Hello. He-llo. Is that Mr. Alder? Yes, speaking. My name is Nana Otedola. I’m starting a drycleaning business. Everyone says I should talk to you. What exactly do you do? I interpret dreams, I replied jocularly. How can we see? Would you like to come to our office? We’re in VI. Years later she would tell me that that impressed her. She was used to people voluntering to rush to her house because of her name. But that was the beginning of our almost twenty-five years of relationship. Her name would morph into Lady Nana while mine became titular – Viscount. I gained a friend and a sister. There’s something about her. She’s different, unique.
And the work? We produced stunning counterintuitive work that gave the brand high name recognition. Humorous ads. There was that advert about the white GM, Mr. Pierce being born in a tumble dryer. Garment Care upturned the dry cleaning industry, became No.1.
Honesty of heart defines our relationship. Over lunch and long walks in Lagos and London, we’d discuss any and everything – life, fame, background, pressures, faith, family… Name it. No pretences. Just simple, trusting honesty. As for me I get to be myself, my authentic self. Fame can imprison and isolate. It’s how you gradually lose touch with reality. You soon begin malfunctioning. One must have people one can be oneself with.
I find her to be a genuine and honest person, a smart and quietly determined woman. I’m still interpreting her dreams. Garment Care is one of Alder Consulting’s oldest clients.
I’m celebrating my friends, celebrate yours.