Simply called Radek, her full name is Foluke Moradeke Kupoluyi. Ever bubbly and a party rocker, you would not believe she hit 54 years old today. Married to a veteran journalist, who is the Chief Executive Officer of FLIPTV, Biodun Kupoluyi, you will enjoy every moment spent with Radek. Quite enterprising, you cannot fault her business sense as she stocks beautiful dresses and accessories for urbane women of style an even pregnant women at her Allen Avenue shop in Lagos. Radek speaks with Owambevibes in this interview
Founding RADEK Fashions
I studied Hotel and Catering Management at the prestigious Yaba College of Technology, Lagos and after my Higher National Diploma; I worked at the eatery, Tantalizers. There, I rose to the position of a Supervisor before the vision to be an entrepreneur overwhelmed me. I knew it was a risky venture to be an entrepreneur but I loved the risk, I wanted to be on my own, I want to determine my future. So, I started Radek from the boot of my Toyota Starlet car which I bought when I left Tantalisers. With God on my side, I ventured into the clothing business, moved from one location to the other, offices to offices and banks, selling on credits and at a point the cash inflow was low due to huge debts. It was a challenging period for me and I took the risk of a loan with defunct Intercontinental Bank on Ogudu road to travel to Dubai and replenished my stock. I used my car as collateral. I was told to park the car in the premises of the bank until I pay back. Today, it is history, now I stock the stores with fashionable clothes from fashion capitals of the world. It was a risk worth taking.
Why We Are At Allen Avenue After Years In Alade Market
It was strategic for the business. I took into consideration the profile of our customers. Daily, women of substance, government functionaries, royalties, achievers, celebrities, professionals walk in to buy one item or the other and I felt they deserve a level of comfort, privacy, I mean buying their clothes away from the prying eyes of the public. The ambience is welcoming, inviting especially for pregnant women to sit comfortably and shop.
Challenges
At the outset of the business, we had to move to Ogudu Shopping Plaza and the experience was most discouraging with daily low sales while loans were due for payment. You don’t tell banks or finance house that you had poor sales, each time you default or fail to pay your integrity is at stake and for me, which is key, I ensure loans are paid, managed and my integrity is intact. Currently, a business that kicked off from the boot of my car has grown into three thriving outlets with interests in supply of gift items, procurements and designs of corporate uniforms for multinational companies and other firms with technical support of expatriates.
Women In Business
No doubt men are at a great advantage when it comes to business and politics but women have a role to play in all of these as partners and home makers. I bet a little push given to any woman will add more value to the man and take unnecessary stress of him. Truth is, if women put half of the energy, resources and network men deploy to any project, given the same circumstances, the results will be enviable.
Marriage
Marriage has changed and blessed me tremendously. I married a man who gives me a lot of room to express myself, experiment, allows you to grow, spread your wings. Yes, we have our issues, challenges but not enough to break us. I married my friend, a gentleman, a loving father of his children, caring and protective of his children and family. My children are peaceful and my in-laws are fantastic, they don’t bother you. You are like another sister and that’s the way they relate with you. The Kupoluyis— home and abroad are a rare breed. Sometimes I wonder if it is because we are from the same place, I mean, we are both Ijesha, but, overtime I have come to realise it’s in their DNA. They just don’t bother you.
Life Lessons At 54
It is to perfect the use of my time, guard my time. If you watch successful people, the one thing they all have in common is that they guard their time. Time wasted is irreplaceable. I want to spend my time growing more in wisdom and harnessing more opportunities to grow.
Celebrating My 54th Birthday
I want to use my 54th birthday as an opportunity to thank all the wonderful people in my life, my husband, my family, children, my business angels, my uncles, aunts and my tireless staff who make me smile, happy everyday. I say God bless you all. Clocking 50+4 is a very remarkable moment in my life. I feel thankful to my Maker for creating me; I rejoice in the Lord that the journey to 50+4 has been a mixed bag of experiences, some good, and some bad. I feel grateful that life has been of great fulfillment with God on my side, my family, my friends have been my inspiration.
My Birthday Wish
I want the best in me to be fully harnessed. My businesses to grow have my kids succeed in their academics and remain in my happy home with my husband.
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