She quit her 9-5 job to start a thriving business from her passion as a baker. It takes another level of courage and tenacity to quit a job and start a business, so you can imagine why I couldn’t wait to share this interview with you.
Let’s meet the founder of Buttermilk Confectioneries
Please introduce yourself and your background
My name is Obiageli Ojo, the founder and chief baker of Buttermilk Confectioneries. I quit my 9-5 job about 11 years ago to raise my kids and discovered the passion in baking. I’m passionate about the work I do.
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
Buttermilk Confectioneries is a bakery open to cater for all cakes, pastries, bread and confection needs. We have been in existence for about 9 years now. We make cakes for different occasions. Recently, we added breads to our menu. We love to try out new flavors from time to time and challenging decorating techniques to play around with. One of our unique selling points is using wholesome fresh ingredients without additional additives that can harm the body. Another is preparing the cakes in a very hygienic environment with lots of love and care.
How did you come about the brand name and what does it mean?
I came about the name Buttermilk in my quest to find something that will improve the appearance and taste of my products. Buttermilk is the liquid left after butter has been churned from milk or cream. It is also cultured milk made by the addition of suitable bacteria to sweet milk. It makes baked products moist and brings pleasant tangs to breads, pastries and cakes; that is why I chose the name. We add it to most of our products.
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
Producing and delivering wholesome pastries without artificial additives. I also love to simplify recipes to make them a bit more easy to work with and especially because of availability of quality ingredients in our country.
Where do you get the inspiration for your products
Mostly from my customers needs and desires and sometimes from watching trends on Pinterest and Instagram.
Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?
It was my daughter’s first birthday cakes, Sleeping Teddy and Dora the Explorer cakes, her favorite cartoons at the time. Everyone was amazed that I could do such intricate design without formal training. It was super delicious too.
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
The challenges we face are availability and affordability of raw materials, industry regulations not thorough, electricity, lack of trained and qualified personnel and managing them, unhealthy competitions.
Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?
The only regret is that I didn’t start earlier knowing this is absolutely what I was destined to do. Apart from that, no regrets at all.
What is your most popular product?
That will be our Buttermilk Vanilla Cake. It has a unique taste you can’t mistake if you have tasted it once.
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?
The use of local available materials to achieve great recipes.
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
My Short term goal is to provide quality affordable baked products in my community and my long term goal is to extend it to other neighborhood.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
The extent to which i can go to make a customer happy and satisfied.
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this Industry?
Journalism. That was my first love before i discovered the baking passion.
To connect with Butter Milk Confectioneries, you can follow and contact her via:
She is a Microbiologist, a Teacher, and a Multi-talented fashion entrepreneur with over 10 years of combined experience. She loves being creative, fashionable and putting smiles on people’s faces through her brand.
With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Zone A Creations for an exclusive interview.
Please Introduce yourself and your background.
My name is Zainab Okhayole Zuberu from South Ibie Edo state. I’m a 30years old Muslim lady married with 2 kids and currently reside in Benin Edo state. I’m a microbiologist, teacher and multi-talented fashion entrepreneur with over 10years combined experience. I love being creative, fashionable and putting smiles on people’s faces hence the brand
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
As a young lady, I have always been crazy about DIYs and never really liked the made in Nigeria bags because the few that I had come across are low quality while the imported ones were either of low quality or too expensive. So it happened that in 2013, while preparing lesson plan for my students using Google, I came across an ad on fabric bagmaking and that was a light bulb moment for me. I fell in love straightaway and decided I’d make all my bags myself.
Subsequently, friends and family began to love what I make, so I’d charge for materials and make bags for them for free. Later it became a side hustle until I started loving bagmaking more than my teaching job, so I quit my job and started up the Zone A brand in February 2020. The journey has been one filled with so many twist and turn, From Covid 19 lockdown, to ‘End Sars’ Protest, to the current hike in cost of production cost, we still keep it going cos the passion and commitment is there.
We’ve so far sold over 1000 units of our products and trained over 100 ladies both online and onsite, 5 of whom are known brands that are fully established as professional bagmakers now, and numerous others employed along the value chain.
How did you come about the name and what does it mean?
I’ve always been an exceptional student while in school and would have A’s all through anytime I had a lesser grade I’d be so angry and sometimes cry so hard, so I was nicknamed Zone A. Decided to name the brand so, so I’d use that same commitment and zeal I had while growing up to ensure the brand stays at the top both locally and Internationally.
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
Bespoke handbags, footwear’s and accessories. Prior to bagmaking, I had done crocheting, fashion designing, Interior decorations and none gave me as much joy and fulfilment as I felt when I make a gorgeous and unique Afrocentric handbags. The feeling I get anytime we receive a feedback from our clients, the joy and happiness on their voice and faces when they send in pictures/videos is just it for me.
Where do you get inspiration for your products?
Sometime I go through Pinterest and try to design/create products from what I see there. Most times, when I am brainstorming ideas, I visualize unique pieces, sketch it out and continue to work on them till they make sense.
Can you remember one of the first products you made?
Yes! That was a tote bag with an Ankara fabric 7years ago. I still have it till now! I felt so pleased with myself that I took it to the workplace the next day. The admiration was out of this world and yes I got my first 2 orders that day despite not making any adverts
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
Stereotypes, people believe handmade is equal low quality and cheap article. We always educate our target market on our pages and post feedbacks regularly to help reduce this. Increase in cost price and is absurd to just constantly be increasing price of goods not at this time when everywhere is hard. Drawback of youth in learning the skill, this have reduced the number of employable youth one have access to. Stealing of designs by competitors. It’s so annoying after spending months to create a design only for a competitor to copy and recreate that design almost immediately after release. In pour of made in china bags. These are usually cheaper and Nigerians like going for the cheaper option unless a few
Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?
I have no regrets whatsoever; I only sometimes wish I had started sooner.
What is your most popular product?
Hamdallah handbag a combination of denim and pleated Ankara fabric to make a unique and special arm candy. Comes in 4 sizes and one of the products people have not been able to recreate even when they tried.
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?
The African Heritage is at the base of all my product. Our products are Afrocentric made from the animal skin leathers to the tribal prints. The touch of Africaness truly stands us out
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
Short term goal is to have wholesale outlets for my products in at least 5 states in the country with walk in stores. My long term goals is to become a household name of handbag brand across the world and also to have a free skills acquisition center to train many youth in bag making.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m an introvert and often very shy and difficult to learn new languages
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?
I’d still find a way to be in this industry, it has always been in me. I would have said teaching but I still teach so it’s all part of it
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
I would say be patient, be consistent and persevere. Never be too big to learn and improve on your skill.
Moreso, shun distraction and don’t be too focused on the competition. Instead, Be your own competition by always trying to be better than where you are.
To connect with Zone A Creative, you can follow and contact her via:
Let’s meet the hardworking female creative entrepreneur who is in the business of creating Afrocentric Pre-eminent ready to wear outfits for women of all class.
Please introduce yourself and your background:
My name is Abiru Islamiyat Adewunmi, I am the Fashion Creative Director behind AIM AFROCENTRIC CLOTHINGS otherwise known as AŞO ÌBÍLĘ MÌ. I studied Computer Science at the Polytechnic of Ife while at the same time did a diploma course in Fashion Designing, as well as a few months solid course in Textile Art design & Shirt Customization with Harpeez’art Clothings in Ile Ife, Osun State. I have been in the business of Adire textile design since 2013 but properly started making a living out of it in the year 2021.
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
I worked for several years as a Data Analyst with a Leading Telecommunication Company in Nigeria. While working as a white collar jobber and also working from home due to the Covid19 Pandemic, I started running my business of Creating Afrocentric Pre-eminent Ready to Wear Outfits for women of all Class, modern heritage clothing locally made out of Indigenous Handmade Fabrics such as Adire & Aso Oke.
This is a business I had attempted to build a few times earlier but failed due to lack of consistency, Cash flow and lack of total commitment to the business. I resigned from my 8 to 5 Job after 9 months in my business so as to input more effort to grow, learn, preserve and promote the African Cultural Heritage across the globe, which is the main goal of this brand.
How did you come about the brand name and what does it mean?
My brand name AŞO ÌBÍLĘ MÌ meaning “My heritage clothing” in English was the first thing that came to mind as soon as I started drawing a business plan. The term was drawn from the Vision of the brand, which is to preserve and promote the African Cultural Heritage. The Heritage we are trying to promote by making sure we create more awareness of out Locally-made clothing home and abroad. The aim which is to put our Heritage on the Global Mark.
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into
Unique innovation and outstanding creativity of using basically Handmade Fabrics to create extraordinary pieces is a core model that set this business apart. African Traditionally made Fabrics are very underrated, it has become a necessity to awaken it and push it forward for the whole wide world to see its beauty. A lot of people now appreciate these African clothing that they could pay a million just to get these clothing readily made for them.
Where do you get the inspiration for your products?
The inspirations for my products are gotten from Arts and ages stories about heroines and Olden days clothing. Day to day inspirations are gotten from everyday lifestyle and evolving modern tastes of modern women.
Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?
One of the first products we designed was Aje Kimono, a Long Jacket made with a combination of Aso Oke and an Adire fabric that has a pattern of Cowry (Cowry traditionally insinuate wealth). The fabric has since been changed because of the inconsistency in it’s color, we were unable to perfect our dye combination for the specific fabric.
It was our best selling from the Launch date of the business and has been the selling heavily ever since (this might be due to its very different look that set it apart from other random Kimonos in the market).
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
The main challenge faced day to day in my business is the fact that Handmade Fabrics, especially Adire are now been massively replicated by other countries and sold back to our people at a very cheap rate. This is very bad for my business because some person out of ignorant might feel that my products are too expensive compare to the printed clothing sold to them at cheaper rate. The Government should do better in this aspect please, for how long do we import the items we can produce on our own? Sadly, the fabrics used in producing even the original handmade Indigenous clothing we use are also imported, making it difficult for a low class citizen to afford.
Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?
My only regret since I started this business is that I did not start on time. I mean, I had a solid 8years experience before I started making money out of it. If I started a long time ago, my business would have grown farther than where it is now.
What is your most popular product?
My most popular product is ‘Aje Kimono’ set, a bestseller back to back for couple of months now.
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?
The Heritage is what I sell. The aim is to take African Heritage global.
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
My main Goal is to preserve and promote the African Cultural Heritage while making an ends meet out of it. My vision is to make sure that in the next 10 years, foreign outfits are 95% eradicated from our Continent and our Locally-made outfits takes place and becomes affordable.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a Fashion Designer, a Textile Art Designer, A Data Analyst and a Fashion Creative Designer. This are rear talents to be processed by just an individual.
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this Industry?
I would be a Data analyst.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
Look before you leap, stay consistent and be willing to take huge risks
There you have it. An exclusive interview with the Founder of Aso Ibile Mi. To connect with her, you can follow her via:
Meet the young and dynamic creative entrepreneur who wears many hats. Her love for creating reusable Afrocentric pieces had brought her many awards and recognition. She is equally very passionate about Sustainable Development Goals and is invested in sensitizing people about it. There is no limit to the possibilities that awaits her in the business world.
With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Dhoney Adire and Crafts Nigeria for an exclusive interview.
Please introduce yourself and your background:
I was born and raised in Ondo city, Ondo state and attended the foremost Girl’s only Secondary School, St Louis secondary school, Ondo. I had my tertiary education at Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo state and graduated with a degree in Computer Science. Served Nigeria through the NYSC in Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun state in 2019/2020.
I am an experienced, and award-winning fashion model, African culture enthusiast, and advocate of Recycling through African arts and culture. I got nominated at the prestigious ACE Awards for African Creative Entrepreneurs in 2021 as Start up of the year, The Winner of SME100Africa 25under25 Award 2021, Fashion category.
I got nominated for ELOY Award Young Entrepreneur of the year and I was the Winner of the God’s Chamber Business Bootcamp Pitch competition and beneficiary of the grant awarded. My dream is to see a world that embraces African Adire, while curbing the harm throwing out old clothes can cause to humans. #climatechangereport.
As a female visibility advocate and lover of girl-child development, my interest lies in helping young adults (emphasis on girls) to find their feet early in life which was what informed my decision to start the Orange Humanity project, aimed at empowering young girls to improve the quality of their lives, and ultimately birth an economically viable society.
Early 2022, DHONEY Adire and Crafts Nigeria Founded by Doyinmola won the EEFP grant, a flagship project of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) awarded to exceptional, and impact-driven brands through Bellafricana a 360° community for creative entrepreneurs. Her contemporary products, alongside other emerging brands products were showcased on the runway at the Africa Fashion Exhibition Nigeria, that took place at the Ife Grand Resort, Osun state in 2021.
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
Dhoney Adire and Crafts Nigeria is a contemporary Adire textiles and Crafts brand in alignment with the SDG goals 8, 12 and 13. Since inception, we have evolved to be a brand that proffers solution to not only fast fashion and non-quality clothings, but also solution to climate change issues in our planet.
The Start of Dhoney was inspired by the inadequate support gotten when I embarked on a journey to empower young people to become wealth creators, to promote the African culture, become financially secured and ultimately improve the quality of their lives thereby driving economic viability. I proceeded to learn a craft that depicts and promotes the African culture as well as showcases the beauty her. I started the business for profit making and equally be a solution by producing sustainable, durable and quality clothings.
We revamp old, stained, faded clothes to new, lovable and reusable pieces with the indigenous craft; Adire. We also offer masterclasses on Adire making to kids and adults via our programs which includes; Train with Dhoney, Adire Revamp Bootcamp, Kiddies Summer Time with Dhoney, 1:1 Masterclass
How did you come about the brand name and what does it mean?
Dhoney was coined from my name for short, which is Doyin from Doyinmola which means (The addition of Honey to Wealth) OYIN in the Yoruba language means Honey, by replacing Oyin with the English meaning Honey in my name DOYIN, so I have the name DHONEY. The addition of textile and Crafts was intentional. the brand is not envisaged to be the regular Adire Textile brand, but a contemporary and creative crafts brand in Nigeria as her place of birth, however, Dhoney is a GLOBAL brand.
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
New contemporary Adire for young, vibrant, culture enthusiasts. From my research, I found out how much harm the careless disposal of old clothes cause and is projected to cause more harm by 2030 if not curbed. Saving our planet, through the production of reusable and loveable clothings from old pieces is the way to go. And we are excited to be promoting the African through our pieces at an affordable cost.
Where do you get the inspiration for your products?
I get inspiration for the world around me, through inner witness, the nature, my environment, as well as the old/indigenous/traditional designs.
Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?
‘Eforiro’ Tee was one of the first, I loved the creation personally and the reception it got from people. It is memorable because of processes it took purchasing the raw materials and all. It was an old piece of clothing (what Nigerians know as OK clothes) for practical purpose, turned it into a new piece of clothing, vibrant, beautiful, culture-inclined. The Adire Tshirt design went on to be one of our bestsellers at the time,. Of course, new raw materials were used for producing clients order.
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
I cannot point at one challenge right now, I would say perhaps because I see them as a phase, a process, a stepping stairs to another height, I do not necessarily consider them worthy to note. Generally, I would say customers keeps a business running and we are doing our best to attract and sustain our clients while providing quality, affordable, and sustainable products and services.
Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?
No regrets. Absolutely none. I and Dhoney Tribe members who are our clients are enjoying sustainability while engaging in culture promotion, fashion entreprise and proffering quality solution to a need. We enjoy local embrace and are on a journey to global recognition and acceptance
What is your most popular product?
Adire Tshirt in regular sizes as well as our Oversized Tshirt collection are our most popular, sometimes people have the perception that we do not produce or see fabrics and other crafts. We continually sensitize and show people our works.
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?
African is colorful, we produce mostly vibrant and colorful pieces to suit the African skin as well as the world’s complexion
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
A well functional website for local and global transactions with ease. A walk-in store/outlet in major states in Nigeria A DHONEY center known for art, craft, culture, climate change action, empowerment and training center etc. Partnerships with NGO, the government agencies and bodies, organizations to train individuals and group for their advancement and profiting, as well as to push the SDG 8, 12 and 13 goal
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
My journey in the last 7 years has been interconnected, Fashion modelling from age 15, fashion designing, nail artistry, humanitarian empowerment projects, art and craft enterprise without core study relating to arts. I was a science student who hoped to become and Nurse professionally but studied Computer science and here am I in the art and craft industry.
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this Industry?
If I haven’t ended up in the creative Industry, perhaps it would still have been Social Entrepreneurship/Social work or something around proffering solution to human needs.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
Ask for support when you need it.
Brainstorm with experienced people in same field.
It is equally important that you have a mentor
Plan for the long term, for the scalability and sustainability of your business
To connect with Dhoney Adire and Crafts Nigeria, you can follow and contact her via:
Meet the UK Trained Lawyer whose experience with ‘hair struggles’ while growing up as a child, informed her decision to start a hair care brand.
With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Wura’s Secret for an exclusive interview.
Please Introduce yourself and your background.
My name is Tinuola Adigweme, I am a lawyer and founder of Wura’s Secret – a fast growing beauty brand which formulates hair products using pure, natural ingredients ethically sourced in West Africa and from around the world. My educational qualifications include a Master’s degree in International Commercial Law from University College London (UCL) as well as a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC). I also have a diploma in organic hair care formulation from Formula Botanica. I had previously worked in leading law firms in Nigeria and the UK for about 8 years until I founded – Wura’s Secret.
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
Growing up, there was a notion that natural African hair was not “beautiful.” This led to African women, even as little girls using chemicals & other damaging hair care practices to change their hair to fit into the perceived standard of beauty. On a personal level, as a child I also never really liked my hair because it was very coarse and used to “break” combs. This was until I experienced severe hair breakage during winter whilst studying in the UK. My grandmother’s herbal hair remedies helped nurse my hair back to health and it became even thicker and longer than it was before. I then started to appreciate and fall in love with my hair. (like the saying – you don’t know what you have until it’s gone). I conducted further research in product formulation and healthy hair care practices which led me to start Wura’s Secret – a hair care brand that seeks to change the narrative about the perception of beauty.
At Wura’s Secret we believe that everyone has the right to wear their hair however they choose to and we celebrate our client’s “hair and beauty” choices and want them to feel beautiful and comfortable. Our products are made to suit all hair types and needs. Our product lines have expanded to include Kids, Baby and Men’s lines.
How did you come about the name and what does it mean?
The product line is named after my grandmother, whose name is “Wura”. Wura means gold in the Yoruba language and the word “Secret” signifies the secret recipes passed down from generations which we share with the world. The name “Wura” also signifies the popular saying in Yoruba culture “iya ni wura’ meaning “mother is gold”.
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
Our niche is beauty/hair care. I knew it was the market to get into because I understood from my personal experience that there was a gap in the market for effective products made with natural ingredients that actually work and do what they say on the label.
Where do you get inspiration for your products?
Inspiration for our products is gotten from nature. We are truly inspired by the powerful natural ingredients that can be found in West Africa and we do our best to highlight these ingredients in our Wura’s Secret products. We listen to our clients; this helps us to create effective products that would meet and even exceed their needs. Our clients are our true inspiration – their advice, feedback, testimonials, etc, have helped us to grow to become an even better, more sustainable brand.
They are at the very core of everything we do. We pride ourselves on the results our clients receive from using our products which can be seen on our Instagram page and website (www.wurassecrethair.com). The true potential of what healthy African hair can be inspires us to keep innovating especially in the areas of product development. Finally, we are inspired by the world around us and everything that is happening in the beauty space globally.
Can you remember one of the first products you made?
Our hair growth oil was one of our earliest products as this was one of the first recipes learned from my grandmother. After seeing the results on my hair, some of my family members and friends also expressed an interest in trying it for themselves. I was encouraged by seeing the results on their hair and this was when I took the plunge to start selling them to actual customers and it proved very effective for them also. Our very 1st picture testimonial from a paying client came from a friend who ordered our growth oils and moisturizers. By then I had also developed the Kids Hair Growth Oil and moisturizers for both lines. She sent pictures of her and her twin girls’ hair growth and it was really phenomenal. She helped to post on her status at the time and the orders came rushing in. It was memorable because I began to understand the true potential of Wura’s Secret and how I could build a strong and viable business.
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
One of the key challenges our business has faced in recent times is the rising cost of raw materials and alarming inflation rate. This has led to higher production, labour and transportation costs. However due to recent economic realities one has to ensure that our products are priced competitively. Another challenge we face is the difficulties in trading within Africa especially in the area of logistics and payment infrastructure. We find that it easier to send products and receive payments in countries such as the US, Canada, UK but then we struggle to do same in African countries such as Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, etc. This had led to a situation where we have experienced challenges in ensuring our products can be adequately accessed by Africans in other countries. We have been working on bridging this gap by expanding our distributor chain across Africa.
Lastly, I should mention scaling operations. We have recently acquired a new office in Lekki phase 1 and although that is key for business growth, there are some challenges with a physical customer-facing location such as rising overhead and operation costs, inventory control and management etc.
Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?
I have no regrets whatsoever; I only sometimes wish I had started sooner. The entire process has been a fruitful and rewarding journey.
What is your most popular product?
Definitely our Hair Growth Oils for kids, ladies and babies are our most popular products as well as our Special Formula Hair Growth Oils for ladies and kids. Close second are our hair moisturizers.
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?
The name “Wura” is from our Nigerian (Yoruba) language/heritage. Everything we do at Wura’s Secret – the products, techniques, hairstyles, etc. is to share West Africa’s beauty secrets and ingredients with the world.
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
Short term goals are to expand our distributor chain worldwide as well as our footprint in retail outlets across Nigeria. Longer term, we’re looking to establish retail presence outside Nigeria, specifically in North America and Europe.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I loved playing the piano when I was younger and took it quite seriously. I practiced every day and so I aced all my piano exams and earned several certificates in Piano. I have recently picked it up again and enjoy teaching my children to play.
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?
I would have continued my career in law to become a judge.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
Always continually seek knowledge, never believe that you know everything. Be willing to learn and remain teachable. You must stand firm in your convictions and know who you are. However also realize your limits/weakness and seek help in improving them. Always believe in your ideas, your strengths and capabilities. At the beginning you may encounter some resistance, keep working on those ideas until they become manifest. Remember that an idea is something that won’t work unless you do.
To connect with Wura’s Secret, you can follow and contact her via:
Meet an amazing Public Service Retiree, who ventured into bag making business, just about the time of her retirement. Her story is one that would encourage many aspiring entrepreneurs that it’s never late to start and other retirees looking for what to do with their time after retirement.
With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Zeeza Bags for an exclusive interview.
Please Introduce yourself and your background.
I am Azeezat Modupe Sadiq. A retiree turned entrepreneur.
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
I manage Zeeza bags where we design and manufacture premium bags made from real leather as well as heritage bags made with local materials. I developed interest in bag making after participating in a training with school leavers towards the end of my career in public service.
How did you come about the name and what does it mean?
The name of my business “Zeeza bags” is coined from my first name Azeezat.
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
My niche is handmade fashion bags. I have realized that the bag a woman carries tells volumes about her personality. I also desire to promote local production and enable import substitution.
Where do you get inspiration for your products?
From the younger generation. I seek them out everywhere.
Can you remember one of the first products you made?
Yes I can. The bag was stitch free and full of gum.
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
Labour/ Manpower.
Marketing/ Sales.
Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?
None whatsoever
What is your most popular product?
The Kodigam bag. In three different sizes for the corporate woman.
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?
Highly inspired by culture and heritage.
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
To take Zeezabags into Nigerian homes for all who want to be noticed.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That I never knew how to use the sewing machine before Zeezabags.
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?
I will be in the Food Industry
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
Go Digital
To connect with ZeezaBags you can follow and contact her via:
I am excited to introduce to you Funke Akinlosotu, a Nigerian crotchetier who enjoys making handwoven crotchet pieces for babies and toddlers. She confirmed that she was divinely led into this line of business as she has genuine love for children. She is the author of “A handcrafter’s journey” a book that tells about her journey into the craft world.
With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Tender Hugs for an exclusive interview.
Please Introduce yourself and your background.
Oluwafunke Akinlosotu is a Christian, a simple easy-going, ambitious young lady, she’s a graduate of Metallurgical and materials engineering but has a passion for children, she’s the creative director at Tender Hugs Crochet where she makes handmade clothing for children. She is the author of “A handcrafter’s journey” a book that tells about her journey into the craft world.
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
Tender Hugs Crochet Nigeria is a baby styling brand that makes crochet outfits specifically for newborns, infants and toddlers. We style children for their photoshoots, birthdays, naming ceremony etc. I started this craft out of my passion for children despite having being trained as a Metallurgical and Materials Engineer. I remember praying one particular day about the works of my hands and the word ‘crochet’ dropped in my spirit. Instantly, I grabbed my phone to research more, I began to read everything about it. I fell in love with the children wears and immediately I connected the dots- I knew God was leading me into making crochet children wears because of my passion for them and that’s how I started.
How did you come about the name and what does it mean?
Tender Hugs Crochet. I wanted something that relates with children, tender kept coming to my mind but it was difficult looking for another word to merge with it but I finally came up with hugs as it perfectly describes children.
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
Kids fashion. I knew it’s a good market because everyday children are born and would need to be styled for one occasion or the other.
Where do you get inspiration for your products?
There are free patterns online but most times I buy patterns. I am working on creating few patterns myself.
Can you remember one of the first products you made?
Yes it was for my cousin’s daughter, a cute baby shoe and headband, she used it for her baby dedication.
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
Visibility and Awareness
Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?
None whatsoever
What is your most popular product?
No product in particular as our outfits are made to fit customers needs. But I would say baby rompers are most popular.
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?
I would say to quite an extent in the sense that I consider the Nigerian weather when making cloths for children as we use yarns to make them so we ensure the yarns are lighter and comfortable except in cases otherwise stated.
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
To be Nigeria’s first and foremost handmade Children styling brand. To see that every child irrespective of their background deserves all the love, care, protection and guidance needed to fulfill their purpose on earth.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m an introvert but I love to travel to visit new places, try new food. A little adventurous.
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?
A Medical doctor, a pediatrician to be precise.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
Know your ‘WHY’ before starting, this will help you carve a niche.
Know who your customers are so you can target them.
Also be ready to put in the work.
To connect with Tender Hugs, you can follow and contact her via:
Caring for our skin is one of the easiest ways to ensure both long-term skin health and radiance. Natural and organic skin care products, in particular, combine essential vitamins, botanicals, and minerals that heal and restore our skin—without harming our earth.
These natural skincare brands are dedicated to redefining beauty industry standards for products that are good for us and good for our planet. We admire them for focusing on ultimate potency, absolute freshness, and complete purity!
There is no doubt that every skin deserves some pampering and care, whether you have oily skin, dry skin, aging skin, or sensitive skin. One needs to be very choosy and selective of the best skincare product since our skin is the largest organ and will absorb almost everything you put onto it, that’s why using organic and natural skincare routines is essential for you and your skin type to avoid inflammation or irritation and reduce skin allergic reactions.
If you love natural skincare products, check out our list of favorite natural and organic skincare brands you should try;
BAOBAB OIL;
Are you struggling with dry and dull skin? Let Baobab be your skin hack. Organic Life Plus brings to you eco-friendly baobab oil for the treatment of acne, skin redness, irritation, and swelling. Stop struggling with that skin problem when baobab oil has a cure for all skin pigmentations, eczema, and sunburn, and it’s very essential for your hair growth as it nourishes hair and scalp, powerful emollient properties. It absorbs quickly into the skin leaving no greasy residue behind and works great on heels, hands, knees, and elbows leaving your skin hydrated and moisturized.
BAOBAB OIL
2. CASHMERE BODY SCRUB;
If you are always on the hunt for clear skincare products to take care of body and facial acne, blocked pores, and eczemas. Cashmere body wash brings to you a combination of deionized water, cocoa potash, and vitamin E. The result of this body wash produced by Organic life plusis nice and clear skin free of dryness and roughness. Excellent for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, it is also a good formula for replenishing dry and cracked skin as well as deeply moisturizing the skin.
CASHMERE OIL
3. MORINGA OIL;
Moringa oil has been hailed by Vogue magazine for “redefining beauty”. Your skin sure deserves growth and glow therapy and that can be resolved using moringa oil. Moringa-seed-oil is rich in Vitamin A, E, and C, which help heal minor skin complaints such as cuts, bruises, burns, insects bites, rashes, and scrapes quickly. Moringa oil is another powerful beauty product of organic life plus that helps to restore youthfulness and brightness. It helps treat skin complaints such as rashes, burns, cuts, and scars.
MORINGA OIL
4. ROSESHIP OIL;
Everything in Organic life plus skincare collection is truly amazing, good thing about this skincare brand is that it’s not only certified but it also carters for sensitive skin too. Rosehip oil is particularly for tender and sensitive skins. Rosehip oil for skin—or rosehip seed oil as it is sometimes called—is something you may have heard about but never knew too much about. Used from the time of the ancient Egyptians as part of a regular, natural skincare routine. Rosehip oil is full of nourishing and anti-aging skincare ingredients you can imagine. It’s one of those beauty products that’s been right under your nose for years, it is Insanely rich in vitamins A, C, and E, natural trans-retinoic acid, natural omega fatty acids (linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and oleic acid), antioxidants such as lycopene and tocopherol, that gives you that perfect glowing and radiant skin and its also good for dissolving makeup.
This skincare collection is truly amazing, the good thing about this skincare brand is that it’s not only certified but it also carters for sensitive skin too. Rosehip oil is particularly for tender and sensitive skins. Rosehip oil for skin—or rosehip seed oil as it is sometimes called—is something you may have heard about but never knew too much about.
Used from the time of the ancient Egyptians as part of a regular, natural skincare routine. Rosehip oil is full of nourishing and anti-aging skincare ingredients you can imagine. It’s one of those beauty products that’s been right under your nose for years, it is Insanely rich in vitamins A, C, and E, natural trans-retinoic acid, natural omega fatty acids (linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and oleic acid), antioxidants such as lycopene and tocopherol, that gives you that perfect glowing and radiant skin and its also good for dissolving makeup.
ROSESHIP OIL
5. ASAKWA AFRICAN BLACK SOAP
Another game-changing product for your skin is the asakwa black soap infused with turmeric and aloe vera. Produced by Modara naturals. Asakwa which means “bathe” in Igbo language is a rich black soap made from ancient West African recipes. This body wash is perfect for leaving the skin surface spotless and glowing. I know breakouts, acne, and pimples could be very frustrating and displeasing, this blend of body wash helps to easily tackle facial and body dryness and roughness leaving the skin brightened, fresh, and well-toned.
6. BRILHO OIL
Nature truly loves everyone that much, as it gives plenty of benefits not just to address some health concerns but your beauty needs as well. Brilho oil is truly nature’s gift to mankind. Oh, Yes!. This moisturizing blend is made up of carefully selected nutrient-rich oils. Daily usage of this oil will not only keep your skin soft and moisturized; it will also give you a natural glow all day long. Brilho oil is another wonderful product of Modara Naturals, which means to ‘glow’ in Angola’s Portuguese and is made of moisturizing and regenerating oils such as Avocado oil, Grapeseed oil, Sweet almond oil, Ricebran, and Carrot seed oil. It also has a spicy citrus blend that both awakens and soothes your senses.
BRILHO OIL
7. DARA BODY BUTTER
Modara Naturals carefully selected the right ingredients and blend them to cause an amazing body glow and tone effect. “Dara” which means ‘handsome’ in Yoruba, is handmade with a blend of the finest natural ingredients. It contains raw unrefined Shea butter, Avocado oil, Rice bran oil, and Vetiver essential oil. For any gentleman who is keen on having healthy skin and seeks an all-natural body moisturizer, we bring to you the bestselling men’s moisture. Perfect for all skin types, takeaway skin dullness, and dryness, It is particularly sleek and smooth to the body as well. Applying this product in areas like the knees, elbows, knuckles or heels gives a more greezy and well-toned surface.
DARA BODY OIL
8. LAUSHI COFFEE SCRUB;
I recommend this product for several personal reasons, first, the Laushi scrub is smooth and tender to the skin, I can feel how sleeky and smooth it is as compared to every other scrub I have used, it is very essential for your skin as it sloughs off dead skin, leaving your skin youthful and invigorating, it is a very good regiment for clearing acne and reducing scars. Laushi scrub is made of raw coffee beans from the Mambilla plateau, Pink salt from the Himalayan mountains, and Hibiscus flower extract. This scrub will tighten, soften and brighten your skin, increasing cell turnover and giving you younger-looking skin and firmer skin.
LAUSHI COFFEE SCRUB
CONCLUSION
Choosing the right skin care product is very essential, knowing the right skincare to fit and soothe your skin perfectly is a must-know. Just as there are different skin types one needs to know what soothes his or her skin. The different categories mentioned are good skincare to choose from to give you a visible and effective result over time.
Are you a lover of exotic perfume diffusers and room sprays? Have you ever walked into a place where the atmosphere reminded you of something you once had? Well, fragrances do a lot to bring back memories. Just as the saying, “Scents is its own story, you only choose how it’s been told”.
Also having a wide range of fragrances to choose from could be tricky, but not to worry, I bring to you good tidings as I carefully and thoroughly take you through my top 6 well-researched perfume diffusers and perfume oil by Abela World you need to spark and ignite the exotic and elegant fragrance around your vicinity.
These fragrances spur great memories as well as reminds us of our African roots. Black history has found a way of coming back to us through the power of earthy, scintillating, and delightful jars of scents.
Without any more suspense, here are the top 6 African-inspired perfume diffuser/oil brands I have discovered for you to add to your next shopping list.
IGI OPE
An uplifting scent of the Igi Òpe is a rich blend of cool green floral heart notes laced with citrus top notes and woody undertones.“Igi Ope” (meaning the Palm Tree of Conviviality) burst forth the laughter of noble men playing the game of “ayò” (pronounced ay-oh). A symbol of sustainability, Igi Òpe imparts her fruitful & charming essence upon the lands from which she hails.
This fragrance is curated not just to give your space a scent ambiance but to create a long-lasting impression around your space, as well as give you an aroma uplift. No one who walks into your space will want to leave in a hurry, Abela scents by Africa, the curator of our delightful perfumed fragrance Igi Ope, had your guest in mind when producing it as it was produced with the intent to warm the heart, find joy and lift the spirit.
2. ILARI
Not just did Abela by scents of Africa create a cool and impeccable memory around this product, but it also infused a tender and soothing ingredient to help relax the mind and calm anxiety. Ìlàrí (meaning 3-pronged African Wood Comb) is a semblance of the woody core of the material. It’s inspired by the story of African women adorning, ready for a traditional and cultural displays. This fragrance is combined with a spicy & invigorating air, Ìlàrí is reminiscent of the homely ladies who effortlessly wielded this ethnic tool of adornment.
Reminiscent of the cooling essence of earth’s dew, Ilé Amò (meaning the African Mud Hut) combines the grounding scent of violet leaf laced with overtones of sweet flowers & woody musky undertones. Abela by scents of Africa enriches their unique range of handmade home fragrances, inspired by the sights and sounds of Africa. Just as history never dies, ile amo scents share the deep sense of African identity. Embracing our uniqueness and creativity through these precious jars of the conceptual scent of arts.
This scent is here to help you journey through your senses, sharing stories and encouraging conversations from places you may not have expected. Ilé Amò (meaning the African Mud Hut) is an edifice comparable to nothing in modernity; bearing the sweat of brawn men. Built not only for housing but also as a symbol of abundance and wealth, Ilé Amò fills up your space with the bustling laughter of warm hearts and the soul of knit communities. Do you want to tell African stories using emotions, then Ilé Amò is a must-buy.
4. INA IFE
If unity and bond sharing were a thing, then it would definitely be the fierce scent of Iná Ìfé (meaning the Flame of Passion). Abela by scents of Africa can capture the heart with its passionate redolence from this alien and exotic blend, intimately embraced by notes of citrus, amber, musk & woods. Imposing its sensuality upon our innermost desires and Impressing its passion & innate gift with a flaring sense of urgency upon life in the most meaningful way. Iná Ìfé incites each one to keep the flame burning, fighting against the odds, catching feelings, and sharing vibes.
5. ILARI ROOM SPRAYS
Unlike the diffusers, room sprays are faster and more far-reaching. It can penetrate even the hidden corners of your rooms, offices, or environment as a whole. Abela by scents of Africa have found a more efficient way of distilling good and healthy air into the atmosphere. Imagine having to spray a few drops and having the whole atmosphere engulfed in these overpowering fragrances. Enjoy the rich, joyful, even homely, and hygienic aroma of Ilari room spray. Perfect for use in public environments like hotels, fast food, offices, religious centers, conference rooms, etc. Ilari room sprays calm and relaxes any tensed-up mood. it’s a good aromatherapy for anxiety and worries.
6. OMI IYE ROOM SPRAY
Nothing brings to life a forgotten memory as a fragrance. Omi iye fragrance is that which speaks to your heart and hopefully someone else’s. The magical scent of Omi Iyè (meaning the River of Life) is a semblance of fresh violet & ozone notes rounded off with soothing herbal notes. Africa is truly blessed with its richness and Abela by scents of Africa has fully embellished these blessed resources by creating good scents from the Niger to the highlands of East Africa. Imparting the newness of life, the very heart of creation, Beckoning calmness, bursting vibrantly & dancing to the symphony of her rustic beat is the Omi Iyè. This fragrance inspires pureness, richness, and sweet memories.
According to Maurice Roucel,” Your fragrance is your message, your scented slogan”. Always be a fragrance, not an odour. Just as good fragrance speaks for itself, Abela by scent of Africa, an Afrocentric brand made in Nigeria tells African stories using scents. Talk about the perfect exotic perfume diffusers and room sprays, a rich way of preserving African cultural heritage. Allow fragrances to communicate to you by remaining open-minded.
She was not a pap lover until she had the one her aunt made many years ago which was a combination of grains. She enjoyed it and thought to herself “what if this turns into a business and packaged properly for the sake of people like her who wouldn’t be caught taking the regular pap”… the rest as they say is history or shall I say led to the birth of Ogicentric. I bet you can’t wait to meet Adejumoke Solomon, the founder of Ogicentric in this exclusive interview.
With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Ogicentric for an exclusive interview.
Please Introduce yourself and your background.
Hi! I’m Adejumoke Solomon, a beautiful mum of three, graduate of Lagos State University, a freelance real estate consultant and an entrepreneur.
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
I produce, package and sell our locally made pudding called pap/ogi/koko/akamu. I was not a pap lover until I had the one my aunt made many years ago which was a combination of grains. I enjoyed it and thought to myself ” what if I turn this into business for the sake of people like me who wouldn’t be caught taking the regular pap”..since then we have been able to create more variants to suit everyone.
How did you come about the name and what does it mean?
Well, it’s our desire to meet everyone halfway, a central point where both the young,old and even the aged on special diet can benefit from our range of products hence the name Ogicentric. “Ogi” is pap.
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
The desire to see people eat healthy meals that are natural and affordable, also, we do our best to disabuse minds of the nation that pap is for the poor and sickly.
Where do you get inspiration for your products?
I get my inspiration from the needs of people God opens my eyes to, especially adults and the aging on special diet.
Can you remember one of the first products you made?
Ogicentric Big4. The fact that it was warmly accepted.
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
Access to funds. We produce in batches and/as ordered due to poor power supply, because we are not 100% tech savvy, we appear inconsistent on our social media platforms as we are also unable to outsource social media personnel due to lack of funds.
Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?
None whatsoever
What is your most popular product?
Ogicentric Big4
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?
100% as all raw materials are locally sourced for
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
Short term goal is to distribute consistently to major stores in Nigeria so our products can reach as many homes as possible and i would like to speak someday at the White House as ogicentric compliments the moimoi that made this milestone.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That I’m shy
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?
Media, most likely
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
A lot of people make pap now, different variants and quite interesting ones but something singles you out and that is your target audience. Why are you venturing into this industry? Know your WHY, it keeps you going.
To connect with Ogicentric, you can follow and contact her via:
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