilolo

Least cute nickname

Ban-ku-seh 

My fave quirk about me...

So not sure this is a quirk or normal but most mornings for breakfast I have bagel slathered with crunchy peanut butter and then a dollop of jam to add some sweetness ... a salad for lunch for "a neutralizing effect". I'm too sure I'm not the only one that does this

How long have you had your natural hair?

About 4 years

I'm thinking about leaving the "naturalista" life soon. What parting words do you have for me?

Don’t go!!!!

Do you ever think about leaving too?

Nope!

Do you feel the pressure to stay natural? 

Not at all! I love my hair and it’s actually the reason I started Butter by Banke.

I love that name, Butter by Banke. It has this softness to it. I feel like I'm a getting a massage. Lol! How long did it take you to come up with that name?

Not very long. I thought it was cheesy at first but ran it by a few people who liked it, so it stuck. We have one product line for now, expansion is definitely in the works. It's called Shea Deliciousness, it's an organic hair and body butter and it’s for men too!

I assume Shea Deliciousness is the secret to your beautiful hair? What's your hair night time routine?

Yes and it's so easy to use, I wet my hair first, add the butter and style. I also use it to steam my hair after every wash. Night time routine:  If I have my hair done (crochet braids or box braids) I simply wear a static net satin night cap. When I rock my hair in a puff, I scarf it down to have the front flat. In the morning, I apply Butter by Banke, re-scarf for a bit and I’m good to go! I get compliments all the time.

How did it all start?

While planning my wedding, I wanted to give out wedding favours and found an idea on Pinterest- lip balms! I also wanted to make and hand out jars of body butter, so I ordered the containers. I made the lip balms but I never got around to making the body butter in all the frenzy. After the wedding, I made it and gave out jars of the butter to friends and family. Then it happened. They would call me up and say, "Banke, I've run out of butter. Make more!" I had the jars so I kept making more.  I had most of the ingredients and the jars too, so I kept at it and my husband, Yinka convinced me to start selling. Voila!

What challenges did you face starting this business?

My main concern was whether people would be interested in my product in such a saturated market. I started to overthink everything. My husband was there. He encouraged me and affirmed the validity of the idea. He encouraged me to focus on using and investing what I had already (jars, knowledge and skill). 

What would you say to someone facing the same challenge in their business?

If someone were to ask, I'd say what he told me "Only invest what you can bear to lose. Don’t focus on the profit, focus on the value you’re giving to people."

What principles guide your business?

I have a three-point set of principles:

Simple. Natural. Effective

Simple: Our product is simple to use. Using Shea Deliciousness eliminates having to mix 9 products yourself. Simplicity is genius.

Natural: Only natural ingredients are used, which is undoubtedly helpful to hair and skin

Effective: It works. I’ve seen it work for me and others and we believe in the product.

Does your husband secretly use Shea Deliciousness?

He uses it unashamedly! He even complains when I finish it! *laughs* He makes me make more!

What would you say to anyone who is reading this and is full of self-doubt about their brand?

First, you have to believe in your brand.  Believe in it, people will see the passion and believe in it too. Start small and invest resources you don't mind losing. If it doesn't work, you know you tried and there was some collateral lost, but not too much. Don’t let fear keep you down. Try.

The first day you filled your first jar of Butter by Banke, how did you feel?

Excited! When I put the stickers on the jar is best feeling! 

How do you strike a balance between your day job with running Butter by Banke?

I am a Communications and Marketing strategist in a financial institution by day.

I run Butter by Banke on the weekends and evenings.

Morning person/Night person?

Morning person. My mum is a morning person and raised us that way.

What's the best thing about having 9 older sisters?

The support system. It’s a good conversation starter. It stops everyone in their tracks.

How many hours can you wear heels for before your first "oowww"?

First, 4 inch heels are best I can do. I can stand in them for about 2 to 4 hours. I don't try to take the heels off in between and wear again, it makes the pain worse. I just sit down often and have flats ready in the bag.

Who is your hugest style influence?

Hair: Pinterest

Clothes: I don't have one fashion style because I had a lot of hand me downs.

Though I'd say Sister number 7 ("Tomato") has some influence on me. We all go to her for style advice.

The one meal you know you kill every time?

Pancakes (I don’t like to cook!)

One item you beg people to buy for you from Nigeria?

Groundnut!

One place I have visit when I go to Nigeria

Terra Kulture. I love Nigerian theatre. The play I’m really looking forward to is the Secret life of Baba Segi’s wives. I loved the book.

Last 3 items bought

Okra

Sofa covers.

Stickers with the Butter by Banke logo

Thank you, Banke for being our May PGI girl!

4 Things I learnt...  

1. Stop talking about it and do it!

2.  Focus on the value you provide, not on profit

3. You have the jars. Don't stop pouring in and creating.

4. She loves pancakes, I love pancakes. I guess that about seals this friendship

Thank you so much, Banke, for being PGI's May girl! I can't wait to see the wonderful things Butter by Banke rolls out soon. Love you loads!! 

Get your Shea Delicious hair and body butter. I can feel it on my fingertips already. 

Contact: Instagram @butterbybanke

10 Interesting People You'd Run into at Work!

Right, so, Monday just snuck up on us like that! Typical.

Anyway, you know how your office is full of a rich assortment of individuals brought together to enhance the organizational goals and objectives of the company? Thanks a lot, Human Resources.

Here are ten interesting people you might run into at work and here's how to make the best of having them around you, instead of avoiding them in the hallway and break room and also in the elevator and the rest room. Can you recognize anyone at work here? Which one of them are you? 

1. The Gist Fountain (GF)

This is usually the ‘central node’, the person who knows the gist of everyone and everyone's grandma. GF is a great person to have on your team and maybe even as a friend. She is a great source of information, both relevant and irrelevant; its your task to sift through the data. GF is also great and quick at passing along your information, so, of course, you'd have to be careful about what you tell her. If you choose to be friends with GF, she will come looking for you during the course of the day, for your daily gist, try not to pass any information she has given you and you could also devise an escape technique when she starts with the irrelevant data or zone out and think of bunnies.

2. The Angry Bird

The Angry Bird is usually upset about something; always thinks everything can be done better but never provides any useful, actionable steps of improvement. Every time I meet an Angry Bird, I try to get him to tone down the complaints and instead, focus on solutions. Hmmm, how reasonable, Ike. Well, I'd like to say that they never listen. I'm yet to fully convince an Angry Bird to provide constructive criticism with action points. Lol. They usually just like to vent, if you are willing to listen, then hear them out, otherwise, get them to call a meeting consisting of stakeholders that may influence their concerns...or...when they vent, zone out and think of those bunnies.

3. The Over-Achiever

Work is important to some people...a little more than it is to you(lol). Of course, you're very resourceful and hardworking, but come on, 8 to 5 was what you signed up for. The Over-Achiever(OA) is more of a 7 to 10 kinda-worker. Sometimes, they expect you to do the same. If OA is your boss, hehe, I guess he is for a reason. You will have to put in more effort than you normally would. Two words: Appraisal. Bonus.

It might also be great to have a conversation about the hours that work the best for you, not everyone can give a 100% with long hours. Understand your work habits and ethics and ensure productivity that justify your suggested hours!

4. The Under-Achiever(UA)

This is that person who seems to be done with exceeding expectations, maybe because they weren’t recognized when they worked really hard or are really just done with this whole be-the-best-you-can-be biz. Be a friend to UA, don’t force any unsolicited inspiration on them. If they get inspired by your excellent work, great! If not, relate with them, treat them well and keep your grind on full-steam ahead!

5. The White Rabbit**

We all know this one, that person who is always in a hurry and busy…but in truth isn’t busy and probably just tries to look busy because everyone else genuinely is.   All motion, no movement. Lol. From my experience, the White Rabbit may come up with great ideas but isn't much of an executioner. I suppose picking their brains may be great but don't expect much from them with implementation!

6. The Girl/Guy Next Door (or Next Cubicle)

I’m still in touch with  several Girls Next Cubicle(GNC) from my very first job! GNC is nice, easy to get along with , usually has zero airs, which works perfectly. It’s a great idea to build a good relationship with this person and maintain it, even after you leave the organization!

7. The Diva

The most popular person at work who everyone runs around to please. For some reason, Divas and I get along, not like best friends, but as in a mutual kind-regards kinda way. First, it’s important to know you aren’t at work to be "the cool-kids". Honestly, it’s just too late for that and prom was like 15 years ago (15! Gosh! ) You are at work to contribute to the organizational goals, improve your career prospects on the long run and make friends (maybe); so if this person fails to contribute to any of the three, maybe the distant mutual kind-regards thing is really all there will ever be.

8. The Boss' Boss

 What to do with the Boss’ Boss? Being visible in the organization is probably something we all strive for. Well, a great way to make an impression on Executives and your Boss’ Boss is not to fall asleep during board meetings. Lol! Be active, be productive and let your work have tangible, measurable results. Take on a project that directly puts you in contact with them and then kill it! Also establish a good relationship with your boss. He/she may just put in a good word for you if the need arises!  

9. The Confused Intern

Every time I hear intern, I think of copier machines, it’s cliché but it’s where interns find themselves. I think I had a name for the copier machine at my first internship. It was closer than a brother. Interns always need guidance. If you are in the position to mentor (and we all are) please take an intern under your huge, glam wing and mentor away!

10. The Chauffeurs/Cooks/Cleaners (CCC)

No one pays these guys any mind but to be honest, I’ve made a few cafeteria lady and cleaner friends. These people are constantly present on the premises and in all the relaxed places- the corridor, where people chat idly; at the cafeteria, where people talk about their kids and what they did over the weekend; in the car, where people chat loosely on the phone.

CCC might actually have more gist than Gist Fountain! Of course, I’m not saying be friends with them for what you can get. Talk to them, they aren’t any less important than the Boss’ Boss, if you ask me. Life is about connecting and impacting and you really never know who you might be of use to or might be willing to assist you and give you a hint about your promotion (which he heard about while cleaning the toilet!)

I hope this helped! Did you recognize anyone at work? Which one of them are you?!

**White Rabbit- Alice in Wonderland reference.

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7 Things Every Career Girl Should Know

Hello, Monday! There's no better time to evaluate your career goals and understand what areas need a little boost, than a Monday in June! We need to get on track before July gets in, you know how July gets, scaring us with its-second-half-of-the-year-what-do-you-have-to-show-for-it reputation.

Right below are some important skills and career building tips that every career girl needs to know. Hurry, before July gets in! Here goes: 

1. Value your work and skills in those heels

We work pretty hard but how much do we value our skills?

"Yeah, well, I'm great with CAD."

"I can build a website in my sleep." *shrug*

"So what if I can make 700 plates of party lunch plates in three hours."

"I take care of our home, run errands and take care of the kids. I wish I had a real job."

"I speak 4 languages but bleh..."

So many women have skills and they should be celebrated (which is why we have PGI girls!)! We should value our accomplishments and skills. True, there's always room to learn some more and to improve but value should be placed on that which we have accomplished and the tasks we achieve on a daily basis.

2. Negotiate circles around anyone

I understand some systems do not support equal pay between both genders but for some of us who have the opportunity to negotiate pay, we sometimes cower. Here's the fact, men negotiate pay. It's the fact.

When Ed negotiates, I cringe but he usually gets what he wants and I don't...I just get more wrinkles from cringing. Men are more likely than women to negotiate pay. As women, we are a little bit bashful about asking for more. Asking for more is a risk and studies show that women are more risk-averse than men. That maybe the reason, it may also be that we just don't value our skills enough to put a good value on it (see #1). You have to ask for more, to get more. There are no pink ponies and shimmery wands in the real world, and no one is going to drop extra cash on your lap until you ask! Ask for more!

3. Shop for a mentor

Hey, girls, so mentors! It turns out that females hardly get mentored and this is a three-pronged problem. Prong #1 There are far less women in managerial positions than men and so there are less female mentors to start with. Prong #2, some women in authority sometimes feel insecure and might feel like other female subordinates might be out to get their positions, so the ones who ask to be mentored only get very leveled teaspoons of advice and mentoring. No one is trying to still your job, Ma'am. Well, maybe some are, but others just want to learn. Help the younger women. Prong #3 Younger women hesitate before asking for mentoring, assuming the senior colleagues don't have the time or that they come across as bothersome. Reach out to your mentor-crush first, and if you get shut-down, move on to the next. 

4. Recommend people for positions

A female superior is less likely to recommend a subordinate for a position according to this study. This study by the Harvard review shows that men are more hands on with their mentoring, they help to plan their career moves and empower their mentees in new roles! It's not quite the same with women. Women in power need to mentor and pull more women up the ladder.

*Who you epp?*

5. Keep your home separate from your work as much as possible

The first thing I learnt in business school was this; your client doesn't care if you've had a bad day. Get it done. Honestly, your boss doesn't care, your client, customer. No one cares. Get it done!

OK, so you have a great boss and he does indeed care. It doesn't matter, act like he doesn't. At first, I thought this was a little harsh, slowly i discovered that it teaches you to be professional in your dealings, to execute tasks promptly and to show results. If you have excuses, leave them at home. If your child is sick, tell it as it is and get time off work. Don't get someone to sign in for you and then not show up.

Also leave your work at work. Finally, that double life you always dreamed of! 

6. Go the extra mile, still in those heels

There is always an extra mile, right after the publicly-proclaimed finish line. I learnt this from one of my classmates from school. She dotted all i's, crossed all t's, intersected all x's; her work was always of superior quality and it stood out because she chose to do more than expected! Go the extra mile.

7. Don't be afraid to ask for help

Girl-pride is great during empowering ladies' nights and karaoke renditions of "Independent Women", however, when it comes to achieving your career goals and contributing to your organization's objectives, it's a good idea to ask for help when you need to. Find a mentor within you company or industry, someone who can give you guidance for your task. If there's no one suitable, ask questions! Ask the people on your team for help. If need be, call a meeting and have a constructive problem-solving session. Don't feel like people are going to stare at you like you know nothing. People will always stare and judge, that's OK. When they are done, they will peel their eyes off you and stare at someone else. Ask questions, please. Gather information and execute your duties like you were made for it!

I hope this helped! Please don't forget to share! Thanks. What steps are you taking this month to launch that awesome career off the ground?!

Related posts: PGI girl, Joko; Your very own business idea; Improve your work-space with these tips!

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Get your own Business Idea in 6 Steps!

Developing a business idea is probably the simplest part of starting a business. Forget the belief that you have to be extraordinarily smart or be a mad scientist to invent something or to be innovative. Bleh, forget it! What you really need is an understanding of yourself and of the market you are trying to get into and from there, sprouts your business idea! *pop*

According to the Entrepreneur (and my Entrepreneurship teacher), a business idea is simply finding a solution to a problem within a market!

There are three main ways of developing your business idea:

• You identify a need in the community and you create a business plan around that or;
• You capitalize on your skills and create a need or;
• You build on an existing business concept!

All three ways aim to solve a problem within a market. Now dropping all business school lingo, here are 6 steps to building a business idea:

1. Scribble down the things you love to do; or something you are really good at; or a task you hope to achieve by acquiring the skills required.  It could be cooking, creating craft, solving problems, playing games, sports, climbing trees, whatever. Scribble. Scribble. It's important that you build your business idea on something that you love to do.

2. Ask yourself "What need is present in my community that can be met with my skills or with this passion that I have?" To help you along with an answer to that, imagine something that annoys you on a daily basis in your everyday life; for example, waiting for the bus. Ask yourself, how can i improve this process of waiting for this *insert adjective* bus?

Then ask yourself, "How can i improve this process and get PAID for it?"  Don't be afraid to answer this question too. People make money, they want to spend money; true they like good deals but that's another post entirely.

3. Do some research on how the market (people & transactions) might respond to your idea. This might involve surveys, interviews, general interactions with the community finding out what their needs really are. From this step, you might find affirmations to your answers to Q2 or more information about what people really need!

4. Implement your grand idea but start small. You don't want to invest too much at first. Plus, the earlier you introduce cost containment systems in your business, the easier it is to ensure your overheads (expenses) don't go crazy in the future! Start small, remember "lean is the new robust".

5. Pay attention to the market trends and know your competition. Know what the other tree-climbers are doing and how they are improving. Don't spend all your time focusing on them though, that's the perfect path to being unproductive.

6. Keep learning like your business depends on it....because it does. Continuous learning is the spinach to your business. Never stop learning and keep figuring out ways to improve on your business.

P.s (1) Scribble down even the crazy ideas (2) Don't pay ALL your attention to the other tree-climbers (3) Develop your skills daily (4) Develop other talents

What are your thoughts on starting a business? Do you have a business you are trying to improve? Do you obsess over other tree-climbers?