Omobolaji Adeola Alagbe is the CEO of Bjayfruitsandevents, alongside her sister brand, Bjayfruitsandmore. Bjayfruitsandevents is her event page, where they offer a range of services, including cocktails and mocktails, drinks management, fruit displays, fruit salads, parfaits, and more. On the other hand, Bjayfruitsandmore is her walk-in outlet where they sell fruit parfaits and pouch drinks for daily consumption. The outlet is located inside Weeldrop Filling Station, Olororo Bus Stop, Orita Challenge Road.
“I started events as a side hustle while working in the bank many years ago. I never had the intention of going fully into events,” Omobolaji shares.
I started events as a side hustle while working in the bank many years ago. I never had the intention of going fully into events,” Omobolaji shares.
She initially assisted her sister, who later became her boss, @simoffruit, in running event activities. While she pursued her banking career, working with both microfinance and commercial banks, she worked at Seedvest Microfinance Bank, the then ECO Bank, and also Union Bank.
“I started working with my sister, and years after, I fell in love with events as a whole. Eventually, I decided to start my own brand and quit banking. And here we are today with Bjayfruitsandevents.“
What Inspired Her Career Choice?
“My sister @simoffruit inspired me. She was a civil servant, an event guru, a mother, and balances everything so well. Her ability to manage it all and still have a beautiful life motivated me a lot.”
Getting Started in the Industry
“The fact that people knew me through my sister’s brand really helped my growth. They recognized that I had been working with someone for years, which gave me credibility.”
Challenges in the Beginning
“Starting my own brand came with challenges, including purchasing tools, working extra hard to gain customers, and investing a lot into the business.”
What Keeps Her Going?
“Self-determination and believing in myself. If others can do it and grow, then I can too.”
“Self-determination and believing in myself. If others can do it and grow, then I can too.”
Most Influential Person in Her Journey
“@simoffruit, Simisola Moradeke Awe.”
Handling Failure and Setbacks
“I get to the root cause of the failure and figure out how to prevent it from happening again.”
Most Valuable Lesson Learned
“Always pay attention to details and listen to feedback because they go a very long way.”
A Project She’s Most Proud Of
“To be sincere, we are proud of all our events. We have executed over 200 events since we started, and to the glory of God, we are proud of them all.”
“To be sincere, we are proud of all our events. We have executed over 200 events since we started, and to the glory of God, we are proud of them all.”
Staying Motivated During Tough Times
“I am very optimistic, so I give my best even during the toughest times.”
Mentorship
“Yes, my mentor is my sister and boss, @simoffruit. Her strength, zeal, and passion for the work have always motivated me.”
Continuous Learning and Growth
“I attend training sessions, seminars, and ask my superiors for advice when needed. I also make online research and learn through Google.”
Advice for Beginners in the Industry
“Stay focused and be truthful to yourself. You can’t be truthful to others if you’re not truthful to yourself.”
Handling Criticism and Negative Feedback Online
“I pay attention to what caused the negative feedback, address the issue in a calm and polite way, and ensure there’s no reoccurrence in the future.”
Best Social Media Platforms for Her Brand
“WhatsApp and Instagram work best for me.”
Common Misconceptions About Her
“People think my prices are on the high side until they get close and see my price list, then they realize our prices are very reasonable.”
Balancing Work and Personal Life
“As an event person, our work is also our life. As we work, our work also creates an avenue for us to have fun. 😁”
The Role of Networking
“Networking helps people get to know my brand both inside and outside our state.”
What Keeps Her Inspired
“The joy I derive after a successful event and the positive feedback I receive from clients keep me going.”
Best Career Advice Received
“To keep going, never give up, and know that my brand will be known internationally.”
Celebrating Wins
“I love to celebrate my wins BIG.”
Future Vision
“I see my brand being recognized internationally, becoming the top vendor in my field, and expanding across Nigeria.”
The Story Behind the Brand’s Name
“My brand name is an abbreviation of my name—Bjay comes from Bolaji.”
Brand Mission
“Creating long-lasting memories for our clients with our deliverables.”
How She Wants Customers to Feel About the Brand
“We want our customers to feel relaxed and know that we are professionals in our field. We have been known for excellent service over the years.”
One Word to Describe the Brand
“Excellent service.”
First Big Breakthrough
“Having our walk-in outlet where people can find us and where we can also deliver daily orders.”
Sacrifices Made to Build the Brand
“A lot of sacrifices have been made along the way, but we thank God for the positive results.”
Major Risk That Paid Off
“Traveling a very far distance for an event. It was a huge risk, but the event brought many more jobs our way.”
Building Customer Trust
“By delivering exceptional service. An adage says, ‘First impression lasts longer.'”
Keeping the Audience Engaged
“By posting content they love to see.”
Customer Service Philosophy
“Treat every customer like a king or queen. A happy customer can bring ten more customers.”
What Customers Love Most About the Brand
“Keeping to time and our presentation.”
Helpful Partnerships and Collaborations
“Working with event planners and referrals from colleagues and many more have helped our brand.”
What She Wishes She Knew Before Starting
“I wish I had started earlier! The event industry is really a sweet place.”
Big ups to you Bjay, the goal is global, kudos to you