bellafricana Archives - Page 4 of 13

Bellafricana published in bellafricana, Bellafricana ACE Awards, Entrepreneurship, Press Release January 28, 2022

Bellafricana members gets 60 million naira export grant

Mr Olusegun Awolowo at the third edition of ACE Awards Africa by Bellafricana with Bukky Asehinde founder Bellafricana

Small and Medium sized Entrepreneurs across the country are putting in a lot of efforts to survive, scale the hurdles and compete favourably in different sectors.

To carve a niche for themselves they need support, encouragement and a business friendly environment.

The immediate past Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Olusegun Awolowo has been a pillar of support to many. He recently supported Bellafricana members with a 60 Million Naira Grant.

This opportunity is meant to support their businesses through the Export Development Fund (EDF) via the Expansion Facility Programme [EEFP] which issued a 60 million Naira grant to the 15 awardees of the 3rd ACE Awards as well as a few other Bellafricana members that have shown export potential.

The opportunity unveiled during the 3rd edition of the African Creative Exhibition and Awards, held on the 29th of October 2021, at the BWC Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos will help to transform this businesses to the next phase with ease.

There Mr. Awolowo made clear the commitment of the NEPC to support and grow non-oil exports in the country.

Crude oil forms the major commodity that is being exported in Nigeria currently. In 2020, Crude petroleum topped Nigeria’s commodity export for the year according to COMMODITY.COM. Nigeria presently ranks as the tenth most petroleum-rich nation and by far the most affluent in Africa which makes the reason for being such an exporter of crude oil not far-fetched. This has in some ways made other industries take the back seat because, in recent years, there has been more focus on the country’s exportation of crude oil.

The Export Expansion facility programme, founded as a part of Mr. Awolowo’s legacy to grow Nigeria’s export industry has therefore provided a catalyst that supports the country’s active export businesses and export-ready businesses.

Speaking on this development, the CEO of Bellafricana, Bukky Asehinde could not contain her excitement as she spoke about how Mr. Awolowo through the Nigerian Export Promotion Council has been supportive of the growth and expansion of not just Bellafricana but her members.

“Mr Awolowo has time and time again proven to be a huge supporter not just to me or the over 5000 creatives he has supported through Bellafricana but to many creative entrepreneurs all over Nigeria.

Since the over 5 years that Bellafricana was founded, Mr. Awolowo has been a strong pillar of support to this community, endorsing us fully and boosting our brand credibility”.

She added: “This 60 Million Naira grant by the Export Expansion facility programme will go a long way in pushing many businesses forward. I celebrate Mr. Awolowo for showing us who a true leader is and I know that his legacy will always be known for generations to come”.

Asehinde went on to express her gratitude to Mr. Awolowo for standing by Bellafricana over the years and thanking him for building a legacy through his leadership as the former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. “We are proud of his legacy and his support by helping and enabling MSMEs to get to the export level.”

Mr. Awolowo has always supported Bellafricana and her vision to give more visibility to African-owned creative businesses.

He has shown this through his continuous support at every edition of the ACE Awards held since 2017 to laud and encourage the work of highly skilled individuals who are making significant contributions to their respective industries and putting Africa on the world map with their creations.

He has through the Nigerian Export Promotion Council [NEPC] sponsored and supported over 5000 creatives and is now wrapping up with this grant so creative entrepreneurs can scale up their businesses while growing the country’s export industry.

He has also used his encouraging words to push not just entrepreneurs but everyone around him beyond their limits so they can achieve their goals and even surpass them.

It is no wonder Bukky Asehinde describes him as “The father of non-oil exporters.”

One of the awardees and a beneficiary of the grant also appreciated Mr. Awolowo for believing in Nigerian creative entrepreneurs and supporting them in scaling their businesses beyond the shores of the country.

“If we had more people like Mr. Awolowo in this country who have demonstrated true leadership, I have no doubts that we will see more Nigerian entrepreneurs succeeding and getting the visibility they deserve in the global space.”

The Export Expansion Facility Programme [EEFP], a flagship project of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council [NEPC] founded under the leadership of the now former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

The Export Expansion Facility Programme seeks to democratize the discovery of exporters and their access to relevant government incentives to grow. The initiative supports businesses in Nigeria, with at least one customer abroad, or working on acquiring customers abroad.
It also supports businesses in Nigeria that provide services that an export business might need and it offers these businesses a series of incentives to expand their reach and become an exporter.

Bellafricana is a tech-enabled community that provides a platform for Nigerian and African Creative entrepreneurs in the Fashion, Arts & Crafts, Home & Living, Beauty, and Food produce & Snacks Industry to gain visibility, increase sales, and have the right business support and structure that gives them the capacity to grow their business.

Bellafricana’s vision is to become the biggest e-commerce company that promotes African products to the world and is on the verge of accomplishing this as it recently launched a Marketplace [www.bellafricanashop.com].

Bellafricana published in bellafricana August 4, 2021

Bukky Asehinde, helping Entrepreneurs through her platform: Bellafricana

Bukky Asehinde, helping Entrepreneurs through her platform: Bellafricana.

Whether they choose to admit it or not, the goal of every business or product owner is to be noticed and patronised by people outside the shores of their country.

One problem business owners have faced for years is making their products noticed by other consumers apart from those within their vicinity.

Getting products noticed by global consumers is always difficult for Africa’s creative women entrepreneurs, but this challenge represented an opportunity for Bukky Asehinde, Founder of Bellafricana. Her platform is giving visibility to Nigeria’s creative business owners and their quality products.

Bellafricana, is a platform that empowers, supports and connects quality, talented and creative indigenous businesses to their local and global consumers.

Starting with Nigeria, their goal is to take it one African Country at a time.

Bukky created a platform to enable creative MSMEs to thrive, whilst doing all it takes to bring the quality products to the forefront of the market. She believes very much that a support group/community for these businesses will enhance the non-oil export in the African economy.

Bukky was inspired to start this up when she noticed a rise in the number of creative indigenous (made in Nigeria, Africa) brands that have great quality, yet are struggling to grow their business with little or no financing from both the government and bigger institutions.

She wondered for a long time, “Why should we wait on financial backing from the government and big institutions to help this industry, when we can create a platform to connect these Indigenous businesses who are maximising raw materials in Nigeria (Africa), providing employment for local talents within the country and creating wealth for the Nation?”. And so she conducted a research, which made her realize that one of the major challenges these businesses were facing majorly has to do with marketing and understanding the trade, which is the heart of any business.

This birthed Bellafricana, a community that showcases the products of local entrepreneurs to a wider audience, both locally and globally.

Bukky finds satisfaction as an entrepreneur because she is able to contribute to the growth of the economy, making an impact that will outlive her, and touching lives.

Bukky Asehinde, helping Entrepreneurs through her platform: Bellafricana.

Her counsel to women who are trying to start a business is simple:

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH WISE & POSITIVE PEOPLE:

This is so vital especially when you know your personality type. I am an extrovert and a positive person, so having negative people around me was a no no. This I know has certainly helped my journey. Another key one is surrounding yourself with wise people, as the bible says also “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed”.

GET MENTORS:

It’s important to have mentors who key into the vision of what you do and are thought leaders in their various sectors not necessarily celebrities. How? (you might ask) by keeping a relationship with them and striking a mutually beneficial balance of what they do, they will give you more than their time when you show you care.”

Bellafricana is that “support system” every creative business owner needs to be globally accessible.

Follow Bukky Asehinde on Instagram: Bukky Aka Creatives MotherHen (@bukkyasehinde) • Instagram photos and videos

Article culled from: Bukky Asehinde Is Helping Creative Businesses Thrive With Her Bellafricana Platform – Women of Rubies

Jemimah Iwok published in bellafricana, Entrepreneurship June 24, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bellafricana Membership Platform!

Hello there, how are you doing today? I’m doing fine, thank you. Did you know that we launched a Membership platform for Bellafricana members? Oh yes, we did!

Why? Because for a very long time, our focus has been to make our members products globally accessible. While that is still our aim, we got to realize that we were ignoring one key thing: The fact that creative business owners lacked the empowerment, and the right resources, to help their business grow fully.

And so, we rolled up our sleeves and worked tirelessly until May 11, when we launched the platform.

See Launch video below:

👇🏾👇🏾

Now, we also anticipated (and have been asked) some questions about the platform which we would like to address. Are you ready?

1. What exactly is this Membership Platform?

Well, It’s a website that gives our members access to a vast library of masterclasses, tools, Guides and Templates, Checklists, and other resources that will help business owners make better decisions.

2. Is this Membership platform open to everybody?

Unfortunately, this membership platform is one of the many perks of being a member of the Bellafricana family. So, what that means is that you have to become a Bellafricana Member to use the platform.

3. How can I sign up to the platform?

Visit www.bellafricana.com/members-signup, then click on the “Click to join the family now” button.

4. Does the membership platform access come at a cost?

Yes it does. However, we have very flexible subscription packages so that you can select the package that is pocket friendly. To check out the packages, click here:

5. Is the membership platform an App?

No, it’s a web-based platform, and once you’re on-boarded, you get your unique login details for you to gain access to the platform.

6. You talked about webinars . How can I get access to the past webinars I missed?

Well, the good news is that you can get to watch masterclass recordings, as they are regularly uploaded to the platform.

7. What’s the period for subscription?

Well, we have quarterly, bi-annual and annual subscriptions.

These are some of the questions we get. See below some testimonials from our members who have used the platform.

You got some more questions that you would like answered? Then leave a comment, or send a message to +234 909 367 0222. You can also sign up here.

Jemimah Iwok published in bellafricana, News June 9, 2020

Bellafricana’s stand on the current world happenings

Bellafricana's stand on current happenings

So much is going on in the world and indeed it can be a somewhat emotional turmoil.

Since the beginning of the year, we have had many unfortunate incidences happen and more than ever before, African-owned businesses are at the brink of dying.

Each day, we as a community-based platform, access ways we can prevent this from happening and deploy methods that can reverse this radical trend.

We stand against racial injustice, rape and every other ills that plague our system.

The Bellafricana community is filled with relentless and audacious African women and men, we join our strength with yours.

Our core mission is to inspire you everyday and look for ways to support every member of our community.

Just as it’s paramount that Bellafricana remains true and focused to its objective towards our members & the community at large.

We are happy to let you know that we have started to explore ‘actionable’ ways to lend our support and voice to those standing against the horrible and evil acts plaguing our society.

We advise you do so too, with us, as we are ALL in this together

Signed,
The Bellafricana Management

Bellafricana published in bellafricana, Events May 8, 2020

Bellafricana Launches New Platform To Help Creative Business Owners Bounce Back Faster From The Crisis

Trailing the blows from the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) on creative businesses in Nigeria, Bellafricana has created a platform that would serve as a resource tool and a growth-driver for creative business owners. It is no news that creative business owners are the lifeline of economic development, as non-oil exports must get as much support as possible.

Bellafricana is the community-based organisation that has been empowering, motivating,connecting and supporting creative African business owners for over four years. The company has created a membership portal (the first of its kind in West Africa) to give creative businesses access to tools, guides, directories, masterclasses, among others.

The platform is bid to help creative business owners reduce costs via sealed partnerships and increase revenue via access to diverse market channels such as exhibitions, retailers, and lots more.

The Bellafricana membership platform is set to be launched on the 11th of May, 2020 and would be preceded by a series of talks from industry experts, Bellafricana beneficiaries and a ‘Virtual Launch Party’.

The platform is targeted to onboard over 1000 creative business owners in 6 months and become a pan-African household name in less than 3 years.

Creatives can sign up by visiting the Bellafricana website and navigating to the membership tab to have hands-on experience by themselves. Bellafricana has so far impacted over 250 creative business owners positively even in time of challenges. The organization is well-known for organising the prestigious annual “ACE Awards”.

On the launch of the new platform, Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana says: “We are looking at building a platform where business owners can see themselves as collaborators, rather than competitors. We are working assiduously to be the beacon of hope to creativity and helping business owners in Nigeria, and Africa at large.”

Jemimah Iwok published in bellafricana, Entrepreneurship April 2, 2020

Bellafricana challenges creative Business owners during the COVID-19 season

The world is slowing to a stop. There’s so much panic in the air. Business owners are scared, worried, frustrated. They are beginning to feel the effect of this global pandemic on their businesses. Organizations are shutting down or have had to resort to working remotely.

Some countries have even implemented periodic long lockdowns. Now more than ever, creative business owners will have to fight for online visibility. They will have to get more personal with their audiences should they want to make sales. They have to get more creative with marketing lest the competition swallow them up. Businesses will have to sell more tactically or risk being labelled insensitive.

Sometimes last week, the Bellafricana team had one of the usual strategy sessions to brainstorm ways which we can help our creative members thrive this period. As you know, Bellafricana is very passionate about helping, supporting, and empowering creative business owners in whatever way we can. So we kept thinking: “How can we eliminate these problems business owners will face?, or atleast reduce it and keep their minds positive”

Then the Light bulb moment struck and the Idea was born. Now, don’t get too impatient. Everything will start to make sense now.

We came up with a challenge to all creative business owners out there. Will they give in to the fear this season brings? Or will they fight the negativity?

Known as the Bellafricana Creative’s Challenge, it is a 30-day challenge containing daily tasks that participants (business owners especially) are expected to take part in.

Where is this challenge taking place?

It is held primarily on Instagram. However, business owners are allowed to do the challenge on other platforms as well.

What will this Bellafricana Creatives Challenge do for you?

It will help you:

connect with your customers on a personal level.
have massive sales on standby the moment the restrictions are lifted.
get to rediscover more about your business and gather more creative connections.
Stay relevant and at the top of your customers’ minds, seeing that majority will be online this period.
Have lots of fun while maintaining a positive mindset.

Check out some samples of the daily challenges below:

Isn’t it so amazing the great works Bellafricana is doing for the creative community? If I can say so myself.

If we can each be a positive voice in our community then we stand a better chance of spreading more encouragement.

Connect with Bellafricana here: @bell_africana, a community platform enabling creative indigenous businesses thrive. To become a member, click here

If you are a creative entrepreneur, you can also take part in the Bellafricana Creatives Challenge? Click on this link to get your your own calendar:

What do you think about this challenge, would be lovely to hear from you? Let me know in the comments.

Bellafricana published in africa, Arts & Crafts, bellafricana, Fashion, Textiles January 21, 2020

Meet The Founder Of Sisi Aladire Enterprises (SAE)

If you’re African, (Nigerian especially) then the word “Adire” is a familiar name to you. In this interview, we had a conversation with a Bellafricana Verified Member, Sisi Aladire, whose Brand has long become a Household name in the world of Adire.

Meet Ms Olubunmi Davies of Sisi Aladire Enterprises (SAE).

Read on to learn about how the amazing Sisi Aladire Enterprises was born, goals for the nearest future, and many more.

Please introduce yourself

I am S. M. Olubunmi Davies (Ms), a retired Architect and the founder/Chief Executive Officer of Sisi Aladire Enterprises(SAE). As a daughter of a diplomat, I went to school in 5 countries.

I actually wanted to be a broadcaster, but a friend of my father, told me to study Architecture. I am a member of Neca’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), an organization that has taught me a lot about being an entrepreneur.

I live and work in Lagos.

Tell us about your work. How did Sisi Aladire Enterprises start?

I started Sisi Aladire Enterprises about 30 years ago.

I really do not remember why I started but I remember talking to late Mrs Okuboyejo (Betti-O) about buying and selling Adire fabrics. I spent a weekend in her house, creating different patterns on plain fabrics. I would go to Abeokuta to buy some Adire to sell to family and friends.

When Betti-O found out the quantity of Adire I was going to buy in Abeokuta, she told me to buy at Tejuosho market because the difference in price was little. The first product made by SAE, is the Yemisi bag, a tote bag which was an improved version of an Ankara bag, given to me by Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti.

I got tailors to make outfits for me with Adire which people liked. Orders were made and SAE started making ready to wear garments.

*Picture of the Yemisi Bag, as held by Prof. Judith Byfields*

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

I liked Aladire, but there was already a business with that name, so I added “Sisi” to the “Aladire”.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

To be truthful, I did not know that there was a niche in the market. I liked the idea of selling Adire and got started.

In the 1980s, I do not believe most people did market research before starting a business.

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

Initially, I made outfits or garments that I liked, but after some time, people asked for what they wanted.

At times, I adapt styles that I see on people or in magazines.

Can you remember one of the first products you made?

Like I said Earlier, the first product was the tote bag named after Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti. Although it has been modified over the years, it is still a popular product of SAE.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

I did not do any research before I started my business, because I did not know I was suppose to do so, therefore, issues like funding and structure were not considered at the beginning.

Now, I am working with some consultants on creating a structure for the business.

Tailors, especially good ones are not easy to get. Work ethics is also an issue with tailors.

Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?

No, I do not have any regret venturing into this business. Although I wish I knew some of the things I know now when I started.

What is your most popular product?

It is difficult to say. At times, I get orders for kaftans, wrap round skirts, tops or bags. However, I believe I have sold more tote bags than any other product.

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?

Adire is a product of a traditional industry, but we are adapting it to suit contemporary life style.

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

My short term goal for SAE, is to make it very successful, financially, while making Adire fabric, the preferred fabric of choice.

The long term goal, is to have a massive factory with about 10 thousand workers, producing garments, bags, accessories and many other products with Adire fabrics.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Most people are usually surprised when I tell them that I am an Architect.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this Industry?

I think I will like to be a painter.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Anyone who wants to start a business, any business, must be steadfast, have a positive mindset and be ready for setbacks.

Connect with Ms Buunmi Davies on Instagram @sisialadire. Otherwise, you can reach her on +2348023343453

Follow us on Instagram @bell_africana for more amazing creative indigenous brands, and to fine out more about the beauty of Africa.

Bellafricana published in Arts & Crafts, bellafricana, Furnitures, Gift Items, Home & Living, July 23, 2019

A Made in Nigeria Chair that gives Inspiration – Ile Ila

Have you ever heard this popular saying by Shirley Chisholm that says “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair”?

Well I say, scratch the folding chair, bring an Ile ila chair, a proudly made in Nigeria chair that gives inspiration.

A wise man once said, ideas rule the world (Sam Adeyemi), and I couldn’t agree more.

Without ideas, you cannot create solutions to problems, you cannot even call yourself a creative, talk less an entrepreneur or intrapreneur.

Well, if ideas truly rule the world, where do you get inspiration from?

Most times I personally like to take a break from my space, go for exhibition, stay cations, vacations….you might even agree that an idea can fall on you anywhere!

Even when in the shower, yes? but you have never heard of you getting ideas from a chair.. right?

So I am here to introduce to you a proudly made in Nigeria chair by ILE ILA.

Wooosh, trust me, you will soon want to own yours!

First click let’s start by meeting the amazingly talented bellafricana verified founder, Tosin Oshinowo…

Here are some of the Ile Ila chairs;

To contact Tosin of Ile Ila (mention you found her via Bellafricana),

Email: [email protected],

Call: 08023190946

Visit: www.ile-ila.com

Bellafricana published in bellafricana, Gift Items July 21, 2019

10 Types of Handbags A Boss Woman Should Have

Here are 10 different types of handbags made in Nigeria a boss woman should have or be gifted. Please just take a minute to appreciate this beautiful face and lovely smile in the featured image 🙂
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So I came up with these 10 bags (actually is like 13, lol). These amazing brands are #Bellafricanaverified 😍. Trust me you need to add atleast one to your collection.
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Which ones do you have and which ones did I miss out 😁?
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What do you think of these handbags made in Nigeria? (Tap on image to go to brands page)

(Tell me in the comment section below 👇🏾)

Bellafricana published in Articles, bellafricana, Exclusive Interviews, Health & Beauty, Meet The Founders June 25, 2019

Meet The Founder Of Ovelly Naturals – Exclusive Interview

In this exclusive interview, I had the privilege to learn about the brain behind Ovelly Naturals, and how she started an amazing natural skin care brand here in Nigeria, that caters for the African Skin and protects it from dangerous chemicals. Olubukola birthed her business while on a quest for safe and non-toxic skin care products.

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Bukky Asehinde, helping Entrepreneurs through her platform: Bellafricana.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH WISE & POSITIVE PEOPLE:

GET MENTORS:

Bellafricana is that “support system” every creative business owner needs to be globally accessible.

1. What exactly is this Membership Platform?

2. Is this Membership platform open to everybody?

3. How can I sign up to the platform?

4. Does the membership platform access come at a cost?

5. Is the membership platform an App?

6. You talked about webinars . How can I get access to the past webinars I missed?

7. What’s the period for subscription?

Where is this challenge taking place?

What will this Bellafricana Creatives Challenge do for you?

Please introduce yourself

Tell us about your work. How did Sisi Aladire Enterprises start?

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

Can you remember one of the first products you made?

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?

What is your most popular product?

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this 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?

Here are some of the Ile Ila chairs;

What do you think of these handbags made in Nigeria? (Tap on image to go to brands page)

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