Four years ago, I started writing my first book and also founded a publishing company, Tani-Series Ltd. I wanted to create a platform that could serve my work and like-minded storytellers. Before this, I’d been a founding member of a business (Econet Nigeria, 2001) and a co-founder of OhSo Nutrition (2014). I also sit on the board of a few companies. Despite my extensive business experience, Tani-Series Ltd is my first solo business voyage. Little wonder it has offered me new lessons about chasing one’s dream and running a business. My books are about dreamers and doers, and I often find myself drawing inspiration from their stories. Here are some of my reflections on writing and publishing.
People Matter
When I researched my first two books on Literary Arts and Music, I found a common thread–the people profiled all had at least one person who believed in them enough to support their dream or give them an opportunity. For some people, like King Sunny Ade, a stranger in their sector took them under their wings. For others, like Chinua Achebe, family or friends offered resources so they could pursue their dreams.
I’ve written about an HBR Case Study (2006) being my first published work. Yet, it took another 14 years for me to write my first book, although I always wanted to do it. In 2020, during the worldwide COVID-19 lockdown, my husband said to me, “Foluke, you’re always talking about writing a book. Why can’t you do it? This is the time.” The world was chaotic and uncertain, yet he believed that was the time. His belief spurred me on to kickstart my writing and publishing journey.
“People may give you the push you need to start, but you must be ready to sustain yourself along the journey.”
Every Experience Counts
I admire Gen-Zers for being the generation that seems to discover and pursue their passion early on. Sometimes, I think that if I was a Gen-Zer, I’d have been a pure artist from the jump instead of trying to mould myself into the societal convention of a corporate path. After decades in the business sector, delving into a more artistic career was certainly daunting.
Interestingly, much of my corporate sector experience has translated into my new path. Back in 2001 when we were founding Econet Nigeria, many thought we wouldn’t get a mobile telecoms licence because we were all young. Yet, we persevered. I applied to Harvard Business School three times before I got in. Pivoting into a new path has not been hitch-free, but the memories and experience of navigating past paths have helped. Somedays, I remind myself that just as I organised my thoughts, set targets, and went for daunting goals in the corporate sector, I can use the same strong will in my creative pursuit. People may give you the push you need to start, but you must sustain yourself along the journey.
You Can Be Many Things
When I first conceived the I Am A Nigerian In… series, I imagined that every person profiled would fit neatly in a category—Literary Arts, Music, STEM, Sports, Business etc. The more I research and write, the more I find myself penning more than one descriptor under each person’s name. Many made their name in one sector, but some also had other interests they actively pursued in other sectors. This has helped me to embrace my many different interests even more. Yes, I’m a writer and publisher now, but that’s not all I am. I still sit on the boards of a few companies, and I enjoy contributing to the growth of those organisations. In fact, I now actively affirm that my thought patterns, creativity, business acumen and everything else are just gifts in a complete and carefully curated package given to me by God.
Nobody Has It Easy
After profiling 45 people across 3 books and researching even more, I’ve seen that none had a smooth journey. Whether from poor or privileged backgrounds, they all faced different vicissitudes of life on their way to success. What they all have in common was that they followed their vision regardless of adversity, criticism, or the environment. By blazing trails, they not only fulfilled their personal dreams but also inspired others to do the same. I remind myself of this when I’m tempted to focus on things like the rising cost of productions or sales numbers. The circumstances may not be perfect, but I owe it to myself and others to write the books in my heart and run the publishing company of my dreams.
It’s been four years since I started this writing and publishing journey, and they’ve been years of learning, dreaming and doing. I said earlier that people matter; that stands true beyond the initial push. Running Tani-Series Ltd is the first time I’ve ventured out alone but, even now, my team works hard with me. I’m drawing from the strengths of those around me and the stories of those I’m writing about. In all, I keep finding that God’s grace is sufficient and it has given me all I need for every moment.
