Paulo Santini Footwears – Former Zik Hall Social MinisterNow Footwear Brand Owner

Recognising the wave of innovation, industry and insightfulness among student entrepreneurs on campus, ZHPO is unveiling a ZIKPRENEUR column to spotlight Zikites with evidence of entrepreneurial prowess. This initiative aims to shed light on their creativity, discuss the pros and cons of doing business as a student, and drive interest among entrepreneur wannabes.

Our maiden piece focuses on Paulo Santini Footwears, a footwear brand based in Zik hall with a clientele spanning beyond UI. The brand is owned by Olukole Paul, popularly known as Paulo. He served as Minister for Socials in the 2016/17 session in Zik hall and is a graduate of the department of Religious Studies.

ZHPO: Can we meet you?

Paulo: I’m Olukole Paul Temitope.

ZHPO: Can you tell us about your business?

Paulo: My brand, Paulo Santini Footwears is a Nigerian-based fashion brand that specializes in the design and the making of various types of footwear that includes slip-ons, sandals and corporate shoes (brogues etc). In the year 2017, which marked the early days of the business, her operations majorly served the University of Ibadan community, and the city of Ibadan at large, as I, Olukole Paul Temitope was then a student of the said institution.

ZHPO: When did you start?

Paulo: 2017 marked the early years of my Brand.

ZHPO:  How have you been able to pull crowd and have a strong client base?

Paulo: It’s literally not easy pulling crowd, the early days literally made me feel less human, because I was bullied by family and friends. My Parents were like, they sent me to school to study and not to do business, then friends were like I wasn’t to make sales, I would end up wearing all my wears myself. I did quit so many times and did it over and over again. But consistency helped me along the line. It was hard building trust, since everyone had someone that made their shoes for them.

ZHPO: How is your business faring now?

Paulo: Far better than when I started, doing something over and over for 5 years now, has helped me in becoming a master to face many challenges and scaling through, because in business you will cry.

ZHPO: How were you able to cope with business and academics?

Paulo:  It wasn’t easy though, almost had an extra year, because business will split your attention in school…However, I’m back for my M.Sc. programme.

ZHPO: What are the challenges you’d faced in your business?

Paulo: Hmmmm… That’s a very big question, there are several challenges, from customers, from school, from parents not supporting my business, from friends that never trusted in me.

ZHPO: What further plan do you have for your business?

Paulo: Over time I see myself in the leagues of Nike and others, it a continuous step, since Rome isn’t built in a day.

ZHPO: What’s your counsel to Zikites that are afraid of stepping out in their business career?

Paulo: I don’t want to sound like most motivational speakers that deceive people, cause if I say be consistent, how would you be consistent when there’s no food in the stomach. Just do what you know how to do best and be Prayerful.

ZHPO: How can clients reach you?

Paulo: My shop is based in the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, shop 1, University of Ibadan. My social media handles are: Instagram – @paulosantini_footwears; Twitter – @olukoletemitope