By Josfyn Uba
Elizabeth Ifeanyi Awodu, 25, has broken stereotypes and carved a niche for herself in a male-dominated business. A specialist in woodwork, she belongs to the league of young Nigerian change-makers who believe in themselves, and has become an inspiration to many young women today.
For her, no vocation is reserved for men, as anyone can realize his/her potential, with resilience, hard work and focus.
It wasn’t easy for Elizabeth, a graduate of Delta State University, Abraka, at the beginning as she almost threw in the towel for lack of patronage but her first costumer rekindled her spirit and gave her the courage to move on. It has been three years since she ventured into the business, and she has proved her mettle, satisfying the needs of her numerous costumers.
The creative hand behind Woducraft, a woodwork company, spoke to Daily Sun on her foray into the business. She said that her quest to succeed is her driving force because she believes that whatever men can do, women can do even better.
What inspired you into woodwork, which is regarded as tedious and not a woman’s vocation?
For me, woodwork started first as a business venture before the passion came. In nature, there is some kind of solitude. For those who love nature, you can relive and rejuvenate in it. It is soothing for me. I love nature so much and anything that has to do with handiwork.
And when I look at the multitude of the younger generation of Nigerians, I see enormous endowment and creativity. I am constantly inspired by what I see every day. And I wonder how I can turn my talent to yield proceeds. I knew that I could do anything, given my determination and commitment. So, I came up with the idea of Woducraft. Again, I have always been business-minded from even my younger days. During my Youth Service days, I had also taken a shot at shoemaking business. I am glad that I settled for woodwork.
In a previous interview, you mentioned that you didn’t have any formal training. Can you explain this?
Yes, I had no formal training in it. There had been no formal training whatsoever. I understood what I needed to start a business and I set about it just as my instincts directed me. And each project comes with its own exciting process, challenges and success. As a nature enthusiast, I learn everything in this business as I go. I learn from my mistakes as well.
How did your family and friends relate with you as you pursued this dream in a seemingly unglamorous business?
We are of diverse personalities and talents. All one needs is encouragement and support from family to pursue her dream and realize her potential. It is all right and perfect for friends and family to offer words of advice in the choice of your career path. One must follow her heart. I followed my heart and my family has been most supportive. Woodwork is very tedious and engaging yet dynamic. My family knew my strength and that I could handle the task. I enjoy their full support.
While I was growing up, I used to be every handy man’s assistant when we had to fix things in the house. So, I have been friendly with tools. My dad would give instructions to artisans fixing some of the domestic utility things at home and I supervised them while they rendered the services. Many people used to tease me and say that I should have been born a male child.
You said that this idea came from a dream or something like that tell us about it…
Naturally, I am not one who recalls dreams. Most times, I do not remember them but this particular one, I recollected, vividly. After that, I started researching about woodwork and everything I learnt is what I have used to attain this point. Its such an amazing experience.
What are the challenges in this job?
Like any other business, there are challenges. For you to achieve success in anything you engage in, you will encounter some difficulties. It is not peculiar to what I do.
Much of the challenges are imbedded in raising funds to effectively do this business. Finance is a key factor because the business is capital-intensive. Passion is not expensive at all but growing a business comes with enormous challenges. Again, lack of skillful labour is an issue. It is common knowledge that in today’s world, not many youths would want to “suffer” and invest some level of patience while working in ventures like mine. Only a few would want to do that. Many are in a hurry to make mega money and get rich quick.
Woodwork requires land space. Being able to get the kind of land space that would accommodate such a venture is also another hurdle. The issues of accessible roads, machines and security are recurrent factors that an average Nigerian businessman is saddled with on a daily basis.
It is said that you prefer to work with only males…
I love to work with everybody, both male and female, as long as you are qualified to do the job. Why should I be gender-biased? I would love to work with females. There is no particular reason why I am yet to work with them. You must understand that there are very few women in our traditional woodwork scene. It is quite expected as woodwork isn’t particularly among the list of attractive professions that most women would be interested in. It lacks glamour and style. It is really hard work.
Have you ever thought of throwing in the towel at any point?
Not exactly, because there is no reason, and I enjoy what I do. Devoid of the general challenges like I said earlier, its my choice. I am following my heart and this career path is sustainable for me. I have no regrets so far.
However, the thought of throwing the towel could only be brought to bear if the current administration of President Bola Tinubu does not provide room for an average Nigerian youth to thrive decently. It is only then that I could consider that and even ‘Japa.’
What inspires you?
I am inspired by a lot of factors. My inspiration comes from preexisting designs I come across in my nature of woodwork. Finance is a big determinant in most of the things we do in life. Woodwork is not exempted. The resources and funds available to you are a major determinant for one’s creativity.
I also work to achieve my clients’ satisfaction, to make money and, of course, be an employer of labour. Aside from all these points, adding value to the society in the littlest of ways and achieving success in what I do spur me on. There is dignity in hard labour, no doubt about that. Even if it isn’t wood work, find whatever you can develop interest in and thrive while at it.
As a female forerunner in this field, what would be your advice to aspiring young women who would like to emulate you?
My advice will be to go for it. Chase your dreams and that which your mind says you can do. Set about it with your whole being. There will be challenges but, with focus, commitment and sincere sense of purpose, you will achieve success. It is your dream and personal desire. Go for it. Do not be dissuaded but just be in tune with your sense of self, at all time.
Do you have plans for the future in this business?
Of course, like any other person with a sincere sense of focus, my plans are basically to expand, collaborate with either government or private bodies. Then I would engage in lots of self-development programmes.
