How Titi Olakotan grew her event business with passion

Titi Olakotan, fondly known as Teehigh, is the creative director of Teehigh Events and a seasoned event manager, stylist, trainer, and mentor.

With over a decade of hands-on experience in the event industry, she has steadily built a purpose-driven brand rooted in creativity, service, and empowerment. She is an active member of the Association of Event Planners and Party Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN).

In a recent interview, she shared insights on her journey, highlighting how her passion for creating beauty and impacting lives led her into entrepreneurship.

“I didn’t just wake up and decide to become an entrepreneur—I was driven by a deep desire to create beauty, inspire others, and build something meaningful from the ground up,” she said.

She stated that her journey began modestly, with a natural flair for arts and crafts, volunteering in her church’s children’s department, and using school holidays to teach and mentor young children. What started as service quickly became a calling.

From serving as camp commandant at Easter camps with over 100 children, to anchoring summer schools and leading skills acquisition programs in her church, her impact was felt across her community.

“I live by the mantra ‘Available to Serve.’ It’s what has guided my journey so far.”

Olakotan is passionate about empowering the girl child, having witnessed firsthand how lack of skills leaves many vulnerable to exploitation. Her mission is to give girls and young women practical, income-generating skills and the confidence to stand on their own.

“Teenage girls are often exploited simply because they don’t have anything in their hands. I believe teaching them crafts, creativity, and business gives them a voice and a future. This is my contribution to society,” she said.

Her journey was not without challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, Teehigh faced rejection, financial setbacks, and pressure to “play it safe.” But she pushed through.

“I kept showing up—even when only a few believed in me. One small job led to another, and soon, word-of-mouth became my strongest marketing tool.”

Over the years, she invested in her growth by attending workshops and training programs, and today, she trains others through her quarterly event styling programs, where she teaches not just techniques but also the mindset and discipline required for success.

“You don’t have to be perfect to start—you just have to start to grow.”

She explained that she has mentored dozens of aspiring event professionals, created summer craft camps for children, and even teaches recycling-based crafts—like turning tyres and fabric scraps into beautiful, sellable products.

Her students have had the opportunity to pitch their work in local supermarkets, reinforcing her belief in learning by doing.

He business – Teehigh plans to expand it impact globaly through the launch of a skill and talent center, while empowering young women with tools to thrive.

“Someday, I hope to start my own center where girls can be trained, mentored, and equipped to live better, more independent lives.”

She also encourages collaboration over competition in the industry: “This business is not just about creativity; it’s about relationships. Focus on building trust, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for others.”

Olakotan is no doubt one of Nigeria’s fast-rising experts in the event styling industry, known for her creative vision, servant-leader mindset, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others.

Her journey is a testament to the power of purpose, passion, and perseverance—proof that one woman can inspire many, simply by choosing to serve