Evi Greene
Meet Serial Entrepreneur and success magnet, Evi Greene. From photography, food mastery, to fashion and beyond, Evi is the man with the Midas touch…seriously! Here’s our session with him.
CR8VSPOT: Kindly introduce yourself
EVI GREENE: I’m Evi Greene. I’m originally from Delta State, Nigeria; now I run several businesses here in Houston, Texas.
CR8VSPOT: Tell us about your businesses and operations.
EG: “Evigreene Media” is a 360 digital imagery solutions company that creates all forms of digital imagery ranging from graphic designs, logos, websites, branded materials, and social media marketing for businesses, events, or personal use.
“EviGreene Studios” is a digital photography and videography company offering a range of photographic services including portraits, products, street, modeling portfolios as well as for weddings and events. Over the years, we have shot tons of events such as concerts, comedy shows, conferences, birthdays, graduations, etc. in several countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and the UAE. Over here in the United States, we’ve covered events in New York, Atlanta, Miami, and across Texas.
“African Business Directory (A.B.O.)” This is a fast growing e-business listing directory for African businesses all over America. Its proprietary listings include businesses, job vacancies, shows & events, super deals and how-to information. It currently has several hundred listings and is available through our website and via (iOS and Android) app download.
“Evigreene Collections” is a customized apparel company launched a few months ago. Our product offerings are available for purchase worldwide. Our products are available for wholesale or direct retail to the end user.
Finally, I’m the Business Manager of “KomChop” - a restaurant offering unique African cuisine, located in Houston, Texas.
—“One needs to…align conflicting priorities and outline clear goals.”
CR8VSPOT: How conducive has Texas been, and what factors have made it an attractive destination for running your business?
EG: Hmmm! I have found doing business here in Texas very interesting. One must adapt quickly to changes. To put this in context when I was in Nigeria, there were several issues that customers overlooked, and standards not required from business owners. When analyzed clearly, it is evident that the absence of standards is at the heart of poor service and business failures in general. Any culture that promotes values and quality are most conducive to businesses thriving.
I must also state that in my business journey, it has been most difficult dealing with customers who have a disproportionate sense of entitlement and wish to rewrite product terms and conditions in their favor. Conducting business in an environment like Houston that promotes excellence and verifiable standards allows us to address any deviation from company policy in a firm and fair manner.
CR8VSPOT: 2020 was a literal roller coaster. What significant challenges did you face in building these brands?
EG: 2020 was tough but it was also a great year. To put it simply, God was super faithful. I learned and gained a lot. I’m thankful that our businesses didn’t operate at a loss. Also, during this period of the global Covid-19 pandemic I started two new businesses; the African Business Directory (A.B.O) and Evigreene Collections both of which are doing really well.
There are diverse challenges that come with running multiple businesses. Single business owners face challenges but in this case, it is multiplied. One needs to implement a coherent and compatible business strategy across all businesses, align conflicting priorities, and outline clear goals.
—“…never make a promise you can’t keep. Always strive to deliver on your promises.”
CR8VSPOT: How do you deal with the operational and human resource challenges alongside staying innovative and value-focused in a rapidly changing environment?
EG: To effectively run several businesses one must do the following:
1. Automate everything possible; get tech smart. One must utilize technological tools such as software, social media, etc. to monitor businesses’ performance, processes and achieve a level of business congruence amongst competing business priorities.
2. Be prepared to work tirelessly smart especially as a startup; pour yourself into the business especially in the early days of start-up. If it must work, you must work it.
3. Build a great team; your growth in the long run as a business is largely dependent on the quality of your team.
4. Reward performance - Pay your team competitively!
CR8VSPOT: Based on your experience what do you regard as the foremost principle of building successful brands? Did collaboration and partnerships play any roles in building your business?
EG: For me, the first principle of building a successful brand is an unrivaled skill. Your knowledge of your business and the services you offer must be excellent because once you are great at providing a product or service it will automatically begin to sell itself. It is the highest form of marketing and therefore it is of utmost importance to continually invest in learning and improving your craft, product, or service.
Secondly, when dealing with clients, never make a promise you can’t keep. Always strive to deliver on your promises, beat or at the very least meet your client’s expectations.
Finally, to answer the last part of your question, collaborations or partnerships have played no role in my businesses.
CR8VSPOT: Are you currently working on any community projects? How do your businesses give back to their environment?
EG: Almost all previous projects undertaken have been personal, but as part of our business objectives for the year 2021 we will be undertaking some community development projects. These projects will involve providing assistance for orphans and disadvantaged kids in Nigeria.
CR8VSPOT: What do you see as the next step of evolution for your business? Do you have any new business projects in the works?
EG: In 2021, I want to focus more on the photography business, I will be investing a lot of energy and resources into it. Evigreene Photography has generated a high return on investment despite limited capital input. Therefore, I have identified it as a potential area for exponential business growth. I am currently focused on consolidating my businesses.
—“Reward Performance; Pay your team competitively!”
CR8VSPOT: What advice would you offer to those seeking to build multiple successful brands?
EG: You must be ready to work hard and smart, know your industry in and out and have a workable plan. One of the questions to ask yourself should be: “is this something I want to do in perpetuity, or is it a strategic business initiative?” Then focus and put in the necessary work.
Evi Greene’s Favorites
Software: Lightroom, CorelDraw, Photoshop, Adobe Premier
Thing: In fashion, it will be shoes and perfumes!!!
Color: I’m a stylist, so one color isn’t a choice I make. I’m cool with any color, just depends on what’s it’s going to be used for.
City: New York City and Atlanta
Inspiration and Resource: God and YouTube
Hobbies: Baking, cooking, decorating, and styling
Achilles heels and turn off: Do not play with my business or talk me down. That’s a serious hit there; DO NOT!
CR8VSPOT: It has been an honor talking with you.
EG: Thank you for the opportunity. I am so grateful and as 2021 unfolds, it’s my prayer that it opens greater doors for all of us.
Connect with Evi Greene on Instagram
