INTERVIEW: ADEVERSAL (ENJOY LOUNGE)

What is your full name? (Brief introduction)

My name is Adewunmi Adeyanju Abdulfatai from Lagos, Nigeria. I am basically into entertainment, but I studied Banking and Finance at the University of Lagos. I then came to Russia as a student at the University of Management in Saint Petersburg.

You own ‘Enjoy Lounge’. Please tell us more about this. How did it start?

I don’t like using the word ‘own’. I prefer to be referred to as the ‘leader’ at Enjoy Lounge. I work mostly with the Africans here to get people entertained and also create employment opportunities.

The business started from my inspiration to provide entertainment and job opportunities for people in Moscow.

How does your business give back to the African community?

We try to help people with paying rent when necessary, hire more people, pay school fees for those with financial issues etc.

But our major goal is to provide job opportunities for Africans in Moscow so that they can make a living for themselves.

You are from a Christian background. Why this type of business?

During the course of my life, a lot of things have changed. I grew up in a Christian environment. I felt that people that go to club are different from us and we’re not meant to move close to them.

But I realised that life goes beyond the church. Having an impact on my environment is what is important to me. 

As time went on, I developed passion for the work- bringing people together to  have fun in a peaceful manner.

When I came, the blacks here did not fit in and when they went to Russian clubs, they couldn’t listen to Afro music there. This was also what inspired me to start Enjoy Lounge.

How long have you been in this business and how is ‘Enjoy Lounge’ unique?

12 years and counting. Enjoy Lounge is unique because it’s a place where all Africans can come, feel comfortable, have fun, eat and listen to African music.

How is the experience of employing people and managing their effectiveness with your business?

For me, I have had the opportunity to work in Russia in different fields and it has helped me understand that every individual is different and you just deal with people according to their personalities.

What qualities do you look for when hiring?

When we conduct interviews, we try to understand what this person can bring to the table. We try to incorporate diversity and bring progressive workers.

To manage the difficult working environment, just have a strong structure, where everyone already knows what to do. That makes the work easier.

When I started the business, it took a lot of my time and energy. Now, it has really changed because I have capable hands. To move the business forward, I still have my personal and internal efforts too.

What’s your advice to people who want to do business in Moscow?

Doing business in Moscow is stressful but the most important thing is that you need to have the right team that brings different energy to the table. 

My candid advice for people who really intend to do business here is, “Study the market and do not rush in or else you end up crashing.”

How have you been affected by the current situation in the country?

I have been negatively affected by the current economic crisis because of the imported products and almost all the companies leaving Russia are already making the prices of goods to go up by almost 250%.

How do you feel about the African community in Russia? Would you describe yourself as a social/shy person?

I feel like the African community still has a lot to offer in the Russian Federation. And if we really do our homework perfectly, then we can progress and the black race can get the well-deserved respect from Russia. 

I cannot really say if I’m a social person. Shy person? Yes and no. People kind of understand and respect me now. And my background played a prominent role in how I relate to people- because of my controversial and different social values.

How do you spend your free time?

I spend time mostly with my family and my team at Enjoy Lounge. I like to create time for my two boys.

What’s your endgame in business?

My biggest achievement right now is my ability to put a smile on people’s faces and this makes me so fulfilled. As a business, Enjoy Lounge has been established and grown so much.

Even though this environment didn’t give me the opportunity easily but with help, I have done it. I’ve been able to place Africans on good salaries and encourage others to start their own businesses.

How can people reach out or find you on social media?

I can be reached on my Instagram handle @adeversal.