I saw someone I least expected doing it and decided to do it - Emmanuel Othuko's story

 

In this 21^st Century, being skilful is very important and relevant to society and even to the individual. Not forgetting that Education may not offer you all you want to attain in life. Good day everybody My Name is Daso Praise and today we are going to be talking to someone Skillful in his handwork. He is the CEO of EJ Foot-wears.

EJ foot-wears is located in the city of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria. EJ footwears deals on various designs of footwear, according to their Motto, which says “Giving your Feet that Confidence”. He will be telling us more about his designs.

QUESTION: EJ Foot-wears could you tell us more about yourself?

EMMANUEL: My Name is Emmanuel Othuko and I’m a Cobbler, I reside in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, I hail from Delta State, I was born on the 19^th of April 1991.   I make both female and male foot-wears, various designs of pam slippers and half shoes.

QUESTION: What inspired Emmanuel Othuko to go into making various designs of footwear?

EMMANUEL: (smiles) I have always wanted to get a skill that satisfies people’s needs, not just for the sake of profit. I got the inspiration when I saw someone I least expected making various designs of footwear, and then I got inspired and told myself “If he could do this, then why can’t I?” I picked up interest and learnt the skill. So, here I am today.

INTERVIEWER: I think that's self-motivation. You motivated yourself, pushed yourself into getting what you wanted.

EMMANUEL: Yeah, you could call it Self-motivation.

QUESTION: Do you have any Educational Background or Qualification.

EMMANUEL: Am undergoing a course at Rivers State University, am presently in my third year.

QUESTION: What habit do you exhibit that has helped you in your life journey?

EMMANUEL: I think Diligence and being Humble has helped me this far, most times achieving some things in life will prove abortive without diligence. Being humble has made me learn new things and skill, which has helped me to learn more.

QUESTION: How do you blend family and these other aspects of your life (work, business, social life, etc.)

EMMANUEL: (Smiles) I must say it has been hectic, but what has kept me going is drive. Trying to run along with work, school, social life, my relationship with people was so stressful. At a time I had to avoid misplaced priorities and give each phase of my life attention, I made sure my relationship with family and friends was kept strong, stayed up late at night to balance my study life. I must say it wasn't easy though but with time I got used to it and I have my life back.

INTERVIEWER: Wow!! That’s encouraging to those reading this

QUESTION: Where do you see yourself in the Next Five Years?

EMMANUEL: In Five years, by the grace of God I should have established a company where various designs of Footwear will be made and distributed around the nation. My brand of shoes will earn a great name around the world

QUESTION: How do you define success?

EMMANUEL: I will say success is Achievement. When I have achieved all I want in all aspects of life, then I’m successful.

QUESTION: What principles do you believe in?

EMMANUEL: I believe in adding a touch of excellence in all I do.

QUESTION: When you look at yourself in the Mirror, who would you say you are?

EMMANUEL: Each day I always tell myself that I’m an Achiever and I’m working towards that,

QUESTION: Any distractions?

EMMANUEL: Most times Video games and going through social media has been my worst distraction, although I have learnt to reschedule my time for them and ignore video games most of the time.

QUESTION: Have there being times you wanted to quit, and how did you overcome the desire to quit. 

EMMANUEL: When I started I had so many losses which made me think of quitting, but words of encouragement helped me. A very good friend of mine kept encouraging me to push farther each passing day.

INTERVIEWER: I must say that must be a very good and reliable friend.

EMMANUEL: you can say that again (both laughs).

QUESTION: Any regrets?

EMMANUEL: By the help of God I can boldly say I have no regrets and I won’t have any.

INTERVIEWER: Thank you EJ Foot-wears for your time and I hope you achieve your dreams.

EMMANUEL: Thanks for having me here with you, am sincerely elated that someone is interested in hearing my story. God bless I appreciate it.

It’s not enough to have a dream or a skill, what are your principles? What drives you? What are you willing to let go for the sake of your future? who are your friends? These are questions to be answered sincerely if you must learn a skill and start up a business that will grow into something big.

Don’t forget to get your quality Foot-wears from EJ Foot-wears. You can reach him on

WHATSAPP NO: 07067421867.

EMAIL ADDRESS: emmanuelothuko@gmail.com