In a candid conversation, Temitope Olukunle, the founder of the University of Freelancing and Outnovately Africa, opens up about her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the sacrifices, challenges, and lessons that have defined her path.
Temitope’s entrepreneurial spirit can be traced back to her childhood, enriched by her mother’s relentless work ethic. Growing up in a modest environment, where selling pure water was their primary business, Temitope was introduced to the world of commerce at an early age. She fondly recalls her early experiences, stating, “I started hawking for my mum, and as we grew older, we gradually expanded our venture. By the time I was 17, we moved away from hawking, but my exposure to business remained.”
Her academic pursuits were not without hurdles. After five challenging years of attempting to gain admission, repeatedly taking the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams and narrowly missing the cut-off marks, she finally secured a spot at Ekiti State University to study Geography. “Those years were emotionally taxing, filled with despair and a sense of falling behind my peers. However, gaining admission marked a significant turning point in my life,” she reflects.
Furthering her education, Temitope pursued a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and Strategy at the University of Lagos. The blend of her childhood experiences and academic challenges has been instrumental in shaping her resilience and determination. “They instilled in me the importance of perseverance, faith, and seizing opportunities, even when the odds seemed stacked against me,” she emphasizes.
Describing her journey in entrepreneurship, Temitope notes, “It has been a testament to the unwavering guidance of God.” Her career kick-started as an executive assistant to a CEO in Abuja after she learned tailoring during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. This experience opened her eyes to the corporate world and provided her with invaluable insights.
Starting with a modest salary of N30,000 to N40,000, she faced skepticism about her job choice, but her focus remained on gaining experience. Within three months, her salary doubled, and she received a promotion that relocated her to Lagos to establish a new branch. “This marked the beginning of a transformative journey for me,” she recalls.
Reflecting on her career trajectory, Temitope shares various experiences, including a pivotal moment at a law firm where she almost left after realizing the job involved more errands than professional tasks. “This clash with my executive mindset led to my departure, marked by tears and reflection,” she recounts. These experiences have equipped her to navigate different sectors, allowing her to appreciate the lessons embedded in each chapter of her life
Temitope began her entrepreneurial journey in earnest in 2014, initially engaging in a side hustle while maintaining her corporate job. In 2018, she fully immersed herself in business, leveraging her personal brand by creating courses, writing a book, and conducting online masterclasses. She acknowledges that sacrifices have been a constant part of her journey, particularly the sacrifice of sleep. “As a solo entrepreneur, I have had to juggle multiple roles, adopting various titles like ‘Chief Execution Officer’, ‘Chief Emotional Officer’, and ‘Chief Empowerment Officer’,” she explains.
In the early stages, she took a hands-on approach, managing everything from marketing to executive decision-making. As her business grew, she learned the importance of delegation and now manages a team of over 40 volunteers and three virtual assistants. “Creating structures and systems was essential in understanding how each individual contributes to the overall success of the venture,” she notes.
Temitope also emphasizes the importance of proactively building her brand. Instead of waiting for opportunities, she initiated her own podcast, events, and conferences, which helped establish her presence and attract further opportunities. “The sacrifices of time and effort invested in strategic brand-building have been crucial in shaping my journey,” she reflects, confident that this is only the beginning of her entrepreneurial evolution.
Temitope identifies one of her significant challenges as being a ‘multi-preneur’ with diverse interests and skills, which initially led to confusion in her brand positioning. “I struggled to find coherence among the various services I offered. The turning point came when I realized the importance of intentional positioning,” she explains.
She faced additional hurdles in understanding the dynamics of influencer marketing trends. While she prioritized showcasing results and coaching success stories, she encountered difficulties with prevalent marketing approaches. “Despite these challenges, I focused on authenticity and intentional positioning, which helped me build a personal brand aligned with my values and business objectives,” she states
With job scarcity being a pressing issue in Nigeria, Temitope believes it is crucial to recognize the coexistence of opportunities and seekers. “The root cause lies in the mismatch between job market needs and individuals’ skills. We need to evolve our education system to meet industry demands, fostering collaboration between the private sector and academia,” she proposes.
She advocates for a shift in mindset, encouraging entrepreneurship rather than solely expecting employment post-education. “Promoting self-initiated ventures can alleviate job pressure. Investing in soft skills training and practical experiences through internships can significantly enhance employability,” she adds.
Among the hardest lessons Temitope has learned is the importance of visibility and self-promotion. “Being talented is not enough if no one knows about you. It’s akin to winking at someone in the dark—there’s no impact. I’ve learned to vocalize my skills and business, gradually building influence and income,” she explains.
As she continues her journey, Temitope Olukunle stands as a testament to resilience, growth, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Her story inspires many aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace their sacrifices, navigate challenges, and carve their paths in the ever-evolving business landscape.
