MONDAY MUSINGS: Venturing into the Murky Waters of Entrepreneurship

There’s an old Yoruba saying that goes, “Iṣẹ́ dé ọmọ àṣẹje,  owó rẹ ọmọ aṣèlà.”

Loosely translated, it means “employment earns your a living, entrepreneurship earns you wealth.”

And honestly? As someone who works in credit and has seen all sides of business;  the glory, the mess, the miracles, and the meltdowns, I can tell you that this is gospel truth.

Let’s be real: entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. It is not for vibes and aesthetics. And it’s definitely not just about having an Instagram page and a logo.

Over the years, I’ve financed businesses from scratch, I mean from idea to income. I’ve watched small beginnings blossom into fully-fledged operations, celebrated with clients when they opened new branches, hired more staff, or even sent in loan repayment ahead of schedule (a rare joy in this Lagos).

But I’ve also watched businesses crumble. I’ve seen thriving sales turn into bad day sales, and what used to be their worst day now feels like a dream compared to the reality they’re stuck with.

And it’s not always because they lacked product quality or didn’t work hard. Sometimes, it’s because they rushed into business with no real plan,  just hunger, hope, and maybe an online course.

Let’s talk truth: nobody hits Forbes by staying an employee forever. I don’t care how comfortable your 9~5 is. At some point, to build wealth, you have to think like a businessperson.

You need to create something;  a solution, a system, a service. But before you leap into these murky waters, there are a few things you must consider:

1. Why are you doing this?

Is it pressure? Is it purpose? Is it because your friend’s fashion brand is now on BellaNaija and you’re tired of your HR job? Please know your “why.” Because the days when customers will ghost you, logistics will frustrate you, or sales will tank… only your “why” will keep you from quitting.

2. Have you tested the market?

Your idea sounds nice to you. But will someone else part with money for it? Can your target audience afford it? Will they need it consistently? If not, you’re just building a castle in your head.

3. Separate personal ego from business decisions.

You’re not your business. Your business must be allowed to grow, fail, change, and evolve. Don’t force it to stay in a shape just because that’s what you initially imagined. Even successful brands pivot and that’s okay.

4. Money doesn’t fix a broken foundation.

You think all you need is capital? Think again. I’ve given people loans that should have turned them into small-scale millionaires. But poor planning, entitlement mentality, and terrible customer service drowned the money faster than you can say “loan default.”

5. Be ready to do the boring stuff.

Strategy. Budgeting. Customer feedback. Bookkeeping. Tax. These aren’t glamorous, but they’re what keep your business alive. If you’re not ready to learn and embrace these, please hold your peace and enjoy your 9~5.

So yes, I call entrepreneurship murky waters, not because it’s impossible, but because it’s unpredictable, and it can either refine you or drown you. But for those who do it with wisdom, grit, and patience, the reward is sweet. Wealth isn’t built on shortcuts, it’s built on systems, structure, and a lot of stretching.

And if you’re already in the waters and struggling to keep your head above it, don’t be ashamed to ask for help. A good mentor, a wise accountant, or even a financial partner might just be what you need to steady your boat.

Until next time,
– Titilayo