27. Funke Bucknor-Obruthe
Vital Stats:
- Business: Zaphaire Events
- Established: 2003
Up-and-coming fact:
Leaving her job at a legal firm two weeks after starting was a bold move the law graduate made to pursue an industry that no one took seriously in Nigeria.
Although when she launched 15 years ago she raised a few eyebrows – leaving a stable industry for one that wasn’t common at the time – over time the local events planning industry has become saturated, prompting her to up the ante on staying relevant. From weddings in Lagos and other locations in Nigeria to destination weddings in Europe and beyond, Zaphaire has earned its stripes thanks to Bucknor-Obruthe’s perseverance, creativity and flexibility. She has also authored a wedding-planning book The Essential Bridal Handbook.