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COVID-19 has had positive impact on my business — Fashanu

Mary Fashanu

Mary Fashanu

Mary Fashanu, 29, is a business development consultant, coach and the founder of a consulting firm, Maryfash Limited. She tells TOLUWALOPE KAREEM about her career

Tell me about your childhood and educational background.

I was born in Ile Ife, Osun State, and I am the third of five children

For my elementary education, I attended Sijuwade Primary School, Ile Ife, and proceed to Sijuwade Comprehensive School, Ile- Ife, for my secondary education. In 2002, I moved to England and I attended St Thomas Aquinas School and Manchester Academy. For my college education, I attended North Trafford College where I graduated with a BTEC Diploma in Business. I also attended Aston University, England, and got a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Management with French and Spanish.

What were your aspirations as a child?

I wanted to be a nurse because my mum was a nurse. She was such a hard worker and took her profession to heart. I loved her work ethics and the care she showed to her her patients and people around her. I learnt a lot from her such as self-discipline, self-motivation, being a go-getter and not waiting or depending on anyone to get things done.

However, as I grew, I realized that I was not good at science subjects no matter how hard I tried. That was how my dream changed from nursing to wanting to become a successful business owner.

Give me an insight into your career trajectory.

I am a trained IT business analyst. This journey started in 2016 when I moved back to England. I needed a career change and upon considering my background and getting advice from my mentors, I researched business analysis and found out I had the right attributes to become a successful business analyst. I enrolled for the course got some work experience and had my first business analyst role in a multinational company. I have been a business analyst for three years.

What informed your decision to start your company?

When I started my entrepreneurial journey over eight years ago, it was a long, dark and tough road as I had no idea what I was doing and did not have the support system I craved. It was just me and my business ideas. As a result, I ended up dropping those ideas and focused on my degree and job, thinking that being an entrepreneur was not for me. However, that was until I met my first mentor and everything changed. I then realised I could do it.

From that time, I vowed to help individuals looking to start their own businesses because I understand firsthand how stressful, overwhelming and lonely it can be trying to start a business without support. My vision is to help as many individuals who are ready to take that step as possible.

As a business development and marketing consultant, how would you assess the Nigerian economy?

Nigerian economy can be better. There are many untapped potentials and opportunities, yet we have decided to focus on one source of income which is crude oil. We can do much more that could have propelled us farther than we are now. We could have been placed in a better position of power.

What are the major challenges you face as an entrepreneur?

They include lack of direction and the inability to leverage on opportunities that are available every day. Also, there is the cash flow problem – many entrepreneurs don’t know their numbers. They do not know what it means to break even.

Time management and proper prioritisation is also a challenge. And there’s the inability to allow help. Some entrepreneurs believe someone is out to get them or steal their ideas.

In what ways has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your business?

Somewhat positively. People are now using this lockdown period to grow and develop themselves and their businesses.

After the lockdown, it’s believed that there would be an economic lull. How can the government help startups weather the storm?

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They can do that providing tax relief and funds in form of grants.

In recent times, the emergence of social media influencers seem to have taken the shine off public relations practitioners. What’s your take on that?

I believe businesses should go for whatever works for them. However, I am traditional and would still stick to hiring a PR specialist as I believe they would be able to understand me and my business.

How did your background influence your career growth?

I don’t consider myself to be someone with a privileged background. While I am grateful for my journey so far, my career and business growth has been strongly influenced by my late mother. She was always my support system in all I set out to do.

What do you think are the major requirements for building a good public image as a company?

Understand your target audience, be sure of your message, identify your business goals and position your company.

What is the biggest lesson life has taught you?

To trust in God alone and His timing for me, and not putting all my eggs in one basket.

Have there been times when men tried to undermine your authority? If yes, how did you handle such a situation?

No. I do not put myself in situations where that can happen. There is a reason I am in a place of authority in the first place.

How do you pamper yourself?

I take time to rest, sleep and read.

What inspires your fashion choices?

I like being comfortable. So, I go for comfort and style.

What do you think young people should do to achieve success in career or business?

Determination and focus.

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