September is here, school is back in session, and as promised, this month, Chinwe shares some of the challenges she’s faced as an entrepreneur, but she also clues us into what makes Omena Law special. Let’s enjoy this September edition of Conversations with Chinwe as we wrap up the last few days of summer!
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What would you say is a major challenge you faced over the last ten years?
The challenges evolve. When I started, it was building a business, just putting yourself out there and looking for clients. I think in my first year, I had a handful of clients for a whole year. It was tough! It was so funny, right…my first client came so easy! So when I texted everybody in my phone “I’m starting a law firm.” I was glad I did, because when I woke up the next day, I was like, I can’t take it back! I’ve texted everybody! I was on a high, my pastor had preached about something, and that pushed me over the edge, like I’m doing this! So that Sunday, I sent that message that afternoon, and the next day I was like, “What in the world did I do?” Because I’ve texted everybody. Like, I was glad I texted everybody because if I didn’t I would have changed my mind. In my doubt of what the heck did I just do, someone texted me back, “Um, I need a lawyer to go through some docs. Are you available?” I was like, what? This person was young! They were like, “What is your fee?” And I thought about it and I came up with a fee and they laughed and said “Oh, I need a ride to the ATM.” They did not ask for a discount…and I was just like, wow…that is how easy, my first client came to me the next day! You know how God can be, right? I was like, “Oh my goodness, having a business is easy! Look at clients pouring from the skies!” Then you realize not every day is like that.
By Sola Oluborode