Bunmi George, 28, is the founder of ShredderGang, a professional nutrition and fitness company. She speaks about her passion
What stirred your interest in the health and fitness line?
I like to say that ShredderGang happened to me; it wasn’t something I had set out to do. I struggled with my weight for many years, but after losing 55kg the healthy way, friends and family with weight issues started calling me for consultation, then a light bulb went on in my head. I started charging fees and that was what transformed into ShredderGang.
What are your educational qualifications?
I have degrees in both clinical psychology and dietetics and I graduated in 2011 from the University of Toronto.
When did you set up ShredderGang and what exactly do you do there?
ShredderGang was set up in 2012 and it is a professional nutrition and fitness company. We help individuals live healthier and happier lives.
Did you train for what you do now?
Yes I did.
What was your work history prior to setting up your company?
Prior to starting Shredder Gang, I had just graduated from the university, and I had published my first book titled, Wholesome, which was launched in December 2012. The book centres on the love of God and a woman’s journey from brokenness to wholeness. I was mostly working on promoting the book while serving in the gospel ministry.
How would you describe your exercise regimen?
I train five times in a week for 65 minutes for each session. I do a range of activities from skipping to running to HIIT, and sometimes strength training.
How much was your start-up capital?
The great thing about this job is that I started with absolutely no capital except my knowledge and expertise.
You were able to lose 55kg in 14 months, what was the motivation for you?
I just wanted to be fit and healthy. I got sick and tired of carrying so much weight around, and it had also started to affect my self-esteem. I remember walking to my registrar’s office while in the university, and I was out of breath by the time I got there. That was the turning point in my life. From that day, I made a conscious effort to lose weight drastically.
In what ways do you think Nigerians should pay more attention to their health, especially those who are dealing with obesity and other related issues?
Dealing with obesity and similar weight-control problems require adopting new habits that will foster a healthier lifestyle. You should not attempt radical changes to your diet, or activity patterns all at once because you may risk compounding what is already a precarious health situation. Rather, consider a team approach that involves several qualified health professionals. Your physician will also help you develop a safe plan for losing weight that includes both diet and exercise.
What advice do you offer clients in terms of healthy living, managing their diet and nutrition?
Healthy living requires the right types and amounts of food, drinks and exercise to keep your body healthy. A balanced diet also includes avoiding too much of some food and making sure you get enough of others.
Have you encountered challenges since you opened for business?
Combining the roles of being a wife and a mom of two with running the business was a daunting task initially. I had to put a proper structure in place so that none of them would suffer.
How profitable is the business?
It is a profitable business.
How do you handle competition, given the fact that fitness companies are springing up by the day?
Healthy competition is very good and it pushes us to do better every single day. The truth is we cannot serve the entire nation alone; we need others to be part of it. It is a movement which is not restricted to ShredderGang alone.
Who are your role models and mentors?
I find Indra Nooyi very inspiring. She is the CEO of Pepsico and one of the most powerful women and minorities in business.
What personal traits have helped you become a successful entrepreneur?
I believe in excellence. It is the first thing you will notice when you encounter any of my products, whether it’s functioning or visual. Also, I have a ‘never give up spirit.’ I refuse to allow anything hold me down; I push until I get what I want.
In this period of recession, some Nigerians believe that enrolling in a fitness centre is a sheer waste of money and time as such funds could be channeled into other viable projects; what is your take on this?
I think it is all about understanding that being sick is expensive. Eating healthy and enrolling at a gym is a bit more costly, but it is a necessity. Even if you can’t afford gym membership, you can engage in other exercise activities at home.
What are your other interests?
I enjoy travelling and exploring new cities. I also enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends.
What advice can you offer youths who want to become entrepreneurs?
Many believe that entrepreneurship means shorter hours and more free time but in reality, entrepreneurship means building your business carefully and faithfully day by day over a period of years. If there’s any secret to success, it’s hard work, period. Being an entrepreneur is definitely rewarding, but you have to be ready to work harder than you’ve ever worked for anyone else.
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