I sat in the corner of a modest café, its décor a mix of local art and faded posters. Ifeoma was sitting across from me, nervously twisting a napkin in her hands. The noise from the street outside filtered in, mingling with the hum of conversation and the clink of coffee cups.
"Ifeoma," I began, leaning forward, "I want to know more about your dreams. What do you see yourself doing in five years?"
She glanced up, her eyes wide with uncertainty. "I've always loved singing," she said quietly. "But I never thought I could make a career out of it. People always said it's just a hobby."
"Do you believe that?" I asked, keeping my voice gentle but firm.
She shook her head. "No. Not anymore. Not after you approached me. It's just... it feels too good to be true."
"I get that," I said, nodding. "But I believe in your talent. And I have a plan to make it happen. It won't be easy, but with hard work and dedication, we can build something amazing."
Ifeoma's eyes sparkled with a mix of hope and determination. "What do I need to do?"
"We'll start small," I explained. "Local performances, building your presence online, and networking. I'll handle the business side, and you focus on your music. Deal?"
"Deal," she said, a tentative smile forming on her lips.
We spent the next hour discussing the logistics—auditions, rehearsals, and setting up social media profiles. By the time we left the café, Ifeoma seemed more confident, ready to take on the challenges ahead.
---
The following week was a whirlwind of activity. I rented a small office space in a bustling part of Lagos. It wasn't much—just a single room with peeling paint and a couple of old desks—but it was a start.
"Welcome to our new headquarters," I said to Ifeoma as she stepped inside.
She looked around, her expression a mix of amusement and skepticism. "It's... cozy."
I laughed. "It is. But it's ours. And from here, we'll build something incredible."
Over the next few days, we set up our operations. I spent hours drafting contracts, planning marketing strategies, and reaching out to contacts. Ifeoma practiced her singing, refining her skills, and preparing for upcoming performances.
One afternoon, as we were going over plans, there was a knock on the door. I opened it to find a tall, elegant woman standing there, her expression confident and curious.
"Hello," she said, extending a hand. "My name is Zainab. I heard you're starting a modeling agency. I'm interested."
I shook her hand, taken aback by her directness. "Nice to meet you, Zainab. Please, come in."
Zainab joined us at the desk, her presence commanding attention. "I've been modeling for a few years now," she explained. "But I want more than just runway shows. I want to expand into acting, commercials, and endorsements."
"We can definitely help with that," I said, glancing at Ifeoma, who was watching the exchange with interest. "We're still in the early stages, but our goal is to develop a full-scale entertainment agency. Your experience would be invaluable."
Zainab nodded, her eyes bright with excitement. "I'm ready to work hard and bring my best to the table. When do we start?"
"Right away," I said, smiling. "Welcome to the team."
---
In the weeks that followed, our small office buzzed with activity. Ifeoma's performances began to draw attention, and Zainab's modeling gigs brought in new opportunities. We were building a reputation, slowly but surely.
One evening, as we were wrapping up for the day, Zainab approached me. "Ade," she said, her tone thoughtful, "why did you start this agency? You seem so driven."
I paused, considering how much to reveal. "In my previous life, I missed a lot of opportunities. I had regrets. This time, I want to make a difference, not just for myself but for others too."
She nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. "Well, I'm glad you did. I think we're going to achieve great things together."
As I locked up the office, I felt a sense of contentment and anticipation. The foundations were being laid, and I was surrounded by talented, determined people. This was just the beginning of our journey, and I was ready to face whatever came next.