How did you get here and what made
you decide to start your own busi-
ness?
Terra Kulture was birthed as a result
of a need. There were few places in
Nigeria with the appropriate ambi-
ence for Nigerians and foreigners
alike, to learn about Nigeria’s rich cul-
tural and linguistic heritage.
What has the experience been like
so far?
It has been a wonderful experience. A
passion that turned into a business. It
is a wonderful feeling when you know
you can satisfy a need, giving people
an opportunity to have a feel, a taste
and also appreciate Nigeria's culture.
Although, it has not always been easy,
with persistence, consistency and a
positive attitude towards change and
continuous evolvement, we have
been able to stay on top of our game.
When is the best time for someone to
start his/her own business?
Now. There is no time like the pres-
ent. Some people wait for the perfect
opportunity to start a business but
there is never a better time than now!
Whatever your small seed is, plant it
and it will become a tree with nurtur-
ing and time.
Capital is always a key consideration
in starting your own business, how
did you raise capital?
Capital was raised through CBN SME
Fund Scheme and friends and family.
Do you have mentors and how have
they impacted on your business?
Yes I do. Mentors add value and
advice through their experiences.
Through Wimbiz I have a lot of men-
tors.
Who are your role models and why?
Tayo Aderionokun (late) because of
his desire to add value and his ability
to see potential
Where is this business going to and
when are you going to get there?
As the premiere cultural space in
Lagos, we continue to work on infra-
structure development and content
provision. Our plays are breaking
records and we are taking Wakaa the
musical to London's West End in July.
Our Auction house also continues to
showcase Nigeria's fine artists at the
highest level.
What has been your biggest chal-
lenge so far and how have you man-
aged it?
The dearth of skilled theatre practitio-
ners and also lack of theatre spaces.
Raising capital to expand our business
What is the sweetest part of running
your own business?
Creating jobs and developing a crop
of skilled artisans and artists. Seeing my
vision come to fruition brings tremen-
dous joy.
Bolanle Austen Peters
44 •
The Lion King
• January - March 2016
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
| BOLANLE AUSTIN PETERS
MEET THE
ENTREPRENEUR
B
olanle Austen Peters is renowned
entrepreneur and owner of popu-
lar educational and recreational
centre Terra Kulture, which is located
on Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. In
this interview, she speaks on the moti-
vation for starting her business, the
challenges and how she has man-
aged to overcome them to build one
of Nigeria’s most recognizable brands
for Nigeria culture, entertainment and
food.
No better time
to start your
business than
now...”
