Olumayowa Ake, founder and CEO of Shuuu Footwear, a shoe manufacturing and export company based in Lagos, describes himself as an optimistic man. The 30-something-year-old, who had a two-year stint in the banking industry, told RUTH OLUROUNBI that his optimism has, partly, taken him thus far, since starting his N15.5 million company four years ago.

What’s Shuuu Footwear about?
Shuuu Footwear is a Nigerian Footwear Company that produces, distributes and sells affordable handmade and bespoke men and women’s shoes, sandals and slippers using the finest quality suede and leather materials.

When did the dream to start the business begin?
It all began in 2009.

How long did it take you to conceptualise this dream?
It took us couple of months.

You were in the banking industry before you left to start your own business, right? So how were your years in the banking industry like?
Those years, as far as I am concerned, were very interesting. I would say I gained my sales and marketing skills while working as a bank executive.

So why leave that for, of all businesses, footwear?
I love shoes! And may I say, as an entrepreneur, you must love what you do. So, since I love shoes and I am passionate about them, I decided to pursue that line of business.

Since you love shoes, how many of them do you have?  
I have about 15 pairs at the moment.

So, you have a factory here in Lagos?
Yes. We do have a factory here in Nigeria (smiles).

What kinds of shoes do you make?
We make corporate, casual and semi-casual shoes. We also make school sandals for kids, named shuuu for schools kids.

Do you export?
Yes, we export our shoes outside the country.

How long ago did you start Shuuu Footwear?
Since 2009, but we started producing our shoes in 2012.

So, you were you retailing or something?
I was basically buying and selling other brand’s footwear, until we started producing our shoes in 2012.

What was your start-up capital and how did you raise the fund?
I started with just three pairs of footwear which I sold to my close friends back then in 2009. I got those pairs for about N7,500. After I sold those shoes, I noticed there was a high demand for those particular designs which I saw as a great opportunity. Then I came up with a business plan which I shared with my folks. I was able to get a soft loan from them. That was how Shuuu started!

How did you come about your business name?
My elder brother, Olufemi and I came up with the name in 2009. He’s been very supportive, also, every member of my family. They’re simply the best! “SHUUU” from the word “SHOE” I guess one has to be creative when coming up with a brand name. You need a name that people will keep asking questions about, in a way that creates awareness for your brand.

Was starting the business as easy as you thought?
Not at all, but you know success doesn’t come easily; you have to work hard for it. In order to succeed, you must first be willing to fail – and you must have the courage to go for it anyway. If you can have this mindset as an entrepreneur, then, there is no limits to what you can achieve.

How are you, through your company, growing the national economy?
We been able to create employment in our own little way and we hope to contribute more as we expand.

How many staff members do you have?
Our staff strength is 20. That includes workshop/factory workers, business developers and sales representatives.

What are, in your opinion, the challenges confronting local entrepreneurs?
I think the major challenge, which has always been, is lack of start-up capital. Also, the inability to secure loan from financial institutions due higher lending rates and collateral, is a problem.

Are there any plans as to have a shoe production training school in the future?  
Never thought of that before, but I think it’s a good idea. In a way, it will empower more youths.

What other future plans do you have?
We want Shuuu Footwear to be recognised as one of the world’s leading footwear manufacturer of genuine handmade shoes in comfort, quality and style. Currently, we have and still appointing retailers to display and sell our products. This, we’re hoping will continue to increase more brand visibility and penetration in the market, which in turn will grow the business. Also, we want to create more job opportunities in the labour market.

How do you relax?
I read books and then I see couple of movies, but not too often.

Your hobbies?
I love Swimming, playing Lawn Tennis and Basketball.

If you’re not making shoes, what else would you have been doing?
Hmm, I guess it would still be SHUUU.

-Guardian