Today we’d like to introduce you to Ola Morin-Muhammed.
Ola, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My background is in architecture. I graduated from LTU, in Michigan, and began working in the design & construction industry while in college. When I graduated in 2001 and fully immersed myself in architecture, I realized I wasn’t doing what I thought I would be doing in my field. I was not designing, I was drafting and reviewing existing buildings.
IJORERE came about as a creative outlet, in 2007/2008, and in 2013, IJORERE became a full-time business that I absolutely passionate about.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Getting to where I am today definitely wasn’t a smooth road. I maxed out my credit cards and used the salary I made as an architect to fund my dreams. I had to borrow money from family members and there was even one point when I started receiving letters from my credit union, to repossess my vehicle. All the financial responsibly of my household fell on my spouse’s shoulders, which created tension between us for a period of time.
It was a bumpy, worrisome, and challenging time from when I decided to take that leap of faith into entrepreneurship in May of 2013. The roller coast ride went on for about 3 years. Fortunately, each year got just a little better. When one has strong convictions about what they want to do in life, it gives one the strength and faith to work through all the struggles that inevitably will come along the way.
I am more at ease now financially and mentally. I feel so fulfilled doing what I love and being able to have the flexibility to balance family life and work that really isn’t work, but a beautiful dream that has turned into my reality.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about IJORERE, Inc. – what should we know?
IJORERE, Inc. (pronounced E-Jaw-Ray-Ray), is derived from a Yoruba-Nigerian. Ijo Rere is 2 words made one. ‘Ijo’ means Day and ‘Rere’ means Grand. IJORERE sums up how your special occasion should be, a GRAND day.
IJORERE is the very first stationery company that began using a popular African fabric known as “Ankara” (Batik) on paper. This signature design catapulted IJORERE’s popularity worldwide, especially amongst the West African diaspora.
My architectural sensibility is evident in the unconventional approaches of my designs. And it is this background that sets IJORERE designs apart from the rest.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I make it my duty to understand my client’s needs, it’s just that simple. I learn my client’s personality and take that knowledge to the design process. When I design, I am thinking of being innovative, creative, and thinking about the construction of my craft.
When I would with my clients, I made them feel like they are the only client I am catering to at the very moment. It’s all about the customer experience and then making sure the quality of work I create for them is close to perfection as possible.
I believe these attributed are what have brought my business so much success and recognition in the wedding & events industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ijorere.co,
- Phone: 312.254.9807
- Email: invites@ijorere.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ijorere/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IjorereInc/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IJORERE_Inc
Image Credit:
Tarji Michelle Photography –http://www.tarji-michelle.com
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