Mr. Lasun Gbenga Titiloye is the Chief Executive Officer of Elegant Artists, a business outfit in Ilorin, Kwara State.
His business outfit specialises in production of greeting cards, plaques and printing works.
Titiloye explained that artistry is an innate talent, which he discovered at the age of seven and developed.
”I discovered by creative talent at the tender age of seven years. I was encouraged by my mother to exploit it and after secondary school, I proceeded to College of Education Ilorin, where I studied Fine Arts,” he said.
According to him, while in higher institution he had the opportunity of having practical orientation from an artist who owned a shop close to his house.
He said, “After graduation, I established my business in 2004 with little capital less than N20,000.”
The entrepreneur, however, stressed that capital is not the major factor in setting up business but discovering one’s talent and exploring it for economic gain.
The seasoned artist who listed the state government as a patron, said the good quality of his works is a major source of attraction to customers.
He said, “Some of my colleagues that are into this business are not computer literate. The edge I have over them is that I am computer literate and have computer sets.
“Another important factor is meeting the target of clients, having a cordial relationship with them by being honest and good service delivery.”
The CEO revealed that many school proprietors have approached him for teaching job but he shunned them because his business is more profitable.
“Many principals have approached me to come and teach Fine Art in their schools but I turned down the request because I want to expand my studio and don’t want distractions,” he further said.
Titiloye urged youths to embrace vocational/entrepreneurial skills alongside formal education, in order to have something to fall back on if they are unable to get white collar job.
He also implored the state government to assist people with soft loans and create enabling environment for business activities to thrive in the state.
