Meet Morenike Molehin, Nigeria’s fast-rising Interior Design Queen

Everyone loves a beautiful ambience, be it at home, in the office or wherever they go in search of leisure. This is why interior designers are important to every society. They know how to combine the right colours and intricate design patterns to create those elegant relaxation effects that we love. Interestingly, Nigeria has thousands of such interior designers. Most outstanding among them is Morenike Molehin whose clientele includes the likes of Marriott Hotel, Lapo Microfinance Bank, Binatone, among others. In this interview with Business Elites Africa, she tells us how her company, Oak & Teak, is leveraging social media to drive sales. Enjoy the conversation. 

BEA: Kindly introduce yourself to our readers, Ma’am.

Morenike Molehi: My name is Morenike Molehin, often called ‘Renny’. I am married to Yomi Molehin, my best friend. I am a mother to two beautiful girls. Morenike is the Founder and Creative Director of Oak & Teak, a fast growing interior design and furniture company which specializes in residential and commercial spaces. I am also the Managing Director (MD) of Newer Heights Ltd., an agro-allied company which specializes in the processing of soya bean seeds to poultry feeds and soya oil. As the MD, I oversee company-wide operations, financial administration and human resource management. 

Beyond business, I am also the Convener of “The Complete Woman Conference” in RCCG Eagles Nest.  About four years ago, I commenced a free seminar platform and series called “Design Through His Eyes”, as inspired by God, to help aspiring interior designers/decorators start and grow their businesses. I have also recently launched a Foundation, The Oak & Teak Foundation, set up to provide needed support in the education and health sectors. 

I obtained a first degree in Industrial Mathematics from Covenant University and a postgraduate degree in Financial Mathematics & Computation from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom. I love travelling, meeting new people and generally learning new things.

BEA: Tell us about your company Oak and Teak and the services you render.

Morenike Molehin: Oak and Teak has positioned itself as a leading interior design company with expertise in servicing residential and corporate clients. Our entry strategy into the interior design business was through the provision of interior design services to clients who desired to furnish and set up baby nurseries. In this relatively uncontested sub-segment of the market, we carved a niche for the company and built a stellar reputation for exceeding customer expectations by going above the line of duty. Consequently, with several satisfied customers in the bag, we gradually diversified the Oak and Teak service offerings, first by incorporating services for residential spaces and subsequently services for commercial spaces. Through my focused leadership and low cost business strategies, I have strategically and profitably grown the Oak and Teak brand to become an exemplary startup company in Nigeria…

EDITOR’S NOTE: For the rest of this interview and other amazing stories of African female entrepreneurs, read our Top 30 African Women Entrepreneurs and Influencers below.