She left her career in IT consulting and delved into an early years music education franchise in the UK in order to have better control of her time to raise her children. She is currently the founder of Kunbi’s music, Let’s meet her.
Please introduce yourself and your background
My name is Kunbi Osinoiki, a music educator passionate about positively transforming lives, young and old, by providing structured and enjoyable music learning experiences. I am married to Sola Osinoiki and we have three grown up children.
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
My first degree was in Economics from the University of Manchester, followed by an MBA from the University of Liverpool but I started learning to play the piano when I was five years old. I was able to draw on my musical background to launch a career in music education many years later when I started having children. I decided to leave my career in IT consulting and buy into an Early Years music education franchise in the UK in order to have better control of my schedule so I could pick up my young son from school. I eventually sold my UK business and set up Kunbi’s Music Company in Nigeria 12 years later. Today we provide music education services to individuals, groups and schools both within and outside Nigeria. In the last few months, I also set up the SME Tech Coach, where I help coach CEOs of small businesses on how to transform their operations through the judicious use of tech.
How did you come about the brand name and what does it mean?
To be honest, the brand name came about because I was unable to register any of my preferred names with the corporate affairs commission and Kunbi’s Music Company was the only combination that passed the search stage!
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
My niche is the provision of creative, systematic and progressive music learning opportunities for all ages. It is a market to go to because too many people quit music lessons because they find them boring and uninspiring. My purpose is to make the journey so fulfilling that quitting is never an option!
Also read: Meet The Founder of Zeeza Bags [Exclusive Interview]
Where do you get the inspiration for your products
I get inspiration from a global community of music studio owners that I am part of. I see and learn from their innovation and mistakes every single day and I am inspired to enrich lives through music like they do.
Can you remember one of the first products you made or service you started? What makes it memorable?
Our very first service was our Boogie Babies classes – music and movement for early years. It was very memorable because when we first started, we had just a small space to work from – a small office attached to my mum’s store. And we often had just one child and their parent in attendance. It’s very difficult to create an atmosphere with such a tiny group. But we persevered. And here we are today.
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
Our biggest challenges are logistics, power and internet connectivity. Getting to appointments within a short window can be a big challenge and sometimes erratic power and internet connectivity can affect our operations.
Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?
Not at all, it’s been challenging but a great learning experience.
What is your most popular product?
Piano lessons are by far the most popular. We teach other instruments and well but the demand for piano far outweighs the others.
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?
I draw on it a whole lot. Culture gives meaning and expression to music and we always try to include traditional and modern Nigerian songs in our learners repertoire.
What are some of your short term goals and long term goals, both in your business and life in general
My short term goal is to double our clientele by the end of this year. My long term goal is to open music education hubs across the continent.
What would people be surprised to learn about you
My age. People think I am much younger than I am. Maybe due to my stature and smooth skin. I turned 50 this year.
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this Industry?
I would be in IT Consulting If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
To connect with the founder of Kunbi’s Music you can follow and contact her via:
Instagram: Kunbismusiccompany
Whatsapp: 08034898474
