Iguehi Aimienwauu
Hello! My name is Iguehi Aimienwauu. I’m the Chief Experience Designer at The Kahi Company.
I’m from Edo State, Nigeria. I attended Covenant University where I studied Policy and Strategic Studies. In 2017, I started my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) where I served my country for a year. Upon finishing, I realized I wanted to do more - I needed to. You see appreciating people is such an important thing in life. I’ve always been passionate about others and how they feel. I love to plan events, curate gifts, and create memories for people and that’s what led me to opening my company, The Kahi Company.
Company Name: The Kahi Company
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Operating since: 2019
Website: thekahicompany.com
Instagram: @thekahicompany, @thekahigiftshop
Twitter: @Thekahigiftshop
Tell us all about your company. What services do you offer?
The Kahi Company is a group of certified wedding and event planners. There is also a gift shop that is aimed at curating unique items for all occasions. We plan events that leave unforgettable memories for people and gifts that show the love and effort the person put into it. We are very invested in paying attention to detail for both our events and gifts. We want people to have those special memories that they hold on to. That’s what gives us so much joy - the value of our work.
In the world today, we hear about mental health and how it’s important to always appreciate people and to appreciate oneself. That’s one of the reasons this company was started. It is OK to celebrate yourself and to tell others and show them how much you care about them. I always tell people that no matter how small or little a gift is or the lengths you go to throw an event, the statement it makes and the value it leaves can’t be quantified. That’s pure joy and I’m grateful I get to be a part of people’s stories to help them create memories with other people.
How did you get the idea or concept for your company? Was there anything in particular that inspired you to start at the time you did?
I have always planned events for my friends and family - surprising people is one of my favorite things. After I graduated, I also worked for a year at an oil company. During that period, my friends told me to start my event planning company but I wasn’t confident about it at first. It was a hobby and I didn’t think I could make it a way of living. To my greatest surprise, I started getting booked by people I didn’t even know and that’s how we’ve been growing day-by-day.
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own company/organization?
Growing up, I didn’t know much about starting a company but I knew I was passionate about people. I knew I was passionate about love and care. Since I was a little girl and the Bible school teacher taught me about the fruits of the spirit, I have always carried that with me and I dreamt that one day, I’d have a platform that helps others to nurture their fruits. Kindness, patience, love, etc. - those virtues are what inspired me.
How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your company?
Working a 9-5 job most definitely shaped me in ways I didn’t think it would in running my own company. The little things, like how to address an email or even a file, now I see myself teaching people that work in the company. It has also helped me with customer relations - how you treat clients is very important. It’s very important to listen always.
What is the biggest personal / professional obstacle you've had to overcome?
I had a lot of self doubt in the beginning. That also affected the way the company priced [services]. I’m glad because with self realization came confidence in myself and the company.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success? If not, when will you?
Success - you rise by lifting others. Someone who doesn’t take or carry other people along - is that really a successful person? I think not. Everyday, I try my best to encourage, support, and lift people up- even the same people that are in my line of business. Success is not getting to the top on your own but getting there and looking around and seeing people are there with you.
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
Yes, I think in today’s age, with feminists and women standing up for themselves and others, I’d say the support is definitely there. Women around me have made me see that, as a female CEO, some people might not be as confident in me as they’d be in a man, but what is important is that I believe in myself and my work and that I strive everyday to be the best and nothing but the best.
What are some of your future plans? Are you working on anything else right now?
Ooh, I have so many ideas for the event company and also the gift company but that’s a surprise!
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
I’d say, follow your heart sis. Don’t be afraid. Start - if you don’t try, you won’t know and you don’t want to have to think ‘I wonder if I’d have been great at this’. I strongly believe in you and I know you can be whatever you want to be, just believe. Believe in yourself. Do not give up. Everyday make that extra effort and you will succeed.
Describe yourself in ONE word. Passionate
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..." tough, but all things are possible if you just believe.
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