Nigeria's online afrocentric store celebrates made in Nigeria at exhibition awards

kehinde omotosho

April 18, 2017 11:23 AM

Bellafricana creates a platform to celebrate creativity and exhibition in Nigeria and Africa.

The first edition of Bellafricana African Creative Exhibition and Awards which held on Monday, April 17, 2017 with the theme “Celebrating Creativity and Innovation”, was aimed at encouraging and rewarding the hardworking creative business owners for impacting lives and the economy.

The three phase event, Exhibition, Conference and Awards dinner, was pretty much exciting and left everyone wanting for more.

With the conference and exhibition running simultaneously, there wasn't a dull moment at any point.

We were greeted with all kinds of eco-friendly items ranging from fashion and beauty piece to arts and crafts from the very entrance of the beautiful, spacious and well-organised venue. It's exciting already.

I particularly was interested in the arts and crafts materials on display and found quite a number of them fascinating.

Some of the arts that caught my eyes were the mug art, thread and nail art, bamboo and raffia art and the wood art of course. You know, it's pretty interesting how beautiful art always turns out to be and all you need is just a sense of imagination, and of course, you've got to pay attention to details if you want something extraordinary.

The conference, "Practical steps to taking your business global" was the height of the daytime event for me. Although aimed more at the small and medium enterprises, the tips shared, in my opinion, goes for all.

Some of the speakers at the event were, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, Mrs Lola Coker-Esu, Mr Tobi Asehinde, Mrs Toki Mabogunje and a host of others.

Speaking on "Monetizing your creative idea", Mrs Lola Coker-Esu advises that it's best to 'make research and garner information about the industry you're setting out for. Garner necessary information of the people you'll be serving, and create a free marketing system for them.' She also added that 'it's paramount you find out what's working in the industry and what's not, then fill in the gap. That's what makes you stand out'

Speaking on "Branding that speaks for you", Mr Lanre Lawal encourages everyone to 'engage their clients every now and then in all sort of activities.' 'People will relate with you based on what they see, hear, taste and feel about you. In other words, create an emotional relationship/engagement with your clients.'

Other tips that was shared by the various speakers at the event were the need to know your target audience, marketing with social media, being proactive and open-minded, having a vision and a purpose for your business among other incredible and practical tips.

The Bellafricana Ace award wasn't only fun and dope, it was pretty much enlightening, encouraging and educating.

For lovers of business and entrepreneurship, this edition leaves us wanting and looking forward to the second.

kehinde omotosho