Onome Igugu has been able to transition seamlessly from a blogger to managing her website and also running her NGO called Trendy Mums. She is one versatile woman Exquisite magazine has found interest in. Let’s read up on her success story.
Tell us about Yourself.
I am Onome Igugu, a versatile professional in the media industry with a passion for growth and a love for challenges. My journey began over a decade ago as a blogger, and from there, I ventured into roles such as an On-Air Personality (OAP) at Nigeria Info FM, Lagos, and managing an online radio station. I later transitioned into account management within the digital marketing sector. Currently, I hold the position of Senior Account Manager at a content agency in Lagos.
Additionally, I oversee a news website, TSBNews.com, covering daily news and entertainment. Outside of my media roles, I am involved in pig farming and operate an NGO called TrendyMum, which advocates that “marriage and childbearing shouldn’t halt your dreams.”
What does your business do and how it started?
My business is a news and lifestyle blog known as TSB NEWS (www.tsbnews.com). I noticed a proliferation of sensationalized tabloids that often left readers confused or negatively influenced. In response, I founded my blog intending to deliver news and entertainment in a straightforward, factual, and reader-friendly format. Our goal is to provide readers with a simplified yet engaging way to grasp the core of each story.
We embarked on this journey in 2012, and we continue to thrive and grow.
How do you solve your customer’s challenge?
To address my readers’ challenges as a blogger, I start by understanding their needs and creating high-quality, practical content. I use diverse formats, engage with the audience, and provide resources for accessibility. Collaboration with experts and staying updated are key. Feedback, performance analysis, and adaptation to changing challenges are ongoing efforts. Building trust is essential for long-term success and establishing authority in my niche.
Who are your ideal customers?
Ideal customers for my news and lifestyle blog are typically individuals who have an interest in current events, lifestyle topics, and various niches within lifestyle. They are active internet users, engage with digital content, and seek information, solutions, or inspiration for their daily lives.
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
A typical day will be waking up at 6 a.m. and helping the kids prepare for school, while I get ready for work as well. Then, I get to the office where I need to manage work as well as manage my business on the side. I am glad I have an effective team that takes care of the job even as a working entrepreneur.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Being an entrepreneur has had a significant impact on my family life. It has brought both challenges and rewards. On the one hand, entrepreneurship often demands long hours and a high level of dedication, which can sometimes lead to a work-life imbalance. This means I might have less time to spend with my family, especially during busy periods or when dealing with urgent business matters.
However, being an entrepreneur has also provided certain advantages for my family. It has allowed for more flexibility in my schedule, enabling me to attend important family events and spend quality time with loved ones. Additionally, the potential for financial stability and growth that entrepreneurship offers can benefit the entire family.
What motivates you?
My motivation stems from reflecting on my journey and the progress I’ve made. Taking bold steps has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today. I find myself in a place I aspired to reach, no longer where I once was. My drive lies in continuously evolving and improving, striving to become a better version of myself with each passing year.
What is your greatest fear?
As a married blogger, my greatest fears revolve around privacy invasion, strains on my marital relationship due to blogging demands, negative feedback affecting my family, and maintaining a balance between family and blogging. I’m also concerned about conflicts of interest, online harassment, overexposing my family, comparisons with other bloggers, and the challenge of maintaining authenticity. Lastly, I worry about the potential impact of my blog on my children, including teasing or bullying. Despite these fears, I recognize the importance of setting boundaries, open communication with my spouse, and prioritizing my family’s well-being as I pursue my blogging career.
How do you define success?
Success, in my perspective, encompasses more than just achieving a balance across different facets of life such as work, family, health, and leisure to attain overall well-being. It also entails the positive influence I have on others and the contributions I make towards meaningful causes.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
What I value most about being an entrepreneur is having my own business to rely on when I decide to step away from paid employment.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
If I could advise my younger self, I’d encourage starting sooner and taking bold actions without the fear of failure. Failures, at times, are essential aspects of our path to personal growth. Whether it’s a single setback or multiple ones, it’s important to understand that each failure serves as a stepping stone towards long-term success. Ultimately, it comes down to your attitude and your openness to learn from your mistakes. No one is perfect, and neither are we. Embracing our errors is the doorway to progress. So, fail forward and never forget to celebrate your small victories along the way.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Certainly, the top three skills essential for success as an entrepreneur are:
- Adaptability and Resilience: Entrepreneurs must possess the capacity to adapt to unpredictable situations and rebound from setbacks. The ability to weather challenges is crucial in the entrepreneurial journey.
- Innovation and Creativity: Successful entrepreneurs excel at identifying distinctive opportunities and devising innovative solutions to meet market needs. Creativity is a driving force behind entrepreneurship.
- Effective Communication and Networking: Building and nurturing relationships with customers, investors, partners, and employees is foundational for entrepreneurs. Effective communication and networking skills are vital for establishing and growing a business.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Oprah Winfrey has had a significant influence on me as a media personality. Her interviewing skills, authenticity, commitment to empowerment, advocacy for diversity and inclusion, philanthropic efforts, and resilience have all inspired and informed my approach to media work. Her positive impact on individuals and society motivates me to use my platform for meaningful change and personal growth.
What advice would you give to people who want to become entrepreneurs?
Here’s a list of advice for individuals aspiring to become entrepreneurs:
- Discover your passion and validate your idea.
- Create a well-thought-out business plan.
- Cultivate a robust professional network.
- Begin with a small-scale approach and expand gradually.
- Prioritize delivering value and satisfying your customers.
- Embrace failures as valuable learning experiences.
- Exercise wise financial management and seek mentorship.
- Foster adaptability and innovation.
- Invest in personal growth and take calculated risks.
- Cultivate persistence and resilience.
- Maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Celebrate your achievements and milestones, regardless of the scale. Recognizing even small victories can provide motivation and keep you on course during challenging times.
What business-related book has inspired you the most? (or, What is your favorite book?)
That would be “How to Win Friends & Influence People” as it provides invaluable insights into enhancing your interpersonal skills. This book goes beyond basic people skills and delves into techniques that empower you to assume leadership roles and inspire enthusiasm within a group. Most notably, it teaches you the art of connecting with others without appearing manipulative, overly enthusiastic, or off-putting. For entrepreneurs, mastering the art of people management is crucial.
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
The Mum Who Believed She Could Conquer All
Please share the contact details you wish to be made public.
IG: @onomeigugu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onomeigugu/
