The CEO of Cornerstone Beddings, Temidayo Ogunleke, popularly known as ‘The Beddings Madam’, is one woman who leaves a lasting impression on every person she meets. Ogunleke, author of the book, entitled: Keep Saying it if you want it, runs an e-commerce platform for bedding products providing toxic-free breathable products. She is motivated by the need to inspire young and aspiring women start-ups. In this interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, she speaks on how social media changed her life and how she is bridging the gap, connecting and inspiring women all over the world.
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and after completing my studies in Beddings production, I decided to venture into the bedding business itself. I saw a gap in the market. I started business in Ibadan with zero Naira and had few customers before deciding to come to Lagos. That was another unique story on its own because at some point then I was also homeless.
Voyage into the world of beddings
It has been an interesting journey so far. The beddings industry is very competitive, but nothing good comes easy. However, with dedication and hard work, there’s nothing one cannot achieve. From selling ordinary pillows, I’ve been able to carve a niche for myself in the industry. You have to keep at it. Although I started very small and only learned the production part of it and not the business part, I have improved in so many ways. You have to keep improving yourselF.
Origin of the name, The beddings madam
(Laughs). I got that name from my customers, who identified me as the go-to person when it comes to anything related to beddings and at the time it was mostly on social media. Then when I started beddings, people found it difficult to access me online. Some will not even remember my name is Temidayo. People started calling me “the beddings madam”. I guess it stuck and I embraced it and it made it easy for people to access me.
My life-changing decision
Starting this company was one of my life-changing decisions for me. In fact, my life has been tremendously transformed. It has given me the opportunity to express my creativity and passion while making a positive impact in the lives of my customers and society. Indeed, there’s a big difference between learning a skill and doing business. What I actually learned was how to do bedsheets, pillows but right now we do much more. And I have gone ahead to acquire two MBAs and I’ve recently gone into Tech. We’ll be six by next month. We’ve run as a traditional business before now, but what we are doing now involves tech. So, we have to be tech enabled. And I have been taking some tech courses because of the need to know the nitty gritty of ICT.
Taking advantage of the technology
Young start-ups, particularly women should learn more about technology and how to leverage on it. Make use of social media. Just ensure that you’re there. And I’d say make use of whatever device you have to start whatever you want to. Some people are limited by resources, cash, gadgets, like laptops and phones; but you can use other people’s phones. I told you I got into business with zero naira. But what I did not say was that it was my use of tech (social media) that got me started. In fact, I started business because I was hungry, I didn’t have a life. I used to depend on people to feed me. I was submitting CVs but to no avail. But how did I get customers. I began to post online while I talked to people, friends, family and I also went to the market to talk to people and that time I did not have a phone I used people’s phone to post online. As a matter of fact, the first sewing machine I used was also borrowed before my Mom bought me mine. But today, all that is history, success is now my name.
Challenges encountered
Like I’ve said, there was a time in 2018 that I was homeless. They threw my things out and for two months I was just sleeping anywhere. During this period, I’ve already made adverts on social media. People were calling to buy products. Sometimes I would cry because I had nowhere to sleep. But I had to hide my pain and actually wanted to commit suicide. I was tired and done. And I told myself no. So, it was truly a trying time for me. Honestly, I cannot remove God from my story. Anytime it looks as though things are falling apart, He comes through for me. Sometimes we forget our identity, but He is mercy.
By the time I had got my company running, in the early stages, a major challenge I faced was getting customers to trust and patronise my brand. However, by consistently offering quality products and exceptional customer service, I was able to gain their trust and loyalty. Also, there were times where our machines were not working for five months. And the technicians could not locate the fault. But the good thing is that for every time I wanted to quit, a customer had always made me bounce back.
Most memorable experience in business
I have many memorable experiences, one of which was when I was given an award of recognition for the most passionate entrepreneur of the year. This recognition boosted my confidence and made me realise that hard work pays off.
Some patterns in career women
One pattern I have noticed is that women tend to doubt themselves and their abilities. It is important for women to embrace their strengths and be confident in their abilities. They should also seek out mentors and build a strong network. Women bring a unique perspective and approach to business, which can lead to increased creativity and innovation. That is why I have opened a telegram group where I advise young women and where they also share same stories and more
Inspiration behind my motivational book
Motivate by my story, I have written the book, entitled: “Keep Saying it if you want it”. You must have a positive mindset. Despite the test, at that my low moments, I never gave up and never allowed it show on my face. I might be crying just now and immediately a customer calls me, I hold back the tears and talk normal. As a matter of fact, unless you are my very close friend, you might not know that I’ve been crying. You need to see yourself as an overcomer.
Challenges will come in life: the Bible also tells us that we must face trials and tribulations but we should see ourselves as overcomers for we shall overcome. So, don’t be discouraged. Go out there as an overcomer. But don’t forget to harness the power of being a volunteer, learn the ropes. Some people do not want to be an intern, forgetting that it is the quickest and cheapest way to learn.
I’ve volunteered for two people for free; and now I also own a multimillion naira company. And I am still volunteering, if I’m doing that I’m also building myself too in tech specialisation. So tomorrow if I tell you that I am setting up a tech company, you won’t be surprise. Let’s push ourselves. I know it’s not easy but God has blessed us, women, with multitasking. Women can push themselves: they give birth, breast feed, take care of the home and hubby, and much more. Go to school for what you want to learn, use the internet to improve on yourself. You can be schooling and working at the same time.
Men or women who helped me the most
Both genders have helped me but to be honest, women have helped me more. I think it is because we relate with ourselves more. They are struggling with something they also want to help with your struggles, so men you can do better (laughs).
My plea to the new administration
As business people, we look forward to policies that will favour us all. I must say, the naira-dollar exchange rates is affecting us. We are looking forward to a bigger factory and we want to expand to Africa and to other places of the world and these policies are important to us. I believe that this country can do more but funding is also key.
