Resin art is steadily gaining popularity, with beautifully crafted items like key holders, pens, and jotters becoming increasingly common. The finished products are a delight to behold, showcasing creativity and elegance. However, behind the beauty lies a series of challenges for the artists who create them.

Akinpelu Rahmotullah, a 400-level student of Arts and Social Science Education, shared her journey as a resin artist. She spoke about the difficulties she faces in the craft and how she has managed to balance her artistic passion with the demands of her academic life.

Hello, As-salaam Alaikum. Could you please introduce yourself briefly?

Wa alaikum salaam warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu. I am Akinpelu Rahmotallahi Olawumi, a 400-level student of the Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, University of Ibadan. I am also the CEO of Rahmah Resin Craft.

How did you come up with your brand, and what inspired you to start it?

Curiosity! I’ve always been fascinated by how beautiful resin artworks are created. I already had a brand in the same field, and over time, my curiosity deepened. Eventually, I gathered the money to learn the craft properly and invested in it. That was the beginning of Rahmah Resin Craft.

As a creative, how do you manage to meet your customers’ expectations?

Hmm, this has been one of the most tasking aspects of the job. You have to think from the customer’s perspective, because before anyone places an order, they usually have a mental image of what they want. I remember a particular time I made a resin pen that I personally curated with great satisfaction, only for the customer to reject it. It was devastating. Since then, I’ve learned to listen attentively to customers and try to understand their vision. Alhamdulillah, we’ve been receiving a lot of beautiful reviews since then.

How do you stay active and balanced while combining your studies with entrepreneurship?

Through proper time management. Although I started my brand only a few months ago, I’ve found what works best for me. I usually use my nights for crafting and my days for studying. During exam periods, I suspend all orders to focus fully on my academics.

Where do you envision yourself and your brand in the coming years?

Bi idhnillah, I plan to soar higher. I want Rahmah Resin Craft to have a notable presence across Nigeria. I envision a touch of Rahmah Resin everywhere, in shaa Allah.

What advice would you offer to aspiring student entrepreneurs?

For aspiring entrepreneurs, it is essential to understand your target audience before venturing into any business. Knowing who you are serving can help you avoid unnecessary frustration and align your efforts with real needs. Alongside this, remain determined and prayerful, as these qualities will guide you through challenging times.

To fellow students who are already in business, I encourage you to persevere. Consistency is key, and every mistake presents an opportunity to learn and grow. Do not be discouraged by setbacks; instead, use them as stepping stones toward success. Never give up—your resilience will eventually be rewarded.
May Allah grant us halal rizq

What challenges do you face as a studentpreneur?

One major challenge I face is the student pricing mentality. Many students expect to get resin products at very low prices. Some would exclaim, “How can I use ₦2,000 for a pen?” forgetting that it’s not an ordinary pen—it’s handcrafted and unique. This usually leads to long dialogues and negotiations before they finally agree to the value. I believe this is because resin art is not yet widely known or appreciated, but with time, people will begin to see and appreciate the beauty it holds.

Lastly, what has been your proudest moment so far as a studentpreneur?

I have always been proud of my work. The “wows,” the smiles, and even the screams of excitement when customers receive their products bring me so much joy and satisfaction. Those moments are priceless.