When “Chop Life” Became More Than Just a Slogan
In 2021, I just wanted to enjoy life with my girls. Nothing serious o just vibes, outings, and the occasional “where should we hang out today?” moment. I created a small WhatsApp group with six of us and named it Chop Life Sisters (CLS).
We were the definition of soft life, until one of us, MoonysMakeover (who’s now in Canada, living her best japa life), dropped one deep line that changed everything. She said, “Guys, instead of just chopping life, can’t we do something that brings money too?”
That one sentence shifted something. By 2022, that casual idea had turned into CLS Ushering Agency. Fast forward to 2024, CLS Ushering and Event Services was born. We weren’t just doing ushering anymore; we had evolved into full event planning, catering, protocol, the whole package. From hanging out to handling luxury weddings. God really said, “My daughters, arise and shine.”
From Favour to ₦270,000 Alert
My first wedding job wasn’t even planned. It was a friend’s wedding, and I showed up just three days before the big day. Things were literally falling apart. Vendors were threatening to pull out, the décor was a mess, nobody knew who was doing what, and the bride was one breakdown away from canceling the whole thing.
I couldn’t just stand there and watch my friend’s wedding become a disaster story people would be retelling at other weddings. So I rolled up my sleeves and stepped in. I coordinated, planned, and I became a one-woman army. Within those three days, I turned that chaos into magic.
Because she was my friend, I didn’t charge her a kobo. Not one naira. I just wanted her day to be perfect.
Three days after the wedding, her husband credited my Opay with ₦270,000. My phone screen lit up, and I just froze like, “Wait, who sent me this blessing?” Then he called to say, “Thank you for everything you did. We saw your effort, and we appreciate you.”
I’m not going to lie, I cried. That appreciation meant everything.
My Client’s Sister Mistook Me for a Side Chic
Ah, August 2024, I can never forget Ohafia, Abia State. That catering job was one for the books.
The event was a burial, and my client (the first son) had given clear instructions on what he wanted: half a bag of rice and goat meat pepper soup that night, then 3½ bags of rice and two soups the next morning. Simple enough, right? Wrong.
Then his elder sister, the “over-sabi” type, who believes no one can do anything without her supervision. That night, she strolled into the kitchen with a giant cooler like she was opening a food bank, saying she wanted to pack food for “her own guests.”
I calmly told her, “Ma, please let your brother, my client, know you want to take food.” Just normal courtesy, right? But apparently, that was my offence of the century.
Next thing, this woman started shouting, accusing me of “holding too much authority” and even claiming I was having an affair with her brother. Imagine! Because I said, “Let your brother know.” Nigerian families ehn, they can turn small rice into Nollywood drama.
I refused to argue. My team just stood firm, guarded that kitchen like EFCC, and made sure not a single spoon left without proper approval. The next day, even the client commended us for staying professional. That day taught me that boundaries are important, even when you’re serving jollof.
When Success Started Looking Like a Nollywood Movie
Sometimes, I still sit and smile when I think about how far CLS has come. From that first free gig to managing events where 100 ushers are working under our brand. Some weekends, we’re handling three events across different states at once.
I’ve been booked by VVIPs, politicians, and big corporate clients. We’ve grilled at luxury birthdays, handled Yoruba owambes that could rival small festivals, and even been paid millions to cater.
Every single booking still humbles me. Every call, every “hello, are you free next weekend?” reminds me that God really honours consistency.
The $200 That Came With a Bonus Blessing
There’s this one wedding I can never forget, and it still makes me smile. I was doing my job, making sure everything was running smoothly, being professional as always. Then out of nowhere, a guest called me over.
This man looked at me and said, “I’ve been watching you work all day. You’re excellent.” Then he handed me $200. Two hundred US dollars. Just like that. No warning, no negotiation, just pure appreciation in foreign currency.
Before I could even process what was happening, he said, “I want to book your services for my age-grade meeting in Jabi, Abuja.”
That moment hit different. It reminded me of something crucial that we often forget in this hustle: people are always watching. Even when you think nobody notices your effort, someone is paying attention. Someone is taking notes. Someone is about to become your next client, your next testimony, your next breakthrough.
And to anyone reading this with a business idea, don’t sleep on it. That random idea might be the beginning of your empire.
Chop life, yes. But also, build life. Create life. Make money from life. That’s the real CLS spirit.