My name is Bilkisu Garba-Diallo. My father is a medical doctor and mother, a nurse. I am the last of four children. I studied architecture (first and second degrees) and I went further to take short courses in Environmental Sustainability and Renewable Energy. My interest in main stream architecture waned after having worked on a few construction sites. I was frustrated by the high level waste produced during the projects. I knew I wanted to infuse waste management into my architectural portfolio in some way.
In 2016, I got married to my best friend who is also an architect, and we established a company with a focus on building finishes. But in 2017, I decided to embark on a daring journey and try something new. I started a company called The Upcycle Architect (TUPA). It is a social enterprise that focuses on promoting environmental sustainability through the concept of upcycling. It also aims at finding solutions to the culture of waste mismanagement in the building industry and society in general. At TUPA we specialize in the production of unique furniture and furnishing pieces for both interiors and exteriors. We create products from items people generally describe as junk, waste, trash and scrap. Asides product design and creation, we also specialize in space design and revamping and we organize creative upcycle workshops (for kids and adults) and advocacy programs.
Although the business had gained some amount of success I thought it necessary to expand the business. I was working out of a small rented work station and doing most of the production at my home. This made it very difficult for me to effectively run the business. I needed a space where I would not only carry out production but also hold trainings and workshops. I was also having difficulties managing my finances and marketing my business. At this point I knew I had to undergo some training in business management. I was informed of an opportunity to be a part of C4C’s entrepreneurship fellowship Programme. I applied to the Programme and I was selected.
C4C’s Fellowship Program has been a total blessing for me. The internship training and capacity building workshops have exposed me to the concept of business and entrepreneurship. I have a better understanding now of how to calculate start-up capital requirements and expected profits, run the business, manage people, take inventory, keep accounting books and effectively market my business. It is an experience I will forever be grateful for. I have recently secured a location for my workshop and training center and I am working tirelessly with the C4C team to turn this location into a fully functional workshop and training center.
I will like to use this medium to say thank you to our dear C4C mummy, Dr. Kechi. You will forever be my hero. Also, to the entire the C4C team. You are all so amazing. God bless!