Funmi Nepa’s real name is Funmilola Adegoke, but many know and call her Funmi Nepa. That is the name people stamped on her and she is one of the top fabric merchants in Ondo state. She runs the popular Funmine Fabrics and boutique shop at store 301 & 302 Nepa Ultra modern market, Akure. This stylish and fashionable woman was one of the guests at the 50th birthday party of Princess Olajumoke Akinkuotu, which was held recently in Akure. She was looking elegant in her green dress with a touch of black Swiss Lace outfit. In a chat with City People’s ADEOLA SHITTU, she opened up on her life and how she started her business. Enjoy.
Take us through your growing up days?
Thanks for the compliment. I’m Mrs. Funmilola Adegoke but my friends and associates call me Funmine or Funmi NEPA. I was born 52 years ago in Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti state. Having been brought up in Ikere Ekiti, I finished my education in 2015.
My growing up days were fun despite the fact that I was raised by a woman and many believe that any child raised by women is a spoilt child, but in my mother’s case, the reverse was the case. She taught me the principles of life and hardwork which have been helping me in life. You see, I grew up to know my mummy as a business woman, not just a business woman, but a successful one. So I will say my growing up wasn’t challenging because my mother took very good care of me and my siblings.
What inspired you into business especially fabrics?
Thank you, like I said earlier, I was brought up by my mother who happens to be a business woman, so I will say I grew up into business courtesy of my mother, so this prompted my decision that after my education I was going to go into business. You see, I derive pleasure doing business with my mother then when I was at a very young age. Though my love for fashion and looking good made me go into fabrics business over 2 decades, ago, it will interest you to know that immediately I left school, I took that decision to start my own business with just a little capital which God has increased beyond my own imagination. So, today, I bless God, who has been helping me till date.
Having been married for over 2 decades, what is the secret of marriage success?
Hmmm, you see when you are married to your best friend as husband or wife; everything will surely work in your favour. To the glory of God, I have been married for almost 30 years and God has been the secret of the success right from the day one. Aside God, I will say, I got married to my best friend, a very understanding and caring husband who has been very supportive.
What attracted you to your husband?
Waoh! This a big question and I don’t even know where to start. But one thing I know for sure is that his understanding and caring nature attracted me to him and he has remained that way till date.
As a successful business woman, how do you balance your roles without adversely affecting the home?
Thank God, my children are all grown up now, they are married with kids. While they were growing up I had the support of my mother and that made thing a lot easier for me. So, while I was managing my business, my mum was ensuring that my home front was intact, so I will say none was affecting the other. Aside my mother I had other capable hands who were helping me then. I’m not perfect, but God’s faithfulness and mercy were upon me and my family, so I give all glory to him.
At 52, you still look young and pretty, what is the secret of your youthful look?
Waoh! Thanks for the compliment. But I attribute all to God Almighty and my husband. You see, the only and best secret to youthful look is by living a healthy life and always trusting God. I eat good food and my family showers me with affectionate love. Above all, it’s God’s grace.
As a fashion icon, what is fashion to you?
Hmmm, this is a very good question. Looking good is a good business and I will say fashion simply means what is good and comfortable on you. I really love what is good and I admire people when they put on something nice and in some cases, I do emulate such things. My love for fashion made me go into fabric business and I am known for good and quality fabrics, in Akure today. People who know me know I don’t settle for less when it comes to quality laces, I also specialise in lovely Italian shoes and bags while jewellery are not left behind and there is no how you talk about fashion mostly for women without mentioning what I’m into. In a nutshell, I will say my desire for good things made me go into fabric business.
In the last 2 decades you have been rocking the social scene in Ondo state and beyond, how have you been able to manage this till date?
First of all, I will say I’m not the party type, but I like to honour people, mostly those who are close to me like my friends and associates like that of Princess Olajumoke’s 50th birthday where we met. And any function I have to attend I love to look my best, don’t forget I’m a fashion person. But how I have been able to manage it for years is what I can not say myself rather than it has been God and my supportive husband.
The name Funmi Nepa has become a household name among the celebrities and fabrics merchants, how did you come about the name?
(Laughs). As I said earlier, that I started business at a very young age and it will interest you to know I have never worked for anybody or company in my life. All the skills I learnt about business was courtesy of my mother. That name Funmi Nepa was given to me by my friends who know I don’t go for less quality. They will tell you if you need quality fabrics go to Funmi Nepa at Nepa market before the complex. Nepa Ultra Modern market was rebuilt by the past administration of Gov. Mimiko, I was one of those who had shops in the old Nepa market for many years, so when you are being directed to me, my friends will say, when you get to Nepa market ask of Funmi Nepa, many don’t know me as Funmi Adegoke, rather when you ask of Funmi Nepa, they will direct you to my shop, so Funmi Nepa is my second name.
Finally, how do you unwind?
I relax mostly with my family and when I’m on vacation with my family.
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