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Funto Oni[/caption]In a fun chat with the beautified one, the author of the classic beauty book, 'Beautified'; the co-founder of LACE Royal and the CEO of Beautified Concept, a beauty firm that not only beautify faces but beautify lives. Funto Oni bares it all in this chat with Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'.
She talks about the death of her father, her book launch, relationship status and her financial strength; this is an interview that will propel you forward. Enjoy!
Your name is fast becoming a brand among young people. How did you get here?
Honestly, I can't say it's because of anything magnificent I've done. It's just a simple decision I made a few years ago to have fun, fulfill purpose and add value to lives of people around me. I try to do all three in my everyday life and maybe that's how I got here.
Have fun, fulfill purpose and add value, can you expatiate further?
I think that's very simple. Whatever I do, I make sure it’s fun; I love to play, laugh and just have fun; I don't take life too seriously and I really believe having fun should be a priority in the life of anyone who wants better health, greater happiness and less stress. Fulfilling purpose is about finding out what exactly God's will for my life is and seeking His direction per time; its different from being ambitious and having my own goals and vision different from what God wants me to do; so at every point, I'm asking "God is this your will for me?" or "What would you have me do, Lord?"; adding value to people is about being there when they need you, helping them achieve their goals; giving a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and just being a good friend. Like they say, "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care"
That's profound. You launched a book recently and you have also been an inspirational figure on Twitter, what are you doing that other young people are not doing?
Yes I launched my first book 'Beautified' in August and the responses and feedback have been great so far, thank God. At being an inspirational figure on twitter, well, I've been doing all the three things I listed above - Having fun, fulfilling purpose and adding value to people. I am just being me. I don't try to be like anybody; like I always say, even though my number one role model is Michelle Obama, I don't want to be the next Michelle Obama; I want to be the first Funto Oni. A lot of young people need to learn to be themselves and not try to copy or be like anybody else, that's the only way they can really stand out and be unique.
How many copies of your book has been sold and is it true that you raked in millions from your launch?
Millions? (Laughter) Hmmm! Amen! Well, so far just about 200 copies have been sold. I've not really had the time to focus fully on the sales but its moving slow and steady. I'm working towards selling much more by the end of the year, by God's grace.
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'BEAUTIFIED' FRONT COVER[/caption]And a copy goes for how much?
#2500 naira initially, however, my publisher and I have agreed to drop the price by 40% even though that's not even up to the cost price.
What other things do you do apart from being an author?
Apart from being an author I'm a chartered accountant. Used to work as an accountant till I decided it was boring and wanted to do something more; then I got a job as an Executive Assistant but resigned two weeks ago. I dint like the work environment and I wasn't having as much fun on the job; right now after taking time out to seek God's face for direction, I've gotten ideas I'm currently working on; I do makeup for bridal, television and runway; also, I'm the co-founder of LACE (Ladies After Christ's Example) a Faith-based club for young ladies between the ages of 13-19 centered on reviving, renewing and rejuvenating the spirit, mind and body of young teenagers through informal gatherings, meetings, and outings. We've had about four events this year and we're planning our end of year concert in December.
Would it be safe to assume that you have been able to command respect and fulfill your dreams because you had rich parents or because you attended Covenant University?
Lol! That will be very unsafe. Rich parents? Well not exactly. We were quite comfortable as a family, my dad was going to get me my first car when I was in 300 level but he died when I was in 200 level. From then till now, it has simply been God's grace. I can say attending Covenant University was one of the best things that happened to me because that gave me the foundation for being who I am and who I'm destined to be. I'm a very proud alumnus of CU and daughter of Bishop Oyedepo.
Would you say you are successful?
I don't think I have even started yet. Success is not a destination you arrive at; it's a journey and I hope I never 'arrive'.
What is the difference between success and greatness?
Success I think in one way or the other is about getting results; it has to do with status and money while greatness is about fulfilling purpose and leaving a positive mark in your generation and beyond.
Are you a millionaire?
No. I'm a multi-billionaire; I know it in my heart. Only a matter of time, it will be evident for all to see.
Five things to do to move from survival to greatness?
1. Surround yourself with people who are doing great things; they say you're the average of five people you surround yourself with.
2. Work hard to be the very best at whatever it is you do. There will be so many people doing the same thing, do your best to stand out.
3. Let excellence be a habit in all that you do. God is not glorified by your being mediocre and playing small, He's glorified by the excellence portrayed in the works of your hands.
4. Forget about money and focus on adding value; when you give people value, money will surely come. Money flows in the direction of value.
5. Serve God! That's the surest way to greatness - Deuteronomy 8:18
Hmmm! You come across as a born again christian?
Yes! I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ :D #unashamed
Has it always been this rosy for you? What is the challenges life has thrown at you?
Life is full of challenges and I've had my fair share. It hasn't been rosy but God has been so faithful. There were times I cried all night; prayed all night; felt like giving up. It’s just been God's grace all through and I get better through every challenge. Losing my dad was really challenging for me, it came like a shock because he was still very young. He was just 40 years old. I was on a first class in school then, but I was so down, I dropped to a second class upper. I think I cried all night for about two weeks; I was just getting close to my dad so it was hard to absorb the reality that he was gone. And I didn’t even get to see him; I was in school when he died. Life after that really changed. That's when you know the true color of some family members - but God has been faithful.
How old are you? In all of these years what are the notable things you have been able to achieve in your life?
I'm 23 years old; sometimes I feel like I’m too old. Becoming a chartered accountant, publishing a book; co-founding LACE; running a beauty firm would be few of my notable achievements at the moment. Soon I'd be taking over the beauty industry.
What's the name of your beauty firm and who are those you have serviced?
It used to be Hadassah Creations, but we are rebranding to Beautified Concepts. It’s not just about beautifying faces but also about beautifying lives.
Mention 10 worthy role models for young people in Nigeria?
(Thinking) Steve Harris, Fela and Tara Durotoye; Toyosi Akerele; Lanre Olusola; Jumoke Adenowo; Oby Ezekwesi; Ndi Okereke; Kunle Soriyan; Alibaba; Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva;
What will you be doing 10 years from now?
Ten years from now, I'd be having more fun, adding more value, making more money; helping others achieve greatness; publishing bestselling books; inspiring and beautifying more lives globally... Before ten years, I'd be recognized by TIME Magazine as the most inspiring woman.
Are you in a relationship? What does it take to keep a man for life? And when will the wedding bell be ringing?
Yes I'm in a relationship. First, it takes the grace of God and the help of the Holyspirit to keep a relationship for life; then a lot of selflessness, compromise and sacrifice. Wedding bells will be ringing soon and you'd definitely hear when they ring.
Someone somewhere will love to achieve the level of success you have been able to command. Steps to making that happen?
Trust God, be yourself and just do it!
Thank you very much for your time Funto.
You're very much welcome
Follow Funto Oni on Twitter @funtoonie
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Hmm.. Funto keep up the good work. may God continue to bless u always..
ReplyDeleteNice Funto, The sky is just your begining...
ReplyDelete