Meet Emmanuel Ifeanyi Ifediba | Entreprenuer & Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emmanuel Ifeanyi Ifediba and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emmanuel Ifeanyi, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?

Dribble-dribble- dribble the rhythmic sound of the basketball ring in my ear as I scan the court. I call for a screen, analyzing the strengths of my teammate as he comes up to set a screen. I fake right to where the screen is, but quickly crossover to the left, leaving the defender a step behind. On my peripheral, I see my screener dive hard to the basket. I drive straight towards my teammate’s defender throwing a behind-the-back pass to my now open teammate down the middle leading to an easy layup. I smile, hi-fiving my teammate as we get back on defense. I love the feeling of helping others score, whether it’s on the basketball court, applying to internship opportunities, or learning about resources available. Throughout life, there are “defenders” or barriers of entry that enable people from achieving their full potential. As a first-generation Nigerian American, I have faced defenders such as racism, being a low income, and unequal access to resources. I have made it my mission to pass to others, by giving them the resources, so that they can easily score. What makes me the happiest is passing or giving opportunities to others to score. I have been fortunate to be able to do this in college through revalitzing the Black Business Association, under my leadership, BBA went from a club with four members, no funding, and a lack of organizational vision to now having $5000+ in funding, 30+ members, 12 fellows to Management Leaders for Tomorrow, and over 20 students attend Afrotech.Additionally being able to do this post graduate with my involvements in Umu Igbo Unite Los Angeles serving as fundraising chair, assisting others in starting up their first Airbnb’s and through serving as an Early Admit Deferred MBA coach. What makes me the most happy is helping others achieve their full potential and I am excited to enroll at Berkeley Haas School of Business as I know it make me a better playmaker.

On a more fun note, other things that make me happy are surfing, meditation, basketball, One Piece, my hammock and dancing.

What should our readers know about your business?

On September 3rd, 2022,we started our Airbnb business. Following my graduation, I returned home and realized we had an unused 400-square-foot master bedroom. Initially designated for storage, I successfully persuaded my family to transform this space into an Airbnb. This decision has not only covered our mortgage and utilities but has also consistently contributed to utilities bills for over a year. Over the course of this year, we have opened our doors for guests on 311 out of 365 days, amassing a total of 45 reviews with an impressive 4.84-star rating.

My siblings and I personally crafted, designed, and assembled nearly every aspect of the room. As the months went on we have also automated the business employing a team of cleaners and a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines to manage day-to-day operations to where we spend less than 5 hours a week managing versus 30 previously. This unique form of house hacking has afforded me the opportunity to extend my expertise and launch an Airbnb consulting business, where I assist others in converting their spare bedrooms into profitable Airbnb listings.

Our initial challenge was the phenomenon known as “analysis paralysis.” While the potential for an Airbnb was evident, I hesitated due to the perceived inadequacy of mismatched furnishings and a lack of understanding of the process. However, a mentor intervened and advised me to take action without overthinking. Following this advice, I listed the space the next day, and the subsequent success speaks for itself. In the early stages, although sadly we only made $35 per night, even though we spent six hours setting it up. The biggest lesson I have learned from this experience is the importance of consistency and ongoing improvement. It is ok not to know the everything initially, but it is your responsibility to persistently work towards making the business 1% better everyday!

To further document my Airbnb venture, spirituality, health investments, and financial journey, I have created the Instagram account IfeanyiInvest. I wholeheartedly believe in the principle of betting on oneself, as inner strength often exceeds one’s perception.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot in the city is Crosscourt. I absolutely love playing basketball and what I love most about Crosscourt is the ability to get high quality 1 hour runs and make new friends. I would also take them to Bruces Beach to go surfing with me and we would get Jamba Juice after. I would then take them to a Blaq Pages, DJ Major League, DBL D, Cozy Riddim or Paris Danca Afrobeats Party and we would eat my moms amazing Jollof rice after.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout out to the Riordan Scholars Program, Management Leaders for Tomorrow, my parents Paul and Nneka Ifediba, my siblings David, Izu and Michelle. Loyola Highschool (Go Cubs), Father O’Brien, Folu, The Black Business Association at Santa Clara University and most importantly God. Very grateful and this is just the start of the journey!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifeanyiifediba/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifeanyiifediba/

Other: https://airbnb.com/h/ifekemo