Deborah Oluwatobi has always had a long-term goal of not actively working at age 50, and that propelled her to start up LaGrange Events, which provides top-notch event planning and services to clients. Let’s read up on her story!
Tell us about Yourself
My name is Deborah Oluwatobi Moses. I am the founder and Creative Director of LaGrande Events.
What does your business do and how it started:
At LaGrande Events, we provide top-notch event planning and execution services to clients. Our services include Event Planning, Event Design, Event coordination, Vendor sourcing and Consultation.
First, when I hit 25, a thought ran through my mind and it was “Hmmm! Girl, it’s 25 more years to 50”. I’ve always had this long-term goal of not actively working at 50. I want to have built legacies that can always turn in revenues while I’m old and grey. I gave it so much thought at the time but nothing looked grand enough. A year and a few months later, I planned a wedding with my friend, the bride and I had uttermost joy while at it, Then I realized this could be it. Something I enjoy doing while making money from it- Event planning it is!
How do you solve your customer’s challenge?
Because Events are of different types, we do not do a one size fits all approach. We first try to understand the type of event the client wants to have and outline what’s most important to them. I’ve also been able to build a reliable team of vendors who understand the assignment whenever I call.
Who are your ideal customers?
My customers include adults from 18 -65yrs
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
What my typical day looks like in bullets:
• Wake up
• Pray
• Get ready for work (I still have a 9 – 5)
• Post Event planning relative content on my socials
• Follow up leads from adverts and referrals.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
It has been both positive and negative. Positive in the sense that, I can comfortably do more for myself and my family while the negative is that I’m a bit withdrawn during the planning stages and may not interact much with my family members.
What motivates you?
A whole lot but above all, it’s the desire to be self-sufficient, financially stable and lead an impactful life that keeps me going.
What is your greatest fear?
F.A.I.L.U.R.E. It took me quite a while to launch my business even after undergoing training and getting certified because I didn’t want to start something and have to shut it down if it doesn’t go as envisioned.
How do you define success?
Success for me is being able to impact the lives of many youths positively.
What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
It’s the gratification from knowing that I control the odds and that whatever returns I get are of my own making. Also the joy of seeing my brain child come alive and thriving.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
I’d do away with some wrong notions. Like believing since my business was serviced-based, it required little or no money to start. LOL….
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Good Communication skills, negotiation skills, creativity and time management. Oh you said three
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Mrs Ibukun Awosika and every woman who has been able to Wade her way through limitations to the limelight.
What advice would you give to people who want to become entrepreneurs?
Learn, take courses both for business and financial management then have Money, enough start-up capital and day-to-day runnings.
What business-related book has inspired you the most?
I haven’t really read books on business but I’ve taken lots of courses on business.
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
Beyond Borders? The Boundary? It’ll be a book about waiting and how to keep living while waiting for that big break.
Please share the contact details you wish to be made public.
Please Kindly follow LaGrande Events on
• Instagram: @events_by_lagrande and @i_am_derbyy
• Facebook @eventsbylagrande
• WhatsApp: 09011253758 or Call : 08183336309 for bookings and enquiry.
