We were lucky to catch up with Prosper Odilatu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Prosper, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success, to me, is deeply rooted in understanding the essence of commitment and sacrifice. It’s about having the vision to see beyond the immediate challenges and having the grit to persevere despite setbacks. My perspective on success has been shaped by the wisdom passed down from my father, encapsulated in three simple yet profound quotes: “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” “Nothing happens overnight,” and “Nothing good comes easy.”
These quotes serve as constant reminders that meaningful achievements require time, effort, and a willingness to endure discomfort. They underscore the importance of patience and resilience in the pursuit of one’s goals. I’ve internalized these principles throughout my journey, whether it was navigating the complexities of corporate finance or venturing into unfamiliar territories like the nail salon industry.
In essence, success is born from a combination of vision, perseverance, and a willingness to endure the challenges along the way. It’s about embracing the journey, recognizing that meaningful achievements seldom come easy, but they are always worth the effort in the end.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I found my path into the nail salon industry through a unique blend of opportunity and trust. It all started with a close friend whose family had carved out a legacy of success in the nail salon business, pioneering innovations like Gel X in the Baltimore area. Knowing my background in corporate finance spanning eight years, alongside witnessing my knack for creating and scaling businesses across various industries, she proposed a partnership.
Despite my lack of direct experience in the nail salon realm, my friend was confident in my abilities. It was a testament to the trust we had built over the years. Thus, Nova Nails Towson came into being, a testament to collaboration and mutual belief. Our company, owned by three individuals, operates on a foundation of trust and complimentary strengths. My partners, having supported me in past ventures, now entrust me to lead and manage our business, confident in our collective ability to execute and thrive.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The journey of Nova Nails Towson is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Initially slated to open in the spring of 2023, we had everything in place – the lease signed in February 2023, and the business established in November 2022. However, unforeseen delays related to the building threw a wrench into our plans. Despite our readiness, we were informed that we couldn’t proceed with any build-out, with no clear timeline provided.
As weeks turned into months, doubts crept in. My business partner even ventured into opening another salon, and I began to fear that our Towson endeavor was doomed. The frustration peaked to the point where I contemplated severing ties with the business altogether. However, just as I was about to take that step, a glimmer of hope emerged.
In a serendipitous turn of events, we received a call informing us that we could finally commence our build-out. It was a lifeline we desperately needed, yet we found ourselves lacking the necessary resources. However, fortune smiled upon us once more when I reached out to a long-time friend and fellow business owner who specialized in real estate and complex build-outs.
His expertise and willingness to join our venture proved to be a game-changer. With his invaluable guidance and support, we navigated the challenges of the build-out process with newfound confidence. His involvement became instrumental to the success of Nova Nails, and I’m certain that without his contribution, our salon wouldn’t be where it is today.
Reflecting on that tumultuous period, I can’t help but see the delay as a blessing in disguise. It allowed us to forge a crucial partnership that ultimately propelled Nova Nails Towson to success. This experience serves as a poignant reminder that resilience, coupled with the willingness to adapt and seek support when needed, can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and achievement.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale is a nuanced endeavor that hinges on intentionality, empathy, and leading by example. As a leader, it’s paramount to recognize that actions speak louder than words. Thus, I advocate for leading by example, demonstrating qualities such as punctuality, diligence, and positivity to set the tone for the team. Celebrating successes and acknowledging contributions with equal vigor as addressing mistakes fosters a positive work environment and bolsters morale. Moreover, displaying empathy and offering support during challenging times cultivates trust and camaraderie among team members. Whether it’s providing flexible schedules, additional resources, or simply buying lunch for a tired staff, these gestures showcase genuine care for the team’s well-being. Patience and flexibility are also essential; understanding that individuals learn and react differently allows for tailored support and encouragement. By prioritizing intentionality, empathy, and support, leaders can cultivate a workplace culture where morale remains high, and team members feel valued and motivated to excel.
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