Funmi Ademilua is a successful entrepreneur who lives abroad. She has her hands in so many pies. She is also into fashion. A few weeks back she spoke to City People Publisher, SEYE KEHINDE about her life and career. Below are excerpts of the interview.
Let’s get to meet you?
Funmi Ademilua is an internationally trained and Certified Counsellor in the field of Counselling and Stress Management Consultancy from the prestigious University of East London. She is a member of a number of professional bodies both in Austria and in London and a business woman with a passion for humanitarian activities I use my NGO to enlighten, advocate, express the much desired mentally and socially balanced society that we all crave for.
I am the CEO of Meg Charles Kollections a fabric line which is headquartered in London but operational in the UK, Europe and Nigeria. I am also the founder of The Good Samaritan Foundation (TGSF), a non-governmental organisation aiming at advancing the educational and social life of young people within the age bracket of 12 and 24.
What is it all about?
The Good Samaritan Foundation equips Children and Young people mainly, but not exclusively through motivational interactions and leisure time activities develop the mental, physical and spiritual capacities of the young that they may grow to full maturity as responsible individuals and members of the society. Of course, the charity organisation is also registered both in the UK and Nigeria and also focuses on real social, educational and economic needs of young people who are vulnerable to gangs and crime or at risk of being kicked out of school.
What does MEG do?
Meg Charles Kollections fabrics is a fashion line that deals with sales and distribution of Bridal Fabrics , accessories and various outfits cutting across all walks of life and professions. Meg Charles Kollections has outfits befitting for models, celebrities, professionals, and for major different occasions such as Church garments and weddings.
How do you juggle the various roles you play?
Well, I have been a multi-tasking personality right from my youth. So that part of me remains unassailable and has never changed. I am also of the opinion that the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in luxury and comfort, but in storm or times of turbulence.
For example, I remember, a period I had to coordinate humanitarian activities in terms of distribution of relief materials to the internally displaced people in Gurku Nasarawa State, had a couple of meetings with a team from the First Lady Of the Federal republic of Nigeria, Mrs Aisha Buhari in Abuja, Nigeria and also interfaced with Consignments of Meg Charles Kollections fabrics from Switzerland and Austria all within the few days intervals. All these I do without compromising the top quality and sound customer service as the hallmark of our business. Quite frankly, that has made us quite unique as it has almost become a regular routine and domestic chore to me. I think it is a grace of passion for what is right that is giving the Energy.
How come you live in London?
My living in London is part of what is known as vicissitude of life. Let me take you down the memory lane a bit; I left Ogba, one of the prominent cities in Lagos state of Nigeria in early nineties for Austria, Europe. I owned a beauty firm called Afro beauty paradise in Vienna and there and there something in me kept urging me to be supportive of the less privileged especially to migrants of African descent. I saw hopelessness and vulnerability that were orchestrated by sheer ignorance. I therefore was moved to fill that social gap for the less privileged. I needed to equip myself with linguistic skills and further my academic attainment to boost my profile and confidence, which I did. I later worked with Mother Theresa’s charity homes as a volunteer to fulfil the urge of serving as a helping hand to the socially vulnerable people. There I was acquiring more experience and skills until providence paved way to the United Kingdom where I reside for over a decade now. So I am happy I live in London successfully and the breaking news is that my English has not taken away from me the German part of me. Apart from living in London I have also travelled the world in Italy, Switzerland, New York, Dubai, Germany, France doing business in a way that I enjoy!
Are you married?
Of course I am married. And I am not only married but also blessed with 3 fantastic gifts among children. I must quickly slot this in; there is no perfect family in the world.
You are very stylish, how did that part of you develop?
Lol! I have always done it the stylish way from the start. I got this from home. My mum used to be a fashion personality and my dad an industrialist of high echelon. My mum was a fashion designer before moving on to local eatery and confectionery business. In other words, I was born into a stylish home. By the way, Oluwaseun Photos and BeebeePromua makeup artist in London are behind my stylish life too.
