In the competitive world of interior design and event planning, few companies have managed to carve out a niche that seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality quite like PurplePages Interior and Events Ltd. At the helm of this innovative enterprise is Oluwatobi Shobayo-Onyeanu, a visionary Creative Director whose “for them, by them” philosophy has redefined client-centered design. In this exclusive interview, Shobayo-Onyeanu shares insights into the company’s growth strategy, design philosophy, and future aspirations as they expand from interior design into the event planning space. From navigating market volatility to embracing digital transformation, this conversation offers a masterclass in entrepreneurial resilience and creative leadership.
PurplePages Interior and Events Ltd has successfully combined interior design services with event planning. What inspired this integrated business model, and how has it contributed to your competitive advantage?
The events side of PurplePages is still in the planning stage and yet to fully take off. However, our vision is to create a seamless experience where interior design and event planning complement each other. This synergy will allow us to offer holistic solutions for clients who want beautifully designed spaces that can also transform into functional event venues.
How has the real estate market volatility over the past two years affected your interior design business strategy?
We have been focusing primarily on working with renters, specializing in refurbishing and renovations. This allows us to provide value-driven transformations without requiring long-term property investments from our clients, making our services adaptable to changing market conditions.
What specific challenges did you face when scaling PurplePages from a boutique design firm to a multi-faceted company that also handles events?
This is an ongoing process as we continue to solidify our position in the interior design industry. Our main challenge has been ensuring consistency in quality while expanding our service offerings. As we work towards the events part of our brand, our focus remains on maintaining the same high standards that define our brand.
Your company has developed a distinctive approach to both interiors and events. How vital has innovation been to your growth, and what percentage of revenue do you allocate to developing new concepts?
Our design philosophy is centred on creating bespoke solutions tailored to each client. We operate on a ‘for them, by them’ approach—listening to clients and crafting personalized designs. While we don’t have a fixed percentage for innovation investment, a significant portion of our resources is dedicated to research, trend analysis, and customized project execution.
Many design and event firms struggled during economic downturns. What financial strategies have helped PurplePages remain resilient?
We prioritize reinvesting our earnings back into the business. By ploughing back income into key investments—whether in technology, talent or material procurement—we ensure long-term sustainability and financial stability.
How do you balance the aesthetic considerations of interior design with the logistical demands of event planning?
At this stage, we have mastered the demands of interior design and are gradually incorporating event planning. Our approach will ensure that both aspects of the business are harmonized, with thoughtful design choices that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
What key performance indicators do you track most closely, and how have these evolved as PurplePages has grown?
Our core metric is client satisfaction. A satisfied client is the key to continuous business and referrals, which are critical to our growth. We also track project timelines, cost efficiency, and market penetration to ensure we maintain our competitive edge.
PurplePages has expanded into several markets recently. What criteria do you use when evaluating potential new locations for your services?
Our market expansion strategy is segmented into two indices: B2C (business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business). While we have been leveraging B2C opportunities, our next focus is strengthening our B2B network, as it provides long-term growth and scalability.
How has technology transformed your business operations, particularly in connecting your design services with event planning?
Technology has significantly improved our advertising, client presentations, and project visualization. While we have leveraged digital tools effectively, we are working towards deeper integration of technology into our operations to enhance efficiency and client engagement.
Supply chain disruptions have affected many industries. How has PurplePages adapted its procurement and inventory management for both design materials and event supplies?
We rely on a trusted network of vendors for sourcing and transportation. Our logistics approach involves working with reliable haulage and courier services to ensure timely delivery of materials and essentials.
What leadership principles have been most important as you’ve scaled your team across your interior design and events divisions?
We embrace a mentorship-based leadership style combined with a stakeholder-vendor partnership system. This ensures that our team members are continuously learning while maintaining strong relationships with external collaborators.
How do sustainability considerations factor into both your interior designs and event productions?
With client satisfaction at the heart of our business, sustainability becomes an inherent part of our approach. By selecting high-quality, durable materials and considering environmentally friendly solutions, we create lasting designs that balance aesthetics with responsibility.
What’s been your approach to pricing strategy, especially when packaging interior design services with event planning?
We focus on project value—ensuring that each client receives the best quality at a fair price. Our pricing is structured to reflect the uniqueness of each project while remaining competitive within the industry.
Many companies struggle with maintaining quality while scaling. How has PurplePages addressed this challenge across both business segments?
Quality is non-negotiable for us. We maintain high standards by carefully managing our vendor relationships, monitoring client feedback, and ensuring that our team upholds commitment to excellence in every project.
What role does data analytics play in your decision-making, particularly regarding client preferences and industry trends?
We rely on industry research and professional insights to guide our decisions. By analyzing market trends and customer preferences, we ensure that our services remain relevant and tailored to our clients’ evolving needs.
How do you view the relationship between physical showrooms and digital portfolios in showcasing your company’s capabilities?
Digital portfolio significantly amplifies our business visibility. While physical showrooms offer tangible experiences, online platforms allow us to reach a broader audience to showcase our portfolio faster.
What has been your most successful client acquisition channel, and how has this evolved as you’ve expanded?
LinkedIn has been one of our strongest channels for client acquisition, allowing us to connect with professionals, potential clients and partners who appreciate our expertise.
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Looking at current economic conditions, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and threats for PurplePages in the next 18-24 months?
Our biggest opportunity lies in the proven value we deliver to clients. However, visibility remains a challenge in a crowded market. We are actively working on strengthening our brand presence to overcome this.
How do you structure your executive team to manage such diverse business elements, from creative design to event logistics?
We operate on a model of responsibility devolution, where tasks are specialized but overseen by me. This ensures efficiency while maintaining strategic monitoring across all business operations.
Many entrepreneurs struggle with work-life balance while scaling a business. What practices have helped you maintain perspective during PurplePages’ growth journey?
Seeing satisfied clients bring immense joy and fulfillment to my heart, reinforcing that we are on the right path. This satisfaction fuels my motivation, giving my team and I the push to continue growing without losing perspective.
Oluwatobi Shobayo-Onyeanu is the Creative Director of PurplePages Interior and Events Ltd. With a passion for bespoke design solutions and client-centric approaches, she continues to expand the company’s footprint in both B2C and B2B markets. Follow PurplePages on LinkedIn to stay updated on their latest projects and service offerings.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
