Magazine

"I type eighty words per minute"- BAMBATA

by Anosi

I had this wonderful interview with {drum roll}... an entrepreneur extraordinaire- Bambata Omeiza Israel, he is the gentle spirited, gifted and generous CEO and Creative Director of Bambata Footwear and Accessories.

There were no limits with the questions at all ooh...   Welcome to Bambata the celebrity and the personality.

If you don’t build your dreams, someone else will hire you to build theirs.

Tell us about yourself?

 I am Omeiza Bamidele Israel CEO Bambata footwear and accessory, a 100% Nigerian footwear and accessory brand that combine traditional African patterns with contemporary style.

How did the BAMABATA brand start, and why that choice of name for your brand?

 I came up with the name after so much deliberation. I actually coined the name from my real name which is Bamidele. The ‘BAM’ from the first three letters of my name and ‘BATA’, which is a Yoruba word for foot wear.

          

Still on the brand name, there is a South African apparel company called ‘Bambata’ too. If you plan on expanding towards South Africa maybe, don’t you think this might affect your business?

 Okay, I know my company is registered in Nigeria. It’s a Nigerian brand; basically into footwear and accessories. It does not affect my work in any way.

 What made you start Bambata?

It is a call. I have a ten year background in Information technology and creative designs; worked for four different companies. Resigned 2003 and went back to school to study Visual art and Creative designs.

            

What has been your highest and lowest point (or turnoff) since you started?

{Smiles} Omo, these questions are technical oh!

 I have received lots of awards really; but I think having to make a presentation twice about what I do in the presence of the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Vice President for Western Union, West Africa with about twelve bank executives and a room filled to capacity by entrepreneurs from Nigeria and other African countries.

How were you able to build your brand that today, it is almost a household   name?

 It has been God really, plus dedication and focus; and not compromising on quality. It has also because of amazing, loyal and beautiful customers that we have, who wouldn't hesitate to recommend us to their friends and family.

Who are your customers and what are they like?

 They are fresh, fun- loving, beautiful, amazing super-stylish customers who like to express their individuality through style. They are young-at-heart individuals who want to something trendy, unique and quality at an affordable fee.

Okay, away of work and work-related issues. Tell us something we don’t already know about BAMBATA

Nothing special really, I am just an easy going guy who really loves to sing; strictly gospel though. A worshiper you my say, a visual artiste, a web and graphic designer who also types eighty words per minute. The closest I have seen anybody type is sixty words per minute.

Wow! That is amazing. So you can type faster than Eku Edewor, heard she is pretty fast too?

{Big smile} I should be able to beat her.

{ Anosi:  Miss Eku shei you hear?}

If your house was on fire and you were allowed to pick three things, what would they be?

 My documents, my laptop and some really expensive leather I have been keeping.

Have you ever dated a customer?

 Nope

                                       

 What activities make you lose track of time?

 Probably broadcasting or any job that allows me to talk. I love to talk.

                                   

What product have you made that you are most proud of?

Actually, I am proud of all my products, I consider everything I make special; but there is one that stands out of them all. It’s a simple, flat adorable female slipper. It has a name and an amazing story behind it. I call it my ‘baby’.

                                                                      

What is the oddest item you have ever bought with your money?

 I can’t think of any for now.

What would you do if you wake up one day, and you find out that a law has been passed that all Nigerians should no longer wear shoes?

I’d be visual artist... or any job that allows me to talk, I enjoy talking {embarrassed look}

 Oya! tell us about ‘aunty’ aka 'le boo', aka 'God sent'?

Errm …I’m a Reverend Father oh {smiles}. I think I am qualified for the seminary except for this business. It’s an amazing story, really. it is a story of God’s special grace. I know a lot of people want to know what’s up but I’ll ask they should just chill a little.

{laughs and looks embarrassed}

We are definitely waiting to hear all about it soon.

 Amen

 So that the prospective aunties can know how to win your heart, oya, what is your favourite food?

You won’t kill me with these your questions oh. I cannot marry because of food really.

{Anosi: Na wa oh he didn't tell us sha}

 A word of advice for young people who want to start a new business like yours

If you don’t build your dreams, someone else will hire you to build theirs. Don’t let people make you feel inadequate; carve a niche for yourself and plunge yourself into achieving those dreams. Never let go of those dreams because they are beautiful and they are YOURS. Remember the future only belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

 What is that part of the scripture that you meditate on that keeps you going?

Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not to thy own understanding- Proverbs 3 vs 5.

It’s been a wonderful time with you, thank you very much, we wish you all the best.

 You are welcome.