Samuel Nwosu’s Day or night starts like pretty much the typical work shift of any doctor. He checks his files, meets with patients who have an appointment, scribbles recommendations in that scraggy handwriting all doctors have, makes a round of the wards to see patients on admission, attends to emergencies, and then he goes home to make unisex gemstone and bead jewellery.
Doctor Sam’s artsy business might strike many as unusual but it’s not exactly uncommon for people in the medical field to have a creative/artsy side hobby or business. For instance, Michael Crichton, the author of Jurassic Park, was a doctor who combined writing with his practice before focusing on writing fully. There’s also Victor Wahby, a doctor who is the founder & maestro of the medical musical group orchestra, and there are examples near and far of people in the medical field who are also painters, photographers, and artists of all kind.
We caught up with Doctor Sam to learn more about his jewellery making business and how he combines his art with the science of saving lives
Could you shed some light on your jewellery making business?
My business is called NOOKSignature. It is a registered company that deals in finished jewellery pieces fabricated from gemstones and beads. It’s name is coined from my initials NOOKS and the word Signature which by definition is a personalised graphical representation of an individual. Similarly, NOOKSignature represents jewellery from my perspective, this means that each piece we make and sell are originally designed and crafted by us.
What inspired you to go into Jewellery making?
Initially my inspiration was a desire to make extra cash while in school to afford me a bit of independence from my aging parents. My elder sister used to make some with cash I gave her and I’ll simply sell them, but eventually I started making them myself and I found the art of creating something beautiful out of nothing particularly intriguing. Also the freedom to combine random colours that don’t match on fabric became a pleasure I couldn’t resist.
Was it highly capital intensive to begin?
Not really, It would usually cost about N30,000 on average to learn to make bead and wire works in an open market, but I never had such formal training. I just had at my arsenal, a logical mind that was able to figure out how things are to be done in order to achieve specific designs I was exposed to when I began. In later years, I learnt bits and pieces of specific techniques from vendors whom I purchase my working materials from. Starting up the business required basic materials worth about N10,000 at the time.
What has been the most rewarding part of it all?
The complete satisfaction of my client ranks 1st place, then the joy of creating something new, original, and exquisite.
What has been the most challenging part of it all?
Time! There’s not enough time to manage my social media accounts, to craft more new pieces and explore several other marketing strategies, etc. This issue is heightened by the fact that I have a “9-5” job.
How are you overcoming the challenge?
I accept help whenever it presents itself e.g help with my e-fliers for celebrations and season greetings. I try my best to avoid procrastination of orders and other things on my “to-do” list.
What’s usually the reaction when people who know you as a doctor find out this is your side hustle?
The reaction I get varies widely, sometimes it’s one of disapproval, mostly from colleagues, and initially from my parents for obvious reasons, my profession being the foremost, then the general perception of it being a business for women. These days, I find that my profession challenges others to think out-of-the-box in the sense that they feel the need to do more to be financially free than just their daily jobs… they would say “if a doctor can find the time to run a tough business, why can’t I do same”. Finally my profession has proven useful as a marketing tool, as some people purchase items simply because I’m a doctor, and of course my jewels are standard.
If your business grew so big that it took up a huge chunk of your time, would you let go of medicine?
I believe I’ll simply find a way to make both work together no matter what… Why? Because the both of them are my passion. I simply don’t want to wonder what I could have achieved in either of them when I’m older. I feel that for me to really live a fulfilled life, I need to give time to them both… I actually pray for business growth so I’m able to become an employer of labour.
What do you think are the 3 qualities every entrepreneur needs to succeed?
Consistency, Originality, and honesty!
If someone wants to venture into your business path what advice will you give them?
(i)Do the ground work and research in order to decide of the type of jewellery you design to make (bridal, casual, work)
(ii) Decide to succeed no make what, therefore discipline and focus must be your watch word.
(iii) Create your own niche by being original, copy cats never last long if at all they do.
Nook Signature Jewellery can be viewed and ordered online via the handle @NOOKSignature on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr.
