OPTG: It’s a pleasure to meet the face behind Nicole & Giovanni. Tell us more about yourself –your background, education, family.
Segun: Thank you OPTG. My name is Segun Abiona. I am a salesman, a sock merchant and the creative director of Nicole & Giovanni Ltd. I had my first degree in Finance from University of Lagos and a masters in Financial Management with a specialisation in corporate governance from Middlesex University, West London. I am married to the most beautiful woman who doubles as my business partner and we are honoured to be parents of two adorable children.
OPTG: What motivated you to leave your 9-5 job, relocate to Nigeria and start this business?
Segun: My restless desire to achieve more with my life and time coupled with a divine instruction to show the world that people can own successful businesses and still live a good and fulfilling life.
OPTG: You do more than just make socks, please tell us more.
Segun: Well I’m primarily a sock merchant but I also have the mandate to
inspire, educate and train upcoming entrepreneurs in their quest to fulfil destiny and achieve the unthinkable.
OPTG: Tell us about your journey to this moment. What were your challenges? Who or what influenced and/or inspired you?
Segun: It has been a challenging yet fulfilling experience so far. Launching and growing a business in Nigeria can be a tough terrain to travel. Interestingly, i have been in very difficult positions and have taken decisive but strategic decisions which could have gone either way but with Gods divine instructions, have been the right to push us to another level. I see every challenge as an opportunity to recreate and be better than the last. I
am privileged to have come across many people of great influence but Mr Felix Ohiwerei stands out. We met on few occasions and invited he invited me to his house, spoke to me like a son, prayed for me and gave me the best advise that keeps me in line till date.
OPTG: What have you learnt along the way?
Segun: Consistency is key especially at the point when faced with challenges that seem insurmountable. Just keep on moving!
OPTG: What advise will you give particularly young people who are yet to identify their passion?
Segun: Look within! Your past experiences, challenges and discomfort all align to trigger your passion. Your passion is that thing you love to do to bring a solution/value to a pressing need. One people are willing to exchange money for.
OPTG: What is next in the pipeline for you?
Segun: We are currently looking forward to the brand launch in the US and
Ghana this summer.
OPTG: How can people connect with you? (Please list the social media handles you would like OPTG to share and at least three pictures in jpeg).
Segun:
Website: www.nicoleandgiovanni.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicolendgiovannisocks
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicoleandgiovannisocks
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ngsocks
Call: 08103402235