By Moses Nosike

Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele has trained female creatives on how to be successful in the country’s entertainment industry. Speaking at the training with the theme, “The Creative Blueprint” in Lagos on Friday, Akindele said that it was her little way of encouraging young creatives on the way to becoming successful.

Her words: “As a creative person aspiring to be successful, you need to know that if you have a purpose, you should know your time will come. Another thing is to know that at some point in your journey in the creative industry, you will face pain, challenges, and struggles.

“It is also important to know that in the creative industry, the pains would come, and this could make young creatives or destroy them.

“In my case, I use my pain to build what I have become today. In the course of all my initial struggles, I accepted all the constructive criticisms. I read all the comments from the blogs. I pick the truth out of the lot and use it to my own advantage.

“As creatives in whatever field, learn to multiply the impact of whatever positive thing you are doing as a creative and money will come. Don’t chase money, just focus on creating, developing, and building yourself, and the money will come.

“Your struggles should not define you. It is how you rise from your struggles that should define you. Just remember where you are coming from and continue to work hard in your business”, she said.

Continuing, Funke said, “I want you to understand that business is not about money. You need to create more, own your craft, create your intellectual property. People don’t pay for talent, they pay for value. Learn to bring value to the table as a creative”.

Founder and Executive Director, She Code Africa, Ada Nduka Oyom, carefully explained how the creative industry can leverage on AI to boost creativity and productivity.

In a more interesting manner, Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti taught the audience how those in the creative industry especially upcoming creatives can learn about growing wealth in the creative economic environment.

The session fully packaged to impact more on participants had an experienced fashion designer, Lanre Da Silva who also explained how creatives in the fashion space can build a sustainable fashion business.