CELEBRITY GUEST – OLAKUNLE OLADEHIN, BHEERHUGZ BRAND (MEDICAL DOCTOR CUM ENTREPRENEUR)

Hey guys, 

They say doctors are one of the busiest people on earth. Always on the move, never found lacking. If they aren't attending to patients or attending seminars, they are researching the next big thing. They are mostly satisfied with what they know how to do best, BEING A DOCTOR.

Well, not this Doc., young, intelligent, resilient and hardworking...and he is Nigerian.

So freaking excited! 

The first time I met him I was so intrigued that I started marketing for him without even knowing it.

He is someone I admire (believe me which is rare) and respect( which even more rare, don't blame me, take a good look around). Anyway, I am sure you guys can't wait too. So I will stop my chitchat and have you read his interview. 

Oh, his is name is Dr. Olakunle Oladehin, the brain behind the BHEERHUGZ BRAND!

If you didn't know, now you know…you can thank me later.

Real Gentlehawk: Can we meet you and what do you do?

Olakunle: I am Dr Olakunle Oladehin. I am a physician, a researcher, a family oriented man and lastly a young Nigerian entrepreneur. I live and schooled in Lagos, Nigeria, I have been in Lagos all my life. Everyone has a story, so do I. It was never easy.

Real Gentlehawk: What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business? 

Olakunle: Being the restless person that I am, I had to channel my spare time into something I had passion for. Something I was confident that passion will see me through no matter how hard things got. Change is a constant requirement in everything we do. You see, we cease to exist once we cease to change. My key driver for change has been "continuous improvement".

 

Real Gentlehawk: How did the idea for your business come about?

Olakunle: My passion for hospitality started while in medical school. As director of socials, I had the opportunity to play around with several ideas just as any teenager would. I fantasized about being an actor, owning a restaurant and still practicing my medical profession at the same time.

 

Real Gentlehawk: How do you build a successful customer base?

Olakunle: From the very onset, it was clear that having a successful restaurant would require that first timers coming back. It was also important that we understand and track our customers. So even when we do not see them, we still want to engage with them. Hence, we took full advantage of technology.

We created our loyalty Card platform (Hugz Fun Rewardz) which has really grown over the last 4 years and also improved in terms of user interface. Card holders get a lot of benefits and rewards, and more importantly, we also get to engage them even when they haven't visited in a while.

On the flip side, we also believe in giving back to the society. Supporting noble causes that elevate mankind. We recently gave out 100s of insecticide treated nets in our support to End Malaria scourge as well as support voluntary organizations as part of our corporate social responsibilities. 

 

Real Gentlehawk: Can you please describe your typical day?

Olakunle: I sleep mandatorily for 6 hours everyday. I dislike to talk on phone. Love to be the on social media and most importantly spend time with my family - which is the highlight.

 

Real Gentlehawk: What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

Olakunle: My greatest fear is failure. I however understand that failure sometimes is part of the game. Take calculated risk and leave the rest to God.

 

Real Gentlehawk: How do you define success?

Olakunle: Empowering people and creating more entrepreneurs.

 

Real Gentlehawk: Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Olakunle: My father, Samuel Olafemiwa Oladehin. A seasoned accountant who taught me 30 years ago that no matter what profession i did in life, i must know and embrace the principles of accounting. Being a man of God, He also taught me to have the fear God and always do good. His legacy lives on as he passed away in 2007.

 

Real Gentlehawk: I am sorry, may his soul rest in peace.

Olakunle: Thanks, I wish he was still around to see what he started.

Real Gentlehawk: What book has inspired you the most? (OR What is your favorite book?)

Olakunle: I am not one to pick up books.......though, I am writing my own book. Hope you will read it. LOL

 

Real Gentlehawk: Why not, if you send me a copy. So what have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?

Olakunle: I failed in almost everything at some point in life. I failed pathology in medical school, I have failed in relationships, in other business endeavors. Like I said earlier my greatest fear still is failure...... then again, failure is part of the journey. My  biggest lesson from failure is timing. Many factors contribute to failure, however, Timing is the biggest of all. 

 

Real Gentlehawk: What advice would you give to college students who want to become entrepreneurs?

Olakunle: No idea is stupid. You are better with something you have passion for. All you need is timing or let's say Perfect timing, if you understand what I'm trying to say...... Hit the rod when it is hot!!

Real Gentlehawk: Thank you so much for the interview.

Olakunle: It was a pleasure!

So you hear it from the horse’s mouth, keeping it true and real, will the the long run get you to that place. Keep pushing, loving and feeding your passion is all you need to be great. Giving up ain't an option! Try and try again. Failure is just a way of telling you, yep, I just learnt another way of not doing it that way.

Therefore, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes by Albert Einstein.

So peace out,

Your Gal,

Real Gentlehawk!

CELEBRITY GUEST - UFUOMA ( GOSPEL ARTIST)

Hey guys,

Welcome! Today I will be sharing with you my interview with another celeb. This time our celeb is one of Nigeria most talented Gospel Artist of our time.

Some of you may have heard of her or even had a chance to be ministered to by her. 

She is no one other than the Amazing Ufuoma.

Now, for those of you who haven't heard of the talented artist, don't worry we've got you covered.

So without further ado, here is the interview we had with Ufuoma. 

Real Gentlehawk: Please can you introduce yourself, especially to our readers  who doesn't really know you. Also can you tell us a bit about what growing up was like for you? 

Ufuoma: I was born in Lagos -  Nigeria but hail from Ughelli North in Delta state, south-south Nigeria. The fifth of twelve children. My growing up was pretty strict cos my dad was very strict. My father is late Pastor F.A. Onofeghara,  an Elder in RCCG and a Professor  at University of Port –harcourt, he thought us God’s word everyday and my mother is late Mrs B. D. Onofeghara who was a principal at UDSS University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. I am currently studying  B.A. English in Open university Nigeria.

I am a Gospel artist and a song writer. My debut four track E.P“Your Love” was recorded and mixed in Nigeria in 2015. Its been described as a blessing, with the hit track “ Your love”, a soft rock tune,  is ministering to people around the world. My latest work which is a new single “Yeshua”, will hit the airwaves on the 16th of July 2016 and am super excited about this single.

Real Gentlehawk:  Can you tell us how you came about doing what you do? How long have you been doing this? 

Ufuoma: I started singing early in church choirs especially in primary and secondary school. I was also brought up to love music by my music loving parents. In fact my dad wrote lots of songs for a group he formed called “The Redeemed Family Voices” and most time, he took me along for programs to minister.

I was inspired early by Yolanda Adams, I would watch all of her performances and try to sing like her. 

But as time passed i began to yearn for more because  I felt there was more to music and wanted more. So when my relationship with the Holy Spirit became more intimate and I discovered and understood that music is a tool one can use to tell a story and from this story - a person’s spirit can be delivered, lifted and even healed. And that was how a ministry was born, I heard the word expressly from the Holy Spirit to go and use this gift to bless lives, change men and women, He said, go and testify in worship and the rest is history .

I'm called to worship, music that minister to God and bless His people. My aggressive  singing style has ushered many, - in concerts, crusades and churches-, into the presence of God.

Real Gentlehawk: Do you play any instrument? If no, if you had a choice to choose, which?

Ufuoma: I play the keyboard for myself when I want to write music. I also learning to play the guitar.

Real Gentlehawk:  Any favorite musician/artist? 

Ufuoma:  Oh yes! Though I love different genre of music and different artists, so there are a lot of artists I look up to. Artists such as Jill Scot, Sinach, Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Plumb, Adele, Bob Marley, Whitney Houston and Ella Fitzgerald. All these artists have helped me be a better artist. And oh, by the way, I'm a Jazz lover.

Real Gentlehawk: Any embarrassing moment in your career so far?

Ufuoma: Hahaha! Yes o, the embarrassing moment that I will always remember was when I was to take the lead of a song. Asu Ekiye, was the music director, by the way, I actually forced myself into the program. After all the rehearsals, on the day of the concert when I was given the mic and after playing the intro, my voice ceased, I just couldn't bring out any sound. When it finally came out, it cracked and sounded horrible. It was so embarrassing that I wish the floor could just open and swallow me. Horrible! *laughs*

Real Gentlehawk: What is a perfect day like for you?

Ufuoma: A perfect day for me is to wake up at home, to hubby and my beautiful children. Can't trade that.

Real Gentlehawk: How will your friends describe you.

Ufuoma: Well I don't have so many friends cos I'm so poor at staying in touch but I've repented (meaning I'm trying to change). They will say, I love to say my mind and I hate to be taken for granted. Top most they will say I hate pride and love humility...

Real Gentlehawk: Can you talk about people or books you have read that have inspired you to embark on your career path / profession?

Ufuoma: I would say two people, Spiritually - the Holy spirit changed my life, He is my best and closest friend and buddy. Musically - Yolanda Adams affected, I started expressing myself a lot better after watching her. My best book is the bible, yes it truly is. And also Joseph Prince and Joyce Meyers books, I love them. I love all their books I've read so far. They have helped my mind and taught me about grace and God’s love and how to follow God’s plan for my life.

Real Gentlehawk: So what advice will you give to your younger self?

Ufuoma: Pursue your dream early, stop procrastinating. Do it now, don't allow people define you. Follow what you are passionate about.

Real Gentlehawk:  Any last words/advice?

Ufuoma: My last word of advice is to check yourself, where do people appreciate you the most, think about it. When you get to know, stay there cos that's your strength. Develop it, study it, don't look down on it, stir it. Forget negative people, and always have people that believe in you, around you. Don't ever give up.

So there you have it, another wonderful Nigerian doing her thing, influencing and impacting lives by just being true and real! 

Yet another time when I get to hijack a celebrity for you guys, remain real and true to yourself.

Don't be a cheaper version of your original.

I will like to hear from you, so send me your comments, suggestions or even let me know which celeb you want interviewed and what questions you want asked. And we will move mountains to try to get them for you.

Peace out!

Real Gentlehawk