Exclusive Interview with BENCRUISE Cosmetology Consult, NYSC SAED TRAINER.

NYSC SAED (Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Develop) is taking a front burner in the Federal Government's quest for youths empowerment, development and employment, enjoy this interview excerpt conducted by Creative Writing SAED members at NYSC orientation camp Yikpata, Kwara state with Mr Benjamin Idakwo, CEO BENCRUISE Cosmetology Consult.
Interview Conducted by Corps Member:
Dodo Joan Ejiro, Ashaye Sunday Muyiwa, Akiode Oyin, Akan Uduak-Abasi Toyo, Edom Valentine, Kadiri Toluwalase Akorede, and Ogungbile Olanike Mercy


CAN WE MEET YOU?

 I am Idakwo Benjamin, CEO of  BENCRUISE cosmetology consult. I'm into various production of cream and body care products like soap making, disinfectants, germicides, air freshener, perfumes and the likes.

HOW DID YOU VENTURE INTO THIS LINE OF BUSINESS

l ventured into this line of business when l went to NYSC camp and saw SAED I  took advantage of it, since the white collar job in Nigeria is very questionable. Having gotten a formal education, I decided to get an informal education. And the truth is I'm not regretting it.

DO YOU HAVE A FLARE FOR ENTERPRENUERSHIP OR YOU DO IT FOR MONEY MARKING?

For you to make money you must look for a problem to solve and I saw one which I'm proud to say I'm solving big time. The major problem I'm solving is malaria. I formulate insecticides that kill not just mosquito but other insects and flies. It can even kill wall gecko and scorpions, and if not well handled can be harmful to  human health. So it is adviceable to wash hands after every usage.
  Being an entrepreneur is not about making money but looking for problems to solve and saving the lives of people.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR FIELD?

To become a professional, if there is interest , focus, and determination, then too much time isn't needed, at most 2 months you are ready to stand on your own, to multiply not just your income but lives because when you save a life you multiply them and what we do is needed everywhere, homes, schools, hospitals and even parastatals.

WHAT ARE THE MERITS AND DEMIRTS ATTACHED TO THE BUSINESS?

It is known that every business has it's own flaws, but every disappointment in a business you convert it to your appointment.
One demerit is if you do not have flare for the business and you have a non-chalant attitude you lose. If you are hardworking you excel.
The advantages are that you do not need power supply, and you can make the products at the comfort of your home, weather doesn't affect the production so long as you have the right chemicals in their correct proportion to produce. This business is also highly profitable.

HOW DO YOU SOURCE FOR MATERIALS?

We have already made materials in the chemical shop, you just go there get the ones you would need, mix to get your products and then you package them.

HOW DO YOU MARKET YOUR PRODUCTS?

There are avenues to market your products. Complimentary gifts is one of them, you give people your products so they can ascertain it's worth and come back to patronize even with referrals if the product is good. I'm more into training now because l want to change the mind set of youths who are awaiting White collar jobs which is highly limited. Learn a skill, find something you are passionate about, like me, I'm proud when I produce my products because l can Remember when l started back as a Corp member, people tried to talk me out but I stood firm and encouraged myself, and today I'm happy l took that step. There are disadvantages in everything, so look more at the advantage and focus less on the disadvantage, you'll make it.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO YOUTHS OF MANY WHO ARE STILL UNEMPLOYED?

Well it is a pity that the youths of nowadays are looking for fast and quick money, nobody wants to labour or work. Most of them are even praying to see money on the road when walking pass, but its very rare because people are very careful with their money now and won't want to lose it. They should leave that and focus more on being resourceful. If you're into production or you have a skill, the day you get a white collar job, you will still continue with what you are doing because it is your passion. Also there is no crime in having multiple stream of income. The more your income the more you rise in life and believe me 'shit money doesn't smell'. So no matter what, just have a legal way of making money, and you'll make an impact in the society. Nobody wants to know where the money is coming from, but once it's there you'll be respected.  So youths should take advantage of skill acquisition, but first passion, focus and determination must be there. I learnt how to produce 32 different products under NYSC SAED that is the reason I'm here to train others. Sowing time is painful, but when it is time to reap you'll enjoy And when you are sowing people will not ask questions and will despise you but when you are reaping they'll come to ask questions.
I emphasize on KSA which is Knowledge, Skill and Attitude, Knowledge and Skill is 15%, Attitude is 85%, this is to say that attitude is everything, it takes you far. without a skill attitude is a waste, and attitude without skills makes people praise you for nothing. But when you combine them you go far in life.

HOW DO PEOPLE WHO NEED YOUR PRODUCTS REACH YOU?

Response: they can reach me through my mobile number 08032371799.
 I'm BENCRUISE cosmetology consult, I've come into this business to make Nigerians very happy, I know where I'm coming from and where I'm going to. In a short time I will be known world wide for my products. My products are good, when you use them you gain favour, my perfumes, liquid soaps, air freshener and the rest. I encourage people learn and patronize me