In conversation with ErgoBliss Founder and CEO Femi Aiyenuro
Femi Aiyenuro is an ergonomic consultant, sports therapist and strength & conditioning coach who has treated and advised both office workers and athletes with respect to treating back pain for almost a decade. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Applied Ergonomics.
G: Tell us about your startup, ErgoBliss
F: The start-up is a workplace ergonomics business. I’m on a mission to eradicate bad posture in the workplace and make the workplace a healthier and happier place to work. Our mission is to maximise human potential by offering tailor-made solutions for peoples’ ergonomic needs through one-on-one consultation and expert advice.
G: What were the biggest obstacles in launching your company, and how did you overcome them?
F: The biggest obstacles for me were time and finance. It is challenging having a startup with no money coming in, yet to still have to maintain your home life and pay bills.
G: What would you say has been your most memorable moment since launching ErgoBliss?
F: My most memorable experience so far has been getting a swipe card and key for my office.
G: Can you give us a few ‘Do’s and Dont’s’ for setting up a new company?
DO:
- Have a plan
- Know your market
- Important to have knowledge of what you are offering
- Believe in your self
- Build your network
DON’T:
- Think you know it all – otherwise you would already have made it!
- Dwell on mistakes. Learn from them and move on.
- Let your costs spiral out of control before you even make a penny
G: Why did you choose Shoreditch in launching your startup?
F: Shoreditch is a great location. The rent is not yet hitting the city mark, yet it is a very short distance away from the centre of the city.
G: What does the ‘Silicon Roundabout’ have to do to compete with Silicon Valley?
F: Shoreditch still has a fair way to go to become the real Silicon Roundabout, but is is slowly inching its way there.
Investment either from the public or private sector is needed for the development of the entrepreneurial community so startups can spend the time they need to concentrate on their ventures.
G: Who/what are your favourite entrepreneurs/startups in Shoreditch?
- Uwe Dreissigacker (Invoiceberry Limited) only because he included me in his list!
- Nearby Digital as I will be trying to nick some free advice from them soon
- A mention to The Accelerator Business incubator, not a start-up but a great help
G: What does the future have in store for Shoreditch?
F: The future for Shoreditch is bright in the short-term, but in the long-term I can see the big companies sweeping in and prices and rent going up. So let us enjoy it how it is at the moment. At least we can say we were there before it changed!
www.ergobliss.co.uk
