KOB HYPE: Who is SmartWash?
Kwasuolofofo hype will feature the future potential heavy hitters in Africa music. Any material featured in this category will be from an unsigned OR up & coming Nigerian/African artiste/producer/record label that boasts of nothing but promising content. There will only be ONE post a month in this category.
Let us get to know you please, who is Smart Wash?
Ans: I’m a self-motivated; enthusiastic young man. I enjoy doing what I like doing most; washing people’s clothes, making them look sparklingly clean and tidy.
Give us a brief background about yourself and why you call yourself Smart Wash?
Ans: I’m Muhammad Sa’eed Olanrewaju Yusuf. First child in a family of four. “Smart-Wash” is a product of mental exercise. I was thinking about a unique and compact name, yet very broad in meaning. Ultimately, “Smart-Wash” crossed my mind.
So when did you begin to have the ambition to take this Dry cleaning as a career?
Ans: The ambition sprang-up immediately after I won a competition in ‘Creativity and Innovation’ at Kwara State University (Kwasu). I was awarded scholarship to learn the art of dry-cleaning at CleanAce. So, I started fully with laundry business while I was still in the university after the Skills and Acquisition programme at Kwasu.
How did your parents & family feel about your decision to go into Dry cleaning work?
Ans: Hmmm! *deep Breath* it wasn’t an easy task then. Now, with the help of Almighty God, I have supports coming from family members and friends alike. After the Youth Service year in (2015), my guardian asked me what I wanted to do, I told her I wanted to run a laundry and dry-cleaning business. She asked how I wanted to go about it minding my financial status, I replied I would start with little cash I have. Eventually, I partner with a friend, Mr Ibrahim Yusuf.
When did you start Dry cleaning job professionally?
Ans: I started Dry Cleaning job professionally immediately after I left CleanAce where I got liberated from ignorance and mediocrity to become a top-notch professional. Although, I had held passion for dry-cleaning for many years, I had to be pragmatic and let people know that I know my onions in laundry business 100 percent.
Your achievements since you are into this Dry cleaning job?
Ans: Hmmm! We praise Almighty God. My achievements thus far are numerous, but I shall mention notable ones. I must mention that SMART-WASH is a trademark. It’s known quite well. Again, the company has enjoyed some goodwill. It has also won pretty number of meritorious awards. And most recently, the company just moved to its new modern, state-of-the-art office along Sango road, Ilorin. Hopefully, in the years to come, we pray to grow from strength to strength.
Your challenges since you have been in this business?
Ans: Funding has been a major challenge. I remember a “tragic” story. I lost my mum (about five years ago). I was still in the second year at the university. It’s indeed a sad experience. Mum was very supportive. She’s my pillar. I had expected some money from her shortly before her death. I intended to use the money to purchase power generating set for my laundry business. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the money before she passed on. I couldn’t buy a generator to power washing machine. I had to use bare hands in washing people’s clothes every damn morning before I go to class. I would come back in the evening to press-iron them. I did this for quite some time before I raised some money for generator.
Do you have a role model in the industry?
Ans: Yes, definitely! I do have a role model. He is Mr Eni-Ibukun Adebayo. The Chief Executive, CleanAce Dry Cleaners. He’s a guy whom I have lots of respect for.
Are you solely into Laundry or are you into other aspect?
Ans: We are a one-stop dry cleaning outfit. Right now, when you come to us, you can do your laundry. We have tailor shop where we do alterations and repairs on clothes. We have another section dedicated to carpets and upholstery cleaning (Indoor and Outdoor). We also have a cobbler shop where we take care of customers’ shoes and belts. We are trying to set our records straight. There are still more to come.
What project are you currently working on?
Ans: We are currently working on Smart-Wash Dry-Cleaning School. It’s going to be a centre of learning. Where young people driven by entrepreneurship spirit, irrespective of their level of education can acquire the art of dry cleaning,
Like the saying Goes All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy, how do you like to chill?
Ans: Dry Cleaning service is a professional job. It requires specialised skills. It’s thought-provoking. So, one needs to learn through practice and observation. What I do during leisure time is that I engage in a lot of reasoning. I ask lots of questions. This is what I do. And from it, I’m able to master a lot of things.
Your memorable day?
Ans: For me, every day offers new memory. Each day provides new opportunity for greatness. But to mention one particular day seems challenging. Hmmm! Ok! The very day I won a scholarship offers everlasting memory. It’s the same day I was runner-up at the Creativity and Innovation Competition at Kwara State University. (KWASU). I still remember that warmly on-stage embrace from Mr Eni-Ibukun Adebayo (CEO CleanAce). He pronounced himself my mentor. I give thanks to Almighty God. That day was a memorable week.
Most sad moment in your life?
Ans: That was the day I needed to share success story with my mum. Mum was not alive to listen to my story. God Knows best.
If you are given the opportunity to go back to your past, what will you correct about yourself or in your past?
Ans: In fact, I would love to return to childhood. Then, let anyone ask me what I would love to become. I will proudly tell anyone I want to be a professional launderer.
In conclusion, what would you like to add? Any shout-outs?
Ans: All greetings and adorations due to Almighty God. I thank Him upon all conditions. I will like to make shouts-out to my family members, friends, colleagues and clients, and everyone else who have been supportive right from time. Big thank you to the indefatigable Dr Muritala Awodun, and my mentor Eni-Ibukun Adebayo. I appreciate your supports.
What is your advice to the upcoming & established Dry cleaners out there?
Ans: Your passion - appreciate who you are. Your gift - know your strength. Your weakness – it’s the opportunity that lies ahead of you. Understand the challenges faced by this industry. No business stumble upon success overnight, you have to put in a lot and be patient.
How can those that need your service Contact you?
Ans: Enquiries Address:
Main Office:
Km 5, Old Jebba Road
Beside Kwara Agro Mall (ADP)
Opposite Hassada Motors
Agric - Sango Area
Ilorin
Kwara State
Branch Office:
Block B8
Harmony Estate
Akerebiata
Sobi Road
Ilorin.
Telephone: 08166606808
E-mail: SmartWash031@gmail.com
Facebook: Smart Wash Launderers
Twitter: @Smartwash031
Thanks for beeing around.
Ans: you are welcome
Let us get to know you please, who is Smart Wash?
Ans: I’m a self-motivated; enthusiastic young man. I enjoy doing what I like doing most; washing people’s clothes, making them look sparklingly clean and tidy.
Give us a brief background about yourself and why you call yourself Smart Wash?
Ans: I’m Muhammad Sa’eed Olanrewaju Yusuf. First child in a family of four. “Smart-Wash” is a product of mental exercise. I was thinking about a unique and compact name, yet very broad in meaning. Ultimately, “Smart-Wash” crossed my mind.
So when did you begin to have the ambition to take this Dry cleaning as a career?
Ans: The ambition sprang-up immediately after I won a competition in ‘Creativity and Innovation’ at Kwara State University (Kwasu). I was awarded scholarship to learn the art of dry-cleaning at CleanAce. So, I started fully with laundry business while I was still in the university after the Skills and Acquisition programme at Kwasu.
How did your parents & family feel about your decision to go into Dry cleaning work?
Ans: Hmmm! *deep Breath* it wasn’t an easy task then. Now, with the help of Almighty God, I have supports coming from family members and friends alike. After the Youth Service year in (2015), my guardian asked me what I wanted to do, I told her I wanted to run a laundry and dry-cleaning business. She asked how I wanted to go about it minding my financial status, I replied I would start with little cash I have. Eventually, I partner with a friend, Mr Ibrahim Yusuf.
When did you start Dry cleaning job professionally?
Ans: I started Dry Cleaning job professionally immediately after I left CleanAce where I got liberated from ignorance and mediocrity to become a top-notch professional. Although, I had held passion for dry-cleaning for many years, I had to be pragmatic and let people know that I know my onions in laundry business 100 percent.
Your achievements since you are into this Dry cleaning job?
Ans: Hmmm! We praise Almighty God. My achievements thus far are numerous, but I shall mention notable ones. I must mention that SMART-WASH is a trademark. It’s known quite well. Again, the company has enjoyed some goodwill. It has also won pretty number of meritorious awards. And most recently, the company just moved to its new modern, state-of-the-art office along Sango road, Ilorin. Hopefully, in the years to come, we pray to grow from strength to strength.
Your challenges since you have been in this business?
Ans: Funding has been a major challenge. I remember a “tragic” story. I lost my mum (about five years ago). I was still in the second year at the university. It’s indeed a sad experience. Mum was very supportive. She’s my pillar. I had expected some money from her shortly before her death. I intended to use the money to purchase power generating set for my laundry business. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the money before she passed on. I couldn’t buy a generator to power washing machine. I had to use bare hands in washing people’s clothes every damn morning before I go to class. I would come back in the evening to press-iron them. I did this for quite some time before I raised some money for generator.
Do you have a role model in the industry?
Ans: Yes, definitely! I do have a role model. He is Mr Eni-Ibukun Adebayo. The Chief Executive, CleanAce Dry Cleaners. He’s a guy whom I have lots of respect for.
Are you solely into Laundry or are you into other aspect?
Ans: We are a one-stop dry cleaning outfit. Right now, when you come to us, you can do your laundry. We have tailor shop where we do alterations and repairs on clothes. We have another section dedicated to carpets and upholstery cleaning (Indoor and Outdoor). We also have a cobbler shop where we take care of customers’ shoes and belts. We are trying to set our records straight. There are still more to come.
What project are you currently working on?
Ans: We are currently working on Smart-Wash Dry-Cleaning School. It’s going to be a centre of learning. Where young people driven by entrepreneurship spirit, irrespective of their level of education can acquire the art of dry cleaning,
Like the saying Goes All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy, how do you like to chill?
Ans: Dry Cleaning service is a professional job. It requires specialised skills. It’s thought-provoking. So, one needs to learn through practice and observation. What I do during leisure time is that I engage in a lot of reasoning. I ask lots of questions. This is what I do. And from it, I’m able to master a lot of things.
Your memorable day?
Ans: For me, every day offers new memory. Each day provides new opportunity for greatness. But to mention one particular day seems challenging. Hmmm! Ok! The very day I won a scholarship offers everlasting memory. It’s the same day I was runner-up at the Creativity and Innovation Competition at Kwara State University. (KWASU). I still remember that warmly on-stage embrace from Mr Eni-Ibukun Adebayo (CEO CleanAce). He pronounced himself my mentor. I give thanks to Almighty God. That day was a memorable week.
Most sad moment in your life?
Ans: That was the day I needed to share success story with my mum. Mum was not alive to listen to my story. God Knows best.
If you are given the opportunity to go back to your past, what will you correct about yourself or in your past?
Ans: In fact, I would love to return to childhood. Then, let anyone ask me what I would love to become. I will proudly tell anyone I want to be a professional launderer.
In conclusion, what would you like to add? Any shout-outs?
Ans: All greetings and adorations due to Almighty God. I thank Him upon all conditions. I will like to make shouts-out to my family members, friends, colleagues and clients, and everyone else who have been supportive right from time. Big thank you to the indefatigable Dr Muritala Awodun, and my mentor Eni-Ibukun Adebayo. I appreciate your supports.
What is your advice to the upcoming & established Dry cleaners out there?
Ans: Your passion - appreciate who you are. Your gift - know your strength. Your weakness – it’s the opportunity that lies ahead of you. Understand the challenges faced by this industry. No business stumble upon success overnight, you have to put in a lot and be patient.
How can those that need your service Contact you?
Ans: Enquiries Address:
Main Office:
Km 5, Old Jebba Road
Beside Kwara Agro Mall (ADP)
Opposite Hassada Motors
Agric - Sango Area
Ilorin
Kwara State
Branch Office:
Block B8
Harmony Estate
Akerebiata
Sobi Road
Ilorin.
Telephone: 08166606808
E-mail: SmartWash031@gmail.com
Facebook: Smart Wash Launderers
Twitter: @Smartwash031
Thanks for beeing around.
Ans: you are welcome
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