Quite creative International event planner and in-demand personal stylist, Bukonla Ifedayo Esan (better known by her social media name Bukkykoga) in this interview recalls her journey to entrepreneurship, her motivations, challenges and lots more.
Excerpts;
You do many things to many people. Please tell us who is Bukkykoga and where is Bukkykoga from? In fact can you tell us more about yourself..?
My name is Bukonla Ifedayo Esan. I am from a polygamous family, raised by mum. I was born in Lagos State nigeria. I am an entrepreneur. I have a BSc in Business admin/Human resource at Plymouth university United Kingdom.
While growing what was your ambition, what happened along the way and how did you end up doing what you are into today?
While growing my ambition in life was to become a very successful entrepreneur, though it has not been easy running multiple businesses, but I bet being successful comes with hard work and sleepless nights.
I have done numerous businesses. I have planned weddings from little fee or none as part of upcoming planner sacrifices. I have also styled some difficult clients and I bet you, it wasn’t an easy task! But I’m thankful for today.
The date 13.12.15 was a significant day in your life. Did you choose that day to launch BKglam on purpose or by chance?
Yes, I chose that day to have lunch BkGlam.
Lagos is a city of thousands of boutiques and dress stores. What makes BKGlam different?
BKGlams’ is an all in one store! my signature! And clients don’t have to break the bank to patronise us.
You describe yourself as a fashion stylist and event planner. What are your credentials? (Training, expertise, experience, track record etc)
I am well trained event planner and fashion guru. I have lots of events in Nigeria and UK. I have also styled a few well known Nigerian celebrities like Toyin Abraham, Kemi afolabi, Queenola , Dr Ololade Abuta e.t.c.
If I am contracting BKglam to handle my event, wedding for example, what is in the package? And how far can bkglam travel to organise events?
We have different packages, from silver, gold and platinum depending on client affordability. We cater to events and Styling all over the world.
What are some of the big and celebrity events you have handled?
I handled a massive event called OVA35 by Ololade Abuta. It was over 5000 capacity, and I have lost counts on weddings and birthdays I have done over the past years to be honest! We are that busy!
How did the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 affected your business?
It affected me drastically, but thankfully things are picking up very well now thankfully.
What are the business strategies you adopted to survive the pandemic?
I started online clothing and online classes to mentor other upcoming planners and stylist.
What vital business lessons did you learn from the Covid-19 disruption?
Please also other businesses! Never ever put all your fruits in one basket.
Tell us the kind of events that are really right up your alley?
Weddings! Mainly and round figure birthdays.
What do you enjoy most in your professional career?
Travelling! And putting smiles on people’s faces on their events. Also I derive joy after styling clients. I love the wow! Expressions.
What have been your best and worst memories as an event planner?
My best memory is groom turning up to his wedding after pranking the bride that he was no longer interested in the ceremony and my worst memory is when he said he was not proceeding with the wedding! I was so worried and scared at the same time until I found out that it was a prank lol!
It is often said that event planning is not an all-comer affair. What makes that profession tick?
I strongly believe event planners make dreams come to reality without the event being flopped.
Kindly share with us how you overcome the early challenges you encounter while trying to build your brand?
Being calm in all situations has brought my business a long way! And honesty is a major thing in my line of business! I plan realistically when it comes to events and styling!
No matter how much you try, there will always be one or two difficult clients?
What strategy do you use to handle such people?
Calmness and understanding their requirements or concerns.
Kindly explain your business philosophy and how it has made your business stable?
Realist planner and stylist ,working with client budgets, they call me perfectionist. What you see is what you get! And honesty is major!