Morenike Molehin is an interior designer, a business coach, and the founder of Oak and Teak. She is also the convener of The Complete Woman Conference and the Grow with Reny (GWR) conference. In this interview by Kingsley Alumona, she speaks about her work, her mentorship programmes, among others.
What is the story behind you studying mathematics?
My journey with mathematics started with failure. I failed math woefully in my SS1, and it was a wake-up call for me. Seeing my result that year sparked a deep determination within me to conquer maths. From that point on, it became a personal mission. I dedicated countless hours to studying and practising relentlessly. My hard work paid off — and, in my next exam, I completely aced it. By the time I was considering my options for university, the decision to major in mathematics felt natural and exciting. So, I went for it.
What was life and work like five years after graduating from the university?
Five years after graduating from university was a dynamic and transformative period for me. By this time, Oak and Teak had already been operational for about three years, and I was fully immersed in entrepreneurship and design.
I would say my degrees in mathematics played a pivotal role in my journey. Mathematics taught me critical thinking, which are very important, especially for a young adult just starting out. In the labour market, these skills translated into the ability to manage budgets effectively, understand and negotiate contracts, and optimise logistical aspects of my business.
What inspired you to go into the interior design business?
As a new wife, one of my favourite activities was styling our home. In the beginning, we prioritised necessities over aesthetics due to our limited budget. However, as our financial situation improved, I began enhancing the look and feel of our living space.
Whenever we had guests, they would compliment our home. These compliments planted a business idea in my husband’s mind, and he encouraged me to pursue a career in interior design.
Eleven years later, I’m incredibly grateful for that initial spark and the journey it set me on. Since then, I’ve enrolled in international interior design courses, further solidifying my knowledge and expertise in this field.
You are the founder of Oak and Teak. Tell us about it.
I founded Oak and Teak Interiors with a background that might seem unconventional for interior design: degrees in Industrial and Financial Mathematics. However, I believe strongly in the versatility of a university education to solve complex problems across different fields.
Originally drawn to finance, I gained practical experience as an operations manager in an agro-allied company. It was during this time that my passion for interior design took root, prompting me to launch Oak and Teak Interiors alongside my full-time job.
Over four years of balancing both roles, I saw Oak and Teak grow steadily. By January 2017, the demands of running a thriving design business alongside my career became overwhelming. Recognising the potential of my entrepreneurial venture, I made the pivotal decision to focus exclusively on Oak and Teak. This leap of faith has proven transformative, allowing me to scale the business into the successful company it is today.
Which area of interior design do you specialise in and what makes your services unique?
At Oak and Teak Interiors, we specialise in residential and commercial interior design. Our expertise spans a wide range of projects, from transforming private homes into luxurious living spaces to creating functional and aesthetically pleasing commercial environments for businesses.
What makes Oak and Teak Interiors unique is our commitment to personalised design solutions that reflect the individuality of each client. We take the time to understand our clients’ needs, preferences, and lifestyles, ensuring that every design we create is tailored to their specific requirements.
With the current economic hardship in Nigeria, how do you retain your customers?
Navigating the economic challenges in Nigeria requires a strategic and adaptable approach. We have successfully been able to retain customers, by focusing on exceptional service and personalisation. By understanding and exceeding client expectations, and maintaining open communication, we build long-term relationships based on trust.
Managing the cost of materials involves local sourcing and innovative solutions. Staying updated with industry trends allows us to find cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality. This also helps us maintain a good profit margin.
You are the convener of The Complete Woman Conference and the Grow with Reny (GWR) conference. What is the inspiration behind these conferences?
I am deeply passionate about sharing my knowledge with the younger generation — l call them my ‘Gen Z Aburos’. This passion stems from a strong belief in the transformative power of mentorship to inspire, empower, and uplift others. Both The Complete Woman and The Grow with Renny (GWR) conferences have significantly impacted many young adults over the years. Last year, the GWR conference had over 800 attendees. This year, we saw more than 1,000 participants. The testimonials have been amazing, with attendees starting businesses and forming new, thriving friendships. The GWR Mentorship Programme, a three-month closed mentorship programme, has successfully impacted 100 ladies in areas such as spirituality, business, career, marriage, relationships, personal development, fun, and self-care.
Your profile says you are a media personality. In what ways do you engage with the media?
I engage with the media in several ways. Primarily, I’m a content creator on Instagram where my content revolves around the themes of faith, family, friendship, and fun. Through this platform, I foster a sense of community and authenticity.
I also collaborate with brands that align with my values and resonate with my audience. For instance, I have created ad content for well-known brands such as Morning Fresh, Milo, and Golden Morn. These collaborations also help in building my brand by associating it with my followers and reputable companies.
As someone who relates with women in business, what do you think are the major challenges hindering Nigerian women from succeeding in business like their male counterparts?
One major challenge is tiredness. A woman’s life is multifaceted. She is a lot of things, and on most days, she has to be different things at the same time. She has to be a mom at the same time that she has to be a wife, and at the same time, she has to be a business owner (this alone is multiple sides to one).
Juggling these responsibilities can lead to chronic fatigue, which significantly limits productivity and the capacity to achieve business goals. Most women start their day already exhausted and are still expected to be highly productive and effective in all their roles. This constant state of fatigue makes it incredibly difficult to maintain the same level of focus and energy required to drive a business forward.
Doing business in Nigeria is hard. What has kept you going all these years? And where do you see your business in five years?
Firstly, my faith in God has been the cornerstone of my perseverance. He is honestly the key, the push, the drive, and the strength that has sustained me through the challenges of doing business in Nigeria. Additionally, my resilience has played a significant role. I am determined and don’t give up easily. Even when circumstances seem bleak, I continue to hold on, showing up as my best self and trusting that God will handle the rest.
In five years, I envision Oak and Teak as a fully functional global brand. We aim to expand to more continents. By 2030, our goal is to be recognised as one of the top three interior design companies worldwide. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction will drive this growth.
The labour market and the corporate world could be frustrating to entry-level businesses, especially those run by women. What advice do you have for women who run such businesses?
Running a business, especially as a woman in a competitive landscape, comes with its challenges. My advice to fellow women entrepreneurs is to stay true to their ‘Why’ and remain passionate about it. There will be lots of times when you want to quit. You will be frustrated, you will be overwhelmed, you will be disappointed, and sometimes you ask yourself if it’s worth it. It’s during these times that your passion will sustain you and remind you why you started your business in the first place.
In addition, you must also be very disciplined as a business owner, This means that your business must be well structured, from initial client contact to service delivery. Ensure consistency and professionalism. This structured approach not only enhances efficiency but also builds trust with clients and stakeholders.
Also, always seek to improve your skills. Continuous improvement is key. Stay updated with industry trends, seek learning opportunities, and be open to refining your strategies. Above all, let God be your ultimate Boss. Trust God to direct your path.
You once said, “Every woman in business needs a strong support system.” How would you describe your support system?
One of the greatest blessings in my life is the support network that God has graciously surrounded me with. My husband stands at the forefront of this support system — he is not only my life partner but also my greatest advocate and mentor. His unwavering support, guidance, and willingness to step in whenever needed have been instrumental in my journey.
My parents and siblings have always been there to offer encouragement, wisdom, and practical assistance whenever I face challenges or need a helping hand. I am fortunate to have a circle of friends who provide unwavering support. They are my cheerleaders, always ready to lift me up, offer advice, and celebrate both small victories and major milestones with me.
I am also fortunate to have amazing colleagues on the business front. Their dedication and competence give me the confidence to delegate responsibilities, knowing that the business is in good hands.
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