You might have been wondering who the brain behind Midas Naturals is. Well, say no more, the Bellafricana fairy has waved her magic wand and now presents to you the PhD research scientist with a golden touch on natural products for hair and skin care.
Somi Igbene is a tenacious entrepreneur, who puts great effort and time into producing quality natural products for both her and many other women.
She is not just all brains! The Founder of Midas Naturals is also very fun to be around. Let’s meet her
Q & A
• Please introduce yourself and your background.
Hello, my name is Somi Igbene. I am a research scientist (PhD) and a medical writer with a passion for all things natural.
• Please tell us about your work. How did Midas Naturals start?
Midas Naturals was born when I decided to stop chemically processing my own natural hair back in 2011. The natural hair community as we know it now was not as big back then, and I knew that once the ‘natural hair movement’ got to Nigeria, a lot of women would want quality hair products. I decided to draw from my science background and start making natural products for hair and skin care.
• Where did the idea for Midas Naturals come from? Where do you find the inspiration for your natural skin products?
The idea for Midas Naturals came from my need to have constant access to products that were made with high quality, cruelty-free ingredients. I also knew that many other ladies (both natural and relaxed) would benefit from them. I get inspiration from women who talk to me about their hair and skin care issues. Their complaints help me formulate the products that address their specific needs.
• Can you remember the first natural product you produced? What makes it memorable?
Most ladies with natural hair will attest to the fact that a deep conditioner is one of the most important staples in any hair care routine. So naturally, it was the first thing I HAD to make. It is so memorable because it took me a very long time to get a product that I knew would work for myself and many other women.
• What are the challenges you face in business?
As we are a relatively new business our major challenge right now is exposure/publicity. We know we have products that work amazingly well, but not a lot of people know about the brand.
• What is your most popular item/product (include image)?
The detangling/conditioning wash is probably the most popular item at the moment. It is great because it is a 3-in-1 product. It can be used to detangle the hair, it gently cleanses the scalp (so it can be used in place of a regular shampoo) while conditioning the hair, and it can be used as a deep conditioner.
• SMEs in the beauty industry is fast growing, what would you say triggered this growth and how is Midas Natural different from the rest?
I believe the growth has been triggered by the natural hair movement, as well as the desire to stop using chemicals on the skin and hair. Midas Naturals is different from other companies out there because our products are made for the typical African woman. We have sourced the highest quality ingredients for all our products and our products have been thoroughly tested for safety and quality assurance, and meet UK/EU standards. We can confidently attest to the fact that our products are free of nasty chemicals, and have not been tested on animals. Our products are also vegan.
• What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?
This is probably not going to be the typical answer, but I honestly just want a happy, balanced life. Work wise, I would love for Midas Naturals to become the preferred and trusted beauty brand in Nigeria and Africa.
• What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am a very fun, down-to-earth person even though I often come across as an ice queen. LOL!
• For someone who wishes to take up this kind of career, what kind of advice would you give them? Also, if you could give one piece of advice to youths who want to start their own company, what would it be?
Midas Naturals is still a relatively new business so I can’t give any particularly amazing advice right now apart from the fact that you need to be sure it is what you want to do and be ready to put in as much work as possible. There will be a lot of ups and downs, disappointments and successes, but no matter what, never give up. For youths, who want to start their own business, do your research and make sure you are passionate about what you want to do. Without passion, you will quickly get bored and quit.
• And finally, I would like to give you this opportunity to share two to four images of your work and tell us a little about each.
Papaya Radiance range: This range was made particularly for women who want to have a brighter skin tone without the use of chemicals, including kojic acid and alpha arbuitin. The papaya radiance range is made with papaya seed oil, which contains the enzyme papain that naturally exfoliates the skin to reveal a brighter skin tone.
Kiwi Crème leave-in conditioner: This is particularly great for those with very dry hair. Our leave-in is made with camellia and kiwi oils, and aloe vera butter, all known to infuse deep moisture into dry hair.
Avocado & Banana sealing balm: This product seals your hair and infuses amazing shine without leaving it feeling limp and greasy.
Check out some of Midas Naturals’ products below;
Thanks a lot Somi for your beautiful response. We are always proud to see young people growing a business.
We hope to join you in your journey as a successful business owner.
Here’s a link to Midas Naturals’ page as a verified lister on Bellafricana: https://bellafricana.com/listing/lagos-midas-naturals/
