In the two quarters couple of Nigeria ecommerce startups have closed shop, most notably online marketplace buyam, general consignment store buyology , fashion retailer styd and luxury fashion retailer. 5th and Quansah. These were all companies with founders, visions, dreams and a team and now they dont exist, what always struck me was the way they do down, there is never a farewell message on their website, or twitter or Instagram even our local tech blogs ignore their demise, its almost as if death comes at night and all your left with a home page link that dosent open.
I always imagine that if my company was not to not exist that I would want to have a message to share with our customers and followers that were going away with maybe a rose coloured view or candid story for why. My partner said it speaks to my branding core that even at my imaginary end how I go out matters.
For every ecommerce company that shuts down, theres 10 setting up in its a place. Most will last for a quarter, some a year, some two, and a small minority longer.
Whatever the case, what holds true is that there is a long winding road to sustainability and profitability for all Nigerian internet startups. The challenges are many. We still have a seemingly large but unaware internet population, logistics issues, slow internet, lack of funds and a local angel network that doesn’t understand online or see the opportunity. Giving up sometimes feels. appears. looks. easier that fighting for another day.
On my best days I am just happy to live another day to get to still run this awesome company and on the average day I am swimming against a tidal wave thats often seems bigger than me. Harder than I imagined and lonelier by the day.
The art of giving up is simply that. Not Giving up. NOT GIVING UP.
The post is for my 8 year cousin, Fike who is so proud of #fashpa
Honey ogundeyi 
This is such an encouraging post. Some days, giving up seems so appealing, but you’ve got to reconnect with your passion, your ‘whys’ and block out the world.
I enjoyed reading this one a lot.
Thank you, its a super hard journey but your rights its all about tenancity and conviction to purpose
“there is a long winding road to sustainability and profitability for all Nigerian internet startups” This comment totally kills and gives hope at the same time, How do you stay positive or true to the brand when the sales are not coming through and bills are piling up.
Some days the thoughts of giving up sound more appealing, and on such days I just unplug and take a longggg nap, 🙂
Thanks for sharing
P. S! Please can you create a newsletter sign up so we dont miss any post? 🙂