Studentpreneurship To Entrepreneurship: Bon Classic, A Story of Passion and Opportunity

Meet Enem Obinna Bontis of Bon Classic design. By choosing artwork as a hobby, Bontis has seen his passion blossom into an entrepreneurial business.

It all started with a confession: “I can paint!” says Bontis. “Before this, I have never really touched a brush. I just loved the impression paint makes on the walls, and somehow I knew I had passion for the art”. Starting was tough. “At first, I was my own sole motivator”. But his passion won over his fears. Without any training whatsoever, he volunteered to do minor painting works for fellow students. “I just discovered I am good at this”. He then started watching YouTube, trying out various kinds of paint work, and straightening his rough edges. Soon, Bon Classic Design is born. “I have been lucky with friends,” he says, “they all support me financially and emotionally. They also help in publicizing my work”. Bontis soon found a true mentor and motivator in Ifekanandu Ezenwankwo who currently lives and works in South Africa. He describes this mentor as a great support system. Knowing he had the backing of great friends; he decided to plunge fully into the business.

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. Bon classic started on rented tools. His business lacked finance for the modern tools needed for special designs. “For me, it is not just about painting. I want my clients to share in the beautiful experience. As a student, people should expect more from me”. Although a studentpreneur, Bontis had the vision of becoming an entrepreneur. For him, persistence and perseverance are key to meeting his goal. Since giving up wasn’t an option, he resorted to constructing and improvising some of the tools he needed. “Having to combine this with my studies was my greatest headache. But painting was fun for me. That helped”. Those challenges were indeed a blessing. “How could I have known I could make tools for paining and decoration? Necessity is indeed the mother of invention.”

Bontis, a final year student of Quantity Surveying, is today recognized in Nnamdi Azikiwe University as an entrepreneur. He has received much training and remains one of the most booked trainers in the field of painting and artwork. He specializes in redefined painting, fixing of wall murals, installation of wallpaper, 3D wallpainting, and stucor. To take a look at some of Bontis’ classic productions or for any inquiries, please contact him on +2348165043571 or bonclassic@gmail.com.