LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vee69, a Nigerian communications agency dedicated to utilizing media and communication for positive social change.
Florence Achado is the founder and managing director of Vee69, a growing media and communications agency in Nigeria, established in 2015 and today employing 15 people. Through her business, she has worked on numerous projects and campaigns that have served to raise awareness and promote positive change in local communities. She is deeply committed to making a difference and improving the lives of others, harnessing her passion and the power of the media to drive positive change. Florence believes that effective communication is the key to bringing about positive change in communities, and she is committed to utilizing her skills and expertise to make a significant and long-lasting impact. Florence is also the Chairman of the Yvonne Achado Foundation (YAF), a non-profit organization committed to combating gender-based violence.
Lioness Weekender spoke to Florence about her work, her drive to make a difference in society, and also her ambitions for the future of the business.
What does your company do?
Vee69 is a communications agency with an unwavering dedication to utilizing media and communication for positive social change.
What inspired you to start your company?
I was motivated by a desire to positively impact society. To better lives, I am passionate about addressing social issues, promoting public health, and driving behavior change. I was drawn to the creative aspects of advertising, such as designing campaigns, crafting persuasive messages, and developing visually compelling content. Strong motivation for me is the desire to express creativity and make an impact.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Typically, an organization's performance is determined by its unique characteristics. The capacity to provide a compelling and distinctive value proposition that resonates with potential clients. We prioritize social change and a client-centric approach. By combining these characteristics, we create campaigns that captivate attention, change behavior, resonate with audiences, and assist brands in achieving their marketing goals.
Tell us a little about your team
Our team is comprised of creative individuals who work in a collaborative environment to develop and execute campaigns that meet the requirements of our clients. We value and respect one another. Teamwork has provided us with numerous advantages. We have remained a tight-knit family, always pushing each other to reach new heights and deliver excellence.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My mother played such an important role in my life that I don't believe I would have a story to tell if she hadn't been in it. I was motivated and inspired by her.
Entrepreneurship, a diverse and dynamic field, offers an infinite number of paths to success. It is an exciting endeavor that requires continuous education, networking, and an entrepreneurial mindset to seize opportunities and overcome obstacles. When Vee69 was founded, we encountered initial obstacles such as limited resources, a highly competitive sector, and skepticism from prospective clients. Nevertheless, we remained focused and dedicated to the mission, employing our ingenuity and creativity to surmount these obstacles.
My failures allowed me to embrace resiliency and acquire insight. Failures and setbacks are common on the entrepreneurial path. Instead of viewing these events negatively, I have gained knowledge, developed resilience, and view obstacles as learning opportunities that can contribute to my professional and personal growth.
Despite the fact that I come from a family of business entrepreneurs, I have gained knowledge and experience through my own endeavors. However, individual entrepreneurial paths can vary considerably, and I had to learn through my own mistakes.
I worked full-time as a customer service representative in a cybercafé after completing high school. Also, I attempted to operate a retail business as a side gig during my undergraduate years by purchasing and selling products during the summer and winter breaks but ended up not successful.
Also, I conducted extensive market research to identify voids and opportunities in the communications industry. I am aware that many small and medium-sized businesses struggle with their efforts in branding, public relations, and digital marketing. We envision vee69, a comprehensive communications company that will assist businesses in enhancing their communication strategies and attaining their goals through a variety of services. Vee69 prioritized the production of original, audience-resonating content.
oday, the organization has developed into a prominent communications firm with a team of experts committed to promoting positive global change. Vee69 continues to stretch the boundaries of possibility by developing innovative campaigns that inspire, engage, and transform global communities.
The start-up journey of Vee69 is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and perseverance, and their story encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to dream large and pursue their vision with unyielding resolve.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Although the future of media enterprises is anticipated to be dynamic and challenging, we will continue to play significant roles locally and globally by utilizing awareness. Our plans for the future include expanding into new international markets through partnerships with local media companies or organizations. In addition, we are investigating cultural exchange partnerships through media. This may entail collaborations for cultural documentaries, international film festivals, or cross-cultural media initiatives to promote dialogue, diversity, and inclusiveness in media content.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Through effective communication strategies and campaigns, we can drive social change, raise awareness about significant issues, and promote positive community behavior. Seeing the impact of my work and knowing it makes a difference can be extremely rewarding and satisfying.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Firstly, have faith in your skills and the contribution you make. You must have faith and confidence in your ability to succeed as an entrepreneur.
The process of starting a business can be difficult, but it is ultimately rewarding. Accept and learn from failure, recognize that challenges are an expected aspect of the entrepreneurial journey. Rather than allowing them to demoralize you, view them as learning opportunities.
Analyze what went wrong, make the necessary adjustments, and use your experiences to become more resilient and stronger.
To learn more about the work of Vee69, contact Florence Achado via email: florence.achado@gmail.com or visit the company’s website and social media platforms:
Website: http://www.vee69.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/florenceachado?s=21&t=dtT7ftIAb3uoVDs0qBYhQw
Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-achado-003032188
