Tuesday 7 June 2016

CEO ReiVon, Andrei Esin on his passion for empowering youths

Andrei Bassey Esin in a bunch of talents and abilities. The 400level student of Food and Science Technology, University of Uyo is the CEO of ReiVon Management, a mother model management which is a subsidiary of Drei's Consortia, Uyo. Andrei is also a lead vocalist of a music group 'The Harmoniques'. Andrei does modelling on the side, he is a fashion consultant, a creative director, a stylist and a food lover. Lol. In this exclusive interview, Andrei explains the idea behind RV Management and his motivations. You wouldn't want to miss out on this, read...  


So what exactly is ReiVon all about? : Well ReiVon is a movement. I'm really bothered by the number of youths who are lazy, abused, under motivated and have settled for less. The need to sort things out, be a voice not just through my music, personality, or talks led to the birth of RV MANAGEMENT. RV MANAGEMENT motto is 'empower yourself'. So, basically that is all we are about. Empowering talented and hardworking youths in music, fashion and lifestyle, photography, etc. So far we've made progress and with the good Lord we'll do more.   

How did you begin the journey that begat ReiVon? : Ok, it's always been there. As a child I always was the one people ran to for opinions and counsel. But, the major rush came in 2014. I just couldn't bear the manipulation. So I birthed RV. We also have a working campaign #helpyouthsfocus. There's a lot of distractions you know and a lot of young folks are confused, low self esteem issues and personality and identity crisis. The campaign is to inspire young folks to achieve the most of what nature tossed their way and make living a lot better.  

What manipulations couldn't you bear exactly? : As a growing child, teenager and young adult, it's typical to be naive, ever trusting and indecisive. This happens a lot. These set of individuals are manipulated especially by the older folks for cheap gains. Let's not push further, you know what I mean. I bet you are a victim too. And we have and will continue to empower young people to become aware of who they really are and how much they are worth and why they can't settle for manipulations.   

So how exactly do you go about empowering the youths and getting them off from the manipulations? : I already hinted you on that. Basically a lot of youths are naive and blind. When a man gets wise counsel, he progresses. Basically by talking, one on one meets. Give them a reason to get involved in something worth doing. I won't settle for less when I have more. That's the idea. A few of them have got the talents but no level ground to develop or harness them. RV has done that.   

How have you been able to put all this together? : Our modelling agency, Our talent management, The ushering team, as well as our partnership with businesses run by young innovative minds. We've achieved a feat.   

What challenges do you face and how do you cope? : Wow. That's a big one. A lot of youths have been so hurt they don't want to open up. So many have given up on their dreams and are so bitter. A lot have been misled and have fallen easy prey, so they find it hard trusting people. Then, there's the economic crisis. It's taking a toll on every business owner. And as a genuine management that we are trying to become, we make money when our models do and these days have been tough. But as a leader, I can only lead on inspiration. As we inspire others, we inspire ourselves. So, basically it's all about time. How willing you are to go at the pace of a particular individual, client, colleague etc. But with faith in God and perseverance on our part, we keep excelling.   


What was the reaction of your parents, siblings and friends when they got aware of the fact that you are embarking on this journey? : Oh well, I have an amazing set of parents. My dad is a medical doctor and my mom, an educationist. I learn so much from them. They have really been supportive of my education, my music, my business, and everything. Same as my siblings, but my sister is super adorable. *laughs* She's just the best I've ever had. Plus she's part of the team. All beautiful people. I try to stay away from negativity. So all my friends are sources of inspiration.   

From your experience so far, what can our young ones do to shield themselves from manipulations, as you would agree with me, prevention is better than cure : People perish for they are without knowledge. So, when a challenge comes they fall by the way side.  Read wide. Get to interact, I love mature and wise folks. I learn a lot. I remain inspired every time. Young folks need to know how to build the right kind of relationships. And it is necessary for parents to enlighten their children. Two things make an individual - genetics first, then environment. And parents have the biggest share of this more than anyone.   

How do you combine RV and school? : RV is school. I learn some new things everyday. There's really no difference. So it's not like a surreal experience for me. Plus most of the people I work with are students. It's easy.   

How do you react to people giving school or finance as an excuse to follow their passion? : We do not charge our models or the individuals under our management. So no excuses. Except for the lazy ones and we know how to beat them to focus.   

What words would you give to other young entrepreneurs? :  Stay inspired. It's not easy for any one. But it can only get better. Be in the company of people who believe in your brand and wish the best things for you.

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