BENEFICIARIES SPOTLIGHT
In this conversation, we chat with Medina Bukola Raji, founder of Dina Consulting Limited, a company that provides top-tier interior design services and manufactures unique, high-quality furniture. Medina shares how the Growth4Her Accelerator program has helped her overcome business challenges, refine her strategy, and position Dina Consulting for sustainable growth. Join us as we explore her entrepreneurial journey, her insights from the program, and her advice for women entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.
Interviewer: Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your business?
Okay, my name is Medina Bukola Raji and I’m the founder of Dina Consulting Limited. At Dina Consulting, we offer cutting-edge professional interior design services and manufacture timeless, unique, high-quality furniture to help individuals and businesses create functional spaces that inspire creativity, comfort, and well-being. Our mission is to meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses while offering functional and innovative solutions to enhance living.
Interviewer: What motivated you to join the Growth4Her Accelerator program?
Well, my motivation stems from a desire to overcome barriers, seize opportunities, and contribute to the empowerment and economic advancement of women through entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur, my journey to growth for her program was to tap into the opportunity. I believe the program would provide me with the skills and resources to transition my business to a high potential enterprise, be part of a community of like-minded women entrepreneurs, mentorship and network opportunities that could foster collaboration and collective growth.
Interviewer: Were there specific challenges your business was faced with prior to joining the program? How did the Growth4Her Accelerator program help you overcome these challenges you faced in growing your business?
As a business owner, we were faced with various challenges like fluctuation in cost and availability of materials, proliferation of cheap and imported products, of course, competition and then shortage of skilled labour. Finding and retaining skilled craftsmen and workers can be challenging and this affects productivity and efficiency. So, we have to position ourselves for growth, and not just any kind of growth, but sustainable growth. Well, after the program, we’ve implemented strategies like diversifying suppliers by working with multiple suppliers and maintaining relationship with them to mitigate the risk of supply chain disruption. Innovate and offer unique design options to differentiate our brand in the market. Staying adaptable, innovative, focusing on quality products and customer satisfaction.
Interviewer: Can you share a memorable moment or experience from the Growth4Her Accelerator program that stood out to you?
Well, for me, one memorable moment from the Growth4Her accelerator program was the mock pitch presentation. We were challenged to present our business in a few minutes. The exercise pushed me to distill our value proposition into a concise message. It was a moment that not only boosted my confidence, but also helped me see the clarity and strength in our business model. The feedback from both mentors and judges during the session was invaluable and has continued to influence how I pitch my business.
Interviewer: Since completing the Growth4Her Accelerator program, how has your business grown or changed?
Well, since completing the program, Dina Consulting has grown, no doubt. We’ve refined our business strategy, which has positively impacted on our business operation, increased efficiency, and has led to better decision making. The mentorship and support from the program have positioned us to pursue more ambitious growth opportunities.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs who are considering joining the Growth4Her Accelerator program?
Well, to female entrepreneurs, I encourage you to be a part of the accelerator program, as they can learn the importance of identifying and focusing on a clear market need or passion. I would encourage continuous learning and personal development, including skills acquisition and networking. There are lots of benefits to networking and this can open doors to new opportunities and resources. I encourage female entrepreneurs to seek mentors. And, well, finally, model the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
And this demonstrates the success in a business doesn’t have to, well, doesn’t have to come at the expense of personal well-being. So, if you maintain a healthy work-life balance, healthy work-life balance. Well, I would like to thank Growth4Her for everything they’ve done. It’s really been amazing.
