Entrepreneur of the Month (November)

We have the “pillow lady” as our November feature and her interview is so inspiring. You will thoroughly enjoy this read…we assure you!
Kindly tell us your full name and a little bit about yourself
My name is Alabi Oluwadamilola Lasbat. I am a bright light! Lol. I love life although I do not really like life as it is. I am a believer of Jesus and all that His life represents and my belief is a major influence in how I live life and run my business.
How did the Pillow Talk 9ja journey begin?
I studied Interior Design in school and started an Interior Decoration business afterwards. I have always loved to play with and surround myself with positive words so after designing a space I’d leave a pillow with inscriptions as my signature sign out and these pillows got so popular with high demand especially in 2017. I knew then that I had to start Pillow Talk 9ja as a company.

What was your greatest fear starting the business?
I would say I was worried about my identity. I preferred being referred to as the Interior Decorator rather than the “pillow lady” it seemed ridiculous at the time to have an education in Interior Design only to end making pillows with inscriptions but look at Pillow Talk 9ja today.
What do you do for fun?
This depends on whatever appeals to me at the time. Going to the gym used to be fun at some point, I moved on to learning karate. In recent times, fun has been taking time to rest (sleep) and watching auditions for musical shows.

If you weren’t running Pillow Talk 9ja, what would you be doing?
I’d definitely be in the creative space. I’m very interested in Public speaking and research especially as it relates to the intricacies of life.
What has been your greatest challenge as a Nigerian Entrepreneur?
I’d say my greatest challenge is internal rather than external, that is keeping myself motivated, focused and driven regardless of occurrences or happenings. We won’t deny that there are successful entrepreneurs in Nigeria regardless of the country’s “peculiarities”

 Could you share any interesting incident from work/office with us?
Having Pillow Talk 9ja is an interesting story on its own. I never imagined that a hobby of some sorts  will become a business with great turnover without little or no investments in advertisements and promotions in 2 years.
What would you consider to be good news right now as a Nigerian Entrepreneur?
To have a government that is accountable. A government that is genuinely interested in the citizen’s welfare, the citizens themselves being responsible in their little circles of influence. This would have a positively lasting effect on policies and living conditions in the country.

A favorite quote/ something you’d like to share with the readers. 
Your time is limited so don’t waste it living someone else’s life- Steve Jobs. I’d tell the readers that words are powerful, they shape our world, thoughts, perceptions and life. It’s important we surround ourselves with positivity, that we are intentional about who or what comes into our space which is one of the foundations Pillow talk. I’d say have our pillow(s) in your space!