Etonde Martin-Ndoping : Meticulously Crafting Exceptional Events With Innovation & Precision

The business landscape in Cameroon is undergoing a dynamic transformation, fueled by a growing focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. Women, in particular, are emerging as key players, venturing into industries that were once underexplored and making significant strides in leadership roles.

One such sector experiencing remarkable growth is event management, where entrepreneurs like Etonde Martin-Ndoping have pioneered the industry, setting new standards of excellence. Through her company, Sheraiz Delightz, Etonde has redefined event planning in Cameroon, driving growth, fostering collaboration, and empowering others along the way.

What have been some key influences during the formative years that shaped who you are?
I grew up in a family of four, the second child with two girls and two boys. My parents were amazing role models. My dad was incredibly intelligent, detail-oriented, and loving, while my mum is confident, beautiful, and just as loving. Together, they raised us to be confident and content with ourselves.

A standout quality of my parents was their fairness. They nurtured our individual strengths without comparison, so there was never any sibling rivalry. We all just thrived in our own ways. I was also super active as a kid. Ballet, piano, tennis, swimming, you name it! All those activities taught me teamwork and gave me the confidence to work with people without feeling shy or competitive.

My relationship with my parents was unique. With my dad, I could talk about anything, even things like having a crush on a boy. My mum, on the other hand, was stricter, which taught me discipline and respect.

We also traveled a lot as a family. Those trips were a huge learning experience, exposing us to diverse cultures, etiquette, and social skills. At home, my mum made sure we valued our own company. Visits to friends’ houses were limited, and even watching TV came with the expectation of recounting something educational. Looking back, those years were filled with love, structure, and so many opportunities that shaped who I am today.

Take us through your journey as an event planner and the inspiration behind Sheraiz Delightz.
I never planned to be an entrepreneur. In fact, I used to joke about how entrepreneurs seemed like confused people with briefcases and bad shoes. My professor laughed and told me I’d prove myself wrong, and she was right.

Fast forward to 2013, I started Sheraiz Delightz after a trip to my alma mater in Kenya. I attended an event showcasing artists and thought, “Why not create something similar for entrepreneurs back home?” That idea led to my first event in 2014 and kick started my event planning journey. The name “Sheraiz” comes from my mom’s nickname for me and “Delightz” reflects the joy I find in organizing events.

Planning events came naturally to me. Whether at work or home, I was always the one coordinating parties, team outings, or family surprises. I noticed a gap in Cameroon’s event planning industry and decided to fill it. With my background in account management and strong connections, I started with big-name clients like telecom companies and banks, which gave Sheraiz Delightz a solid foundation.

Over time, we expanded to include media coverage, PR, and even digital marketing, especially during the COVID-19 period.

What are your key responsibilities at Sheraiz Delightz?
At Sheraiz Delightz, I oversee operations as the General Manager. My roles include recruiting staff, shaping and refining the company's strategy to align with my vision of being a leader in event planning, and building strong relationships with vendors across the event planning chain. I strive to ensure we stand out for our dexterity, attention to detail, and our slogan, “Creating Magical Events”.

I also oversee client on-boarding, making the final decision on whether to take on a client, ensuring their values align with ours. On the internal side, I focus on staff management and development, ensuring my team is not only satisfied with their work but also continuously learning and growing. 

"We aim to be leaders in event planning, creating unforgettable experiences through innovation, collaboration, and impeccable service"

What are the key challenges you face as a leader in event planning, and how do you overcome them?
A major challenge I’ve faced as an event planner is financial strain. Most events require pre-financing, and clients often pay late, creating cash flow issues, especially when I have to cover vendor costs or bank loans. This has strained some relationships, but I’ve learned to manage it through transparency and loyalty, assuring key vendors of consistent business, which has helped maintain their trust even during delays.

Another challenge has been the toll on my health due to the stress of managing unpredictable events. I’ve experienced burnout and stress-related issues, but over time, I’ve found balance through yoga, meditation, and emotional intelligence practices. I’ve learned to detach from stressful situations and view them more objectively. Additionally, I now always have contingency plans in place to handle any unexpected issues.

I’m fortunate to have a strong support system, which is my family, especially my mum and siblings, and my husband, who has been my rock. His belief in me and my vision, along with his unwavering support, has allowed me to keep pushing forward and stay focused.

What have been your biggest wins and success mantra as a leader?
My biggest wins have been securing high-profile clients, including government entities and diplomatic missions, which have helped elevate my business. Additionally, we've expanded our reach internationally, organizing events in countries like the UK, UAE, and the U.S.

My success mantra is rooted in authenticity and selfbelief. I firmly believe that you don’t need to make excuses for who you are or the choices you make. Surrounding yourself with people who accept and believe in you is key to personal and professional growth.

How do you see Cameroon’s business landscape evolving, and what role are women playing in its economic growth?
Cameroon's business landscape is rapidly growing, with many women leading the way, heading multinational corporations, and running their own businesses. Women are not only prominent in business but also hold key positions in government, including ministerial roles. People are also learning to attract international investors, contributing to a growing entrepreneurial spirit. The government is supporting these efforts, and I see great potential in collaborations with international companies, particularly Turkish firms. I am optimistic about Cameroon’s future, where entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology will play key roles in the country’s economic development.

Etonde Martin Ndoping, Founder & CEO, Sheraiz Delightz
Etonde Martin-Ndoping is a young entrepreneur disrupting Cameroon’s event planning landscape. Event planning came naturally to Etonde and in 2013 she founded Sheraiz Delightz. She has previous experience in account management and is adept at building strong connections which has helped Etonde land big-name clients like telecom companies and banks, which has given Sheraiz Delightz a solid foundation.