From Precious
April 10, 2008
Bola Obileye | Media
Continental Bride Magazine
www.continentalbride.comPrecious: What did you do before you launched Continental Bride?
Before CB was started, I had been planning events and shows around the wedding market and also styling brides from head to toe for their big day. However, I hold a joint-degree in Business and Computing and also worked for a number of blue-chip firms as an IT Account Manager. I love my job now, I have the opportunity to practice my passion, and I'm living my dream and soaring with my strength. It's so much fun sometimes I forget that I'm working.
Precious: Why do you think that there is a need for a magazine like this?
When I initially had the idea about CB, I knew that in order for it to be a winner, it had to be a product that the public wanted. We invested in a lot of research and approached a lot of past brides and future brides of colour, hairdressers, beauticians and wedding services and product suppliers with a professionally designed questionnaires and by the time we completed the exercise, we had overwhelming proof that CB would be received positively. As a black woman, I am aware that my needs in the area of celebrating my culture and tradition, as well as hair and beauty are different from those represented by mainstream wedding titles. CB aims to fill this gap and to be the one-stop wedding planning resource for the modern woman of colour.
Precious: Describe the average CB reader.
Research by Continental Bride defined today's bride of colour as between 18-34 years and above, with an average age of 27 years old.
She is financially independent earning up to £24,000 and above a year.
She's educated and is a decision-maker.
She has taken a bold step into the next stage of her life as she prepares for her new life as a wife.
She knows what she wants and she is willing to pay for items that make her feel sexy and glamorous.
She knows the value of premium brands and demonstrates a high level of brand loyalty.
She is fashion conscious and she likes to update her looks with current fashion trends.
She is actively seeking bridal product and service suppliers and making purchases as she plans for the wedding of her dreams.
Precious: How difficult was it to get the magazine off the ground?
I wouldn't say it was difficult to get the magazine off the ground; it was more of a challenge. I was surrounded with people that believed in the vision for CB, their expertise and selfless dedication to making CB the "Best thing Ever" resulted in our premiere issue, now available in WHSmith, Borders bookshops and all good newsagents.
Precious: Was it hard to raise finance?
With a solid business plan and research findings, we were able to secure adequate financial backing to get the CB running.
Precious: Is there anyone in business who inspires you?
I take inspiration from a variety of people for instance Richard Branson's business sense, Oprah Winfrey's tenacity, Bill Gates' foresight, My mother's strength, My father's discipline etc. With this in mind, I am able to maintain my individuality, whilst learning from people I know or read about.
Precious: Where do you see the magazine in 5 years time?
I see CB as the UK, USA and Africa's foremost wedding magazine for people of colour and the number one source for information on creating the most spectacular and imaginative wedding.
Precious: What do you do to relax?
As a Christian, my beliefs form an integral part of my life, relaxing when you are running your own business is almost impossible but I make a conscious decision to relax a bit by reflecting on the promises of God for my life, it helps me maintain my focus and give my best daily.