Be Passionate, Consistent If You Want To Succeed - Amira Mohammed Salisu

Amira Mohammed Salisu is a 500L student of Quantity Surveying at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Kaduna State. As the founder/CEO of her company, Amyrah_brand, she has a lot to say about hand made shoes and home made traditional fragrances.

TMG> Tell us about yourself?

Amyrah> I am from Rano LGA of Kano state. The 3rd of 7 children, I was born on the 21st of January and grew up in Zaria and Lagos. I'm currently a 500 level student of Quantity Surveying at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 

TMG> How did you get into production and sales?

Amyrah> I have always had the passion to be my own boss, to employ and not be employed. Even as a child I remember selling milk candy (called tuwon madara in Hausa) in islamiya. My mom never knew my aunty was behind my having a passion for business as a child. As I became older, I concentrated on what I was passionate about and started making incense and shoes. 

TMG> What sort of goods does your company deal in?

Amyrah> Amyrah_brand is into production of hand made shoes  and home made traditional fragrances(turaren wuta & khumra)

We make different types khumras from essential oils and fragrance for households such as:mopping, laundry, air freshener, rug and Curtains to those for body, hair and bath. Our turaren wuta are from variety of woods and essential oils. 

We also produce slippers and sandals for both genders and all age groups.

We are currently working on improving our hides and skin production line that will cover a wide range of fashion necessities. And I will like to urge everyone to look out for our new products.

TMG> Which areas do you need to improve in your company?

Amyrah> I'm actually trying to improve my hides and skin department; it’s challenging so I'm looking into that and also how to be consistent in production.

TMG> What do you feel is the next step in developing your sales skills?

Amyrah> Being consistent is a major step to improve sales, also reading books and attending programs that make you have a wider view on marketing.

TMG> What are your challenges and how do you intend to handle the challenges? 

Amyrah> My major challenge was getting people to trust our products. For a start up that is very difficult and, being more of an online store, it takes the Grace of God to push pass that stage. All I can say now is Alhamdulillah, I don’t have a large circle but I know I have a trusted one.

TMG> What style of management do you think works in becoming successful at your kind of business?

Amyrah>  Transformational Management- this kind of business involves a lot of innovation and creativity and you just have to be up to date to stay within your target market.

TMG> Tell us about a successful sales pitch you've used for a difficult client. How were you able to sell the good(s) to him/her?

Amyrah> I am a frank person actually, and I try to interact with all my clients. If you have doubts or not satisfied with our product, I would offer our return policy.

TMG> Tell us how you manage other responsibilities of your business?

Amyrah> It can be difficult but I just try to balance everything and sometimes I just deliberately give myself a break.

TMG> Have you ever lost during sales and what did you learn?

Amyrah> You can’t be in business without experiencing a loss, especially for a start-up. So yes, I have. I learnt to project more and to cover all loopholes that might emerge.

TMG> How do you keep up to date on your target market?

Amyrah> As I said, my target market requires constant innovation and creativity and that’s exactly what I try to do.

TMG> When do you stop pursuing a client?

Amyrah> Do you ever stop pursuing a client? I don’t think so, because that’s why you’re in business but then I just feel there is a limit to which a client should/could be disrespectful. Some clients actually think they are doing you a favor by buying your products.

TMG> Who are you comfortable selling to and why?

Amyrah> People that will pay up immediately. When your products are purchased on credit you just never succeed.

TMG> What motivates you?

Amyrah> My major sources of motivation is passion and the strive to be independent.

TMG> What is your ultimate career aspiration?

Amyrah> I want to be a well known brand not just in Nigeria or Africa but the world at large.

TMG> How do you keep a smile on your face during a hard day and make sure your clients feel good? 

Amyrah> I try as much as possible to be at my best behavior. 

TMG> What way do you think your organization could do better?

Amyrah> Improving the man power, also a partnership will be good for the organization.

TMG> What’s your approach to handling customer objections?

Amyrah> Some clients can be very difficult, while some are genuinely interested in your growth. So I try to take corrections and I am always open for advice and ideas.

TMG> Tell us about the greatest goal that you’ve ever accomplished professionally?

Amyrah> Honestly, I haven’t yet, at least not the greatest. I am still working to achieve my greatest accomplishment.

TMG>What kind of sacrifices have you had to make to be successful?

Amyrah> Successful is relative for me; I'm not yet successful- I am still working to be successful, but I have had sleepless nights, long hard days and constantly, always being broke.

TMG> Tell us something you would like to learn or improve upon? 

Amyrah> A better customer relationship is what I want to improve on.

TMG> How do you manage risk, in terms of damages or loss?

Amyrah> You know the customer is always right, so usually the risk and loss is always on the company. And I think all startups experience such challenge.

TMG> What’s your advice to young people who want to go into a business like yours?

Amyrah> Be passionate if you want to succeed also be consistent and know that you are going to stay beneath the water for awhile before you get your head above the water level. It’s difficult but it’s doable and it’s worth it.

TMG> How do you socialize if you do?

Amyrah> I'm a very social person I like people, I like to travel and mingle too. Socializing is also learning and it’s important.