How do you feel showcasing your designs at NTFS?
It’s wonderful, it’s a platform for people to know what we are doing, although we are many in the industry but my designs are different. To God be the glory, I was the best designer in Nigeria by City People 2013 and I have also acquired other awards. I am a bead designer, I mainly work with gold. My designs are chic.
What stands you out from other bead designers?
I work mainly with gem stones. My beads are different. I work with high grade polished pearl, corals. I have my own concept and its proudly Nigerian product.
How many times have you showcased your beads on NTFS?
This is my third time. I first showcased my beads on NTFS in 2009.
What has been the experience so far?
It has been wonderful and successful so far, I thank God.
Would you say NTFS has given you a platform to make more customers?
Yes, they have. Before the show, we were interviewed on Galaxy Television. That is a way of advertising us. It’s a beautiful and wonderful platform.
How price friendly are your designs?
My designs are expensive because of the material I use. You can’t want a high quality stone and expect it to be cheap. Although we also make for people who can’t afford the high quality stone. So, I have something for everybody.
The business of bead making is very challenging, how are you coping?
I am coping because I have carved a niche for myself because I make quality beads.
Tell us more about yourself.
I am Eniola Akintunde, a graduate of Industrial Relation from University of Lagos.
What made you go into bead making?
When I finished from UNILAG at a very late age, I was over 30 and I knew it would be difficult to get a job. After my National Youth Service Corps, I was with my sister in her shop when a lady came to advertise her makeup products. I saw the earrings on her ears and I asked her where she got them, she told me she made them. I paid for three weeks training after three days, I was able to make beads and I was also creative.