Entrepreneur of the Month

Please tell us about yourself?

• I am Lydia Awowade, creative director at Ga Bíòkè. I worked full time as a broadcaster for some 21 years before giving in to a childhood passion for creativity. I started Ga Bíòkè in 2019 and even though am still a freelance voice actor and media consultant, Ga Bíòkè has fast become my strongest mode of self and creative expression.

So, from media service to handmade bespoke bags. How did this happen?

• I’ve just always been in love with creativity. As a child, I used to make gifts for people from scratch. Bottle mosaics, embroidered handkerchiefs, Paper Mache, and things like that.

What was your greatest fear in starting out this business?

• I worried that the market was saturated, and that no one would buy my bags. I was wrong! My clients love my bags, and this is the best time for bespoke bags.

How would you describe your personal style?

• My personal style is comfortable, moderately colorful and modest.

Asides bag making and media service, what else do you see yourself doing?

• Quite a lot of things actually, lol! Teaching children how to craft, Singing, writing books for children, destination guiding, public speaking, culture advocacy… as I said, quite a lot!

Describe your typical day as an entrepreneur?

• My typical day doesn’t use the clock. There’s no resumption or logging out. I can wake up at 3am and head straight to my studio to work! Thankfully I work from home, so anytime there’s work, I do it. After the first wave, I go get food ready for myself and family, possibly squeeze a refreshing bath in, then I step out of the house to tend my garden. This done I get back to work, and this time with music on. This second wave cannulas all day, depending on what I’m working on.

Random Question…Amala and Ewedu or Pounded Yam and Efo riro?

• I’ll take Amala with ewedu and the Efo riro together. Lol!

Please share one high and low moment in this entrepreneurial journey and the lesson(s) learnt from them? 

• High moment was when I got my second industrial machine from the proceeds of my business. That made me very happy because it proved that I was right to begin when I did.
• Low moment was when someone ordered a bag from me for their client and the client said she didn’t like it! That was a first! I was shocked, because I know I give my best to each bag. But it was a good learning curve, and it taught me to stay humble and that not everyone will like what I do. Not because I’m not good at what I do, but because people have a right to like or dislike at will.

Do you have a favorite design from the bags you’ve made? If yes, why?

• Ah, I’ve only just begun. I love all my ‘babies’ lol! Each bag has its unique story, so they are all dear to me.

A favorite quote/ something you’d like to share with the readers. 

• “Work daily towards becoming your most authentic self” (Lydia F. Awowade)