Fikayo being a natural problem solver and designated organiser amongst friends and family with a creative flair , Fikayo has always been destined to launch Simply Kayo. Her own Nigerian birth and partial upbringing sprinkled with British schooling, life and culture are the backbone of the Simply Kayo concept.
After a short but varied city career in Corporate Restructuring, Risk Management, Strategy, Business Development and CSR, Fikayo followed her natural passions and launched Simply Kayo; which she fondly calls ‘SK’.
In a few short years, she has established Simply Kayo as the go to luxury event company for the discerning client who seeks Fikayo’s bespoke, exclusive, creative yet seamless touch in their event. - (Source Website).
It is the success and creative touch of Simply Kayo that brings My Black Woman's attention to the woman behind all these. In our chat, I try to know why and how she has been able to make event planning so lucrative. Read this!
Did you have to leave your well paid job to start SimplyKayo?
Actually, I haven't left my job. I work in my family business which gives me quite a bit of flexibility to pursue SK. Planning coordination and design are my passion. They give me so much pleasure that eventually I will leave my job to do this full time.
Did you train to be an event planner at some point?
I studied business studies with a specialism in marketing at University. Prior to that, I had always known that I wanted to run my own business. But I just didn't know what at the time. During Uni, I discovered that I loved planning events and that I was good at it.
Where did you study ?
I studied at City University's Cass Business School.
How much satisfaction have you had starting SK?
I love creating and coming up with concepts. I love researching and planning to make the concept a reality and I particularly love event days. SK gives me the opportunity to work in the line of my passion and despite the hard work, this keeps me going.
What makes SK different from the whole lot?
I started SK with the idea to plan events for people
like me. People who may have grown up with more than one culture influencing them. Particularly some kind of ethnic heritage and the western culture. I think it of it as, if I were throwing a party, the various aspects of my personality would play a role. My Nigerian upbringing would have an influence, my British environment would also play a role. My tastes and preferences would also play a role. We help to combine all the things that make you you and add the bespoke element, the creative element and style to create a luxury event.
like me. People who may have grown up with more than one culture influencing them. Particularly some kind of ethnic heritage and the western culture. I think it of it as, if I were throwing a party, the various aspects of my personality would play a role. My Nigerian upbringing would have an influence, my British environment would also play a role. My tastes and preferences would also play a role. We help to combine all the things that make you you and add the bespoke element, the creative element and style to create a luxury event.
When you say event planning, where do you start and where do you end?
Event planning starts with designing the event, the concept, any themes and this starts with the client. Once we have come up with a concept, we can then get to work planning how to bring that concept to life; working out budgets, timeline,skill sets needed and other details. it all culminates into the execution of the event on the day. It's always wonderful seeing it all come together on the day. Personally I get a rush from the hustle and bustle of event day and seeing my clients so happy.
What type of events do you undertake?
We plan and design weddings,bridal and baby showers, birthdays, dinner parties, anniversaries, galas, product launches and award ceremonies
How do you keep up with developing new design concepts? Where do you find inspiration?
I don't think there's ever a shortage of ideas as there's inspiration everywhere . Online particularly, shop displays home interiors and other random things.
How much does it cost to have SK plan your event?
We tailor our offerings to suit our clients specific needs so depending on this,we send them a proposal accordingly
Is there any event too big for SK to handle?
The very first SK event was a 500 guest Nigeria wedding so that experience has given us a good grounding for large events.
How many events are you capable of handling at a time?
Although I have a team that work with me, I am the principal planner and designer and work directly with clients. In the past, I have worked on 4 events at one time all at different stages of planning or design.
Are you married, do you have kids? how do you keep up all these?
No I am not yet married and I don't have any children. I do love kids though and hope to have at least 3 in the future.
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