Igniting the Entrepreneurial Flame
Trailblazing Women Share Their Spark In the vast expanse of the business world, where challenges reveal themselves like intricate puzzles and victories illuminate the horizon like radiant stars, two extraordinary women continue to stand as unwavering beacons of inspiration and catalysts of transformation. Allow us to reintroduce you to Chinazom Arinze and Hafsat Sahabi Dange, the relentless forces of entrepreneurship who have defied the odds, harnessed challenges, and surged forward with an unyielding determination that knows no bounds. Their journeys embody the profound truth that the pursuit of one’s fervent beliefs can propel us even when faced with adversity. As they generously share their tales of triumph and wisdom, brace yourself to be galvanized by their unbreakable spirits. Their experiences echo the resounding reminder that the road to accomplishment is paved with unshakable resilience, fervent passion, and the audacity to chase your aspirations, no matter the odds. The Spark That Enkindles the Flame Chinazom’s journey ignited with a fervent blaze of determination. Amidst her university years, witnessing her family’s financial hurdles, she resolved to script a new narrative. This marked the inception of Autogirl, a digital haven for vehicle rentals that transcends mere transportation, metamorphosing into a paradigm-shifting concept. Hafsat’s story, on the other hand, commenced in 2008, sparked by her recognition of a void within the beauty industry. However, her response wasn’t merely to fill the gap; it was to forge a profound transformation by establishing culturally apt havens for personal care, imbued with innovation. Gleaming Nuggets of Wisdom Chinazom and Hafsat, in their unique styles, serve up their recipes for achievement akin to culinary masterpieces. Chinazom’s counsel? Maintain a laser focus on addressing genuine issues and warmly embrace the feedback of your clientele. Hafsat imparts her wisdom with a touch of flair: Embark on a modest journey, dip your toes, gather insights, and shake loose those preconceived notions. Moments of Triumph That Ablaze With Joy Chinazom’s triumphant smile finds its root in securing the prestigious Axa Mansard grant. Conversely, Hafsat’s radiance is an ode to the simple yet monumental distinction of bearing the CEO title. Both serve as living proof that kindled dreams inevitably evolve into tangible realities. Intensifying the Heat with HGCP Then enters the High Growth Coaching Program (HGCP), akin to a firework’s burst of brilliance. For Chinazom, this experience has been akin to metamorphosis, while Hafsat’s laughter reverberates, accentuating the impact of a supportive project team, shaping her into a consummate entrepreneur. Envisioning the Flames’ Tomorrow As the HGCP journey surges toward its culmination, Chinazom envisions an app resonating with 10,000 users, while Hafsat paints a picture of a network ignited by shared zeal and an unwavering determination to surmount the highest peaks. So, here they stand – two indomitable entrepreneurs who aren’t just lighting their own paths but igniting sparks in each of us. Allow their stories to fan the flames of your aspirations. The wilderness beckons – are you prepared to traverse its depths, dancing through the rainforest and etching your legacy? ___ Interested in reaching out to the ladies? Hafsat Sahabi, Founder of Metro E-Corporate Services LTD Hafsat is a seasoned corporate lawyer and business innovation expert with over a decade’s experience at the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission. Her passion for community development led her to entrepreneurship, focusing on corporate compliance for SMEs, CSR consulting, and gender programming. She’s a social entrepreneur, winner of the YOUWIN Award, and founder of ANWE, empowering women in Northern Nigeria. Hafsat holds degrees from the University of Abuja and Nigerian Law School, with a Dartmouth College certificate. She’s a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, HP trainer, African Changemakers Fellow, and active in professional associations. Chichi Arinze, Founder of AutoGirl Founder and CEO: Arinze Chinazom Fortune – holds a degree in Law and is a Tony Elumelu Mentee for 2022 Instagram: autogirlng/ autogirl.ng Twitter- Autogirlng LinkedIn – Autogirl
From Passion to Purpose
Inspiring Journeys in Entrepreneurship Step into the vibrant world of African entrepreneurship, where audacity and determination turn dreams into realities. Meet Onyinyechi Breakthrough Chikere and Dumebi Doreen Madezia, embodying the spirit of African women who power about 58% of small businesses across the continent. These outstanding figures light the way, showcasing how women are driving change and seizing opportunities. Their journeys echo with the echoes of wisdom, passion, and empowerment, each resonating to ignite the fire within every aspiring entrepreneur eager to follow in their footsteps. Chikere’s Journey: Revolutionizing Fashion Sustainability Venturing into entrepreneurship wasn’t a mere choice for Onyinyechi Chikere – it was ignited by her love for fashion and the pressing need for sustainability. Amidst her studies in Natural Environmental Management, she witnessed the staggering waste produced by the fashion industry. This revelation fueled her to launch CLOZETSALES, a circular fashion marketplace, where clothes are resold, reused, and repurposed. Her audacious spirit, unwavering commitment, and passion for the environment propelled her to offer a holistic solution to the fashion waste problem. Madezia’s Path: Transforming Kids’ Apparel Dumebi Madezia’s journey into entrepreneurship was sparked by a deep-rooted family legacy of business ownership. With a desire to create and share, she initially aspired to become a fashion designer. However, after struggling to find quality and affordable baby wear for her niece, her purpose pivoted. She founded SUENOS KIDS, an online store offering unique quality children’s apparel sourced from around the world. Her business cheat code? Putting God first, embracing consistency, and maintaining a deep understanding of her business numbers. What Every Entrepreneurs Needs Both women emphasize the essential skills needed to conquer the entrepreneurial game. Chikere stresses the importance of audacity, execution, and continuous learning. For Madezia, putting God first, embracing consistency, and understanding business numbers are her triumphant trio. Golden Nuggets that Propel Success Chikere’s game-changing advice centers on the validation of ideas through the market’s needs, ensuring that every problem doesn’t require immediate solving. Madezia’s wisdom lies in walking back from long-term goals to create a clear roadmap, keeping entrepreneurs on track amidst distractions. Weathering the Storms During tough times, Chikere takes intentional breaks to rejuvenate and disconnect. Madezia believes in the power of self-care, acknowledging the necessity of mental well-being for sustainable success. Proud Moments and HGCP Impact Chikere bursts with pride recalling the successful launch of her declutter kit, while Madezia’s triumph emanates from taking her business live. Both women have been finalists in the High Growth Coaching Program (HGCP), a transformative experience that’s expanded their horizons and deepened their understanding of business dynamics. Chikere commends the program for its empathetic support, impactful mentors, and rich learning experience. Madezia cherishes the root-level insights provided by expert sessions, propelling her business forward. Shaping the Future with Wisdom and Enthusiasm Looking ahead, Chikere envisions a longer relationship with her coach, providing continuous accountability as her business scales. Madezia anticipates gaining insights into building a strong global brand and absorbing the high-caliber knowledge imparted by the HGCP. As Chikere and Madezia’s journeys continue to inspire, let their stories ignite the spark of possibility within you. Your dreams, combined with knowledge and unwavering determination, can pave the way to an extraordinary entrepreneurial voyage. Embark now and let the rhythm of their stories propel you forward. ___ Interested in reaching out to the ladies? Dumebi Madezia, founder of Suenos Kids Dumebi Madezia, founder of Suenos Kids, specializes in children’s apparel for ages 1-10. With a background in accounting and finance, she left her role as Head of Creative Industry Desk at Ecobank Nigeria to focus on growing Suenos Kids. Her tenacity drives her towards expanding the brand’s range, starting an in-house line, and opening physical stores across Africa. Instagram: _suenoskids Chikere Breakthrough Onyinyechi, Co-founder Clozetsales Chikere Breakthrough Onyinyechi, Co-founder and operations manager of Clozetsales, is a passionate social entrepreneur committed to empowering women and advocating for climate action. With a degree in Forestry and Environmental Management, she’s transforming fashion resale, minimizing waste, and uplifting African communities. She’s recognized as a top Future Female Entrepreneur in Africa and won the 2022 YouTube Shorts Challenge. YouTube: @Clozetsalesng
Resilience With A Touch of Innovation
Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities The entrepreneurial journey for African women is a dynamic tapestry interwoven with challenges and opportunities. This path requires resilience, creativity, and a visionary spirit to transcend barriers. In this article, we spotlight two remarkable individuals – Dorcas Agada and Zainab Ishaq – who are crafting their destinies in the world of business and serving as beacons of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the continent. Dorcas Agada: A Journey Rooted in Passion Dorcas Agada’s entrepreneurship journey was kindled by a combination of admiration for her mother’s endeavors and her personal love for bags. Witnessing her single mother’s dedication to various businesses planted the seed of entrepreneurship in her heart. Her passion for bags evolved into the birth of Avankra, a brand that specializes in crafting bespoke leather accessories. Dorcas’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, education, and a burning passion for one’s craft. Avankra doesn’t just produce bags; it represents a mission to redefine the perception of Nigerian-made products, combining affordability and durability. Zainab Ishaq: Pioneering Change in Livestock Zainab Ishaq’s entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in addressing real-world challenges. Inspired by her father’s cattle farming, she recognized the need for sustainable solutions in the livestock industry. Her venture, Amnah Agro Allied Farms, is dedicated to modernizing beef cattle production and meat processing. By integrating technology, sustainable practices, and innovative strategies, Zainab aims to contribute to food security and mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders. Her journey exemplifies problem-solving and the drive to make a lasting impact. The Entrepreneurial Skill Set: Keys to Success Both Dorcas and Zainab possess essential skills that have propelled their entrepreneurial journeys. Dorcas highlights creativity, effective communication, and financial acumen as crucial components. Her ability to convey her brand’s message, build relationships, and ensure financial stability has been instrumental in her success. Zainab emphasizes the significance of effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills have empowered her to find innovative solutions and navigate challenges with grace. Transformative Wisdom for Entrepreneurs Dorcas’s game-changing advice revolves around adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of remaining open to change and seizing opportunities even in the face of adversity, a principle that has guided her entrepreneurial journey. Zainab’s wisdom lies in focusing on solving real problems. By addressing pressing challenges, entrepreneurs can create solutions that resonate with their target audience, thereby fostering genuine impact and growth. Weathering the Storm: Strategies for Success In the face of adversity, both Dorcas and Zainab have strategies to maintain their composure and drive. Dorcas employs organization, mentorship, and a positive mindset to navigate challenges. Zainab relies on her problem-solving skills, robust support network, and effective time management to navigate the entrepreneurial roller coaster. Celebrating Triumphs and Looking Ahead Dorcas’s proudest moments include seeing her bags featured in a prestigious fashion show and gaining endorsement from her business role model. These milestones underscore the value of dedication and perseverance. Zainab takes pride in conquering milestones that were once deemed insurmountable. Each achievement reinforces her position as a trailblazer in the industry. A Glimpse into the Future: The HGCP Experience Both entrepreneurs share their enthusiasm for the High Growth Coaching Program (HGCP) by She Leads Africa. Dorcas anticipates acquiring insights into production processes and effective marketing strategies. Zainab looks forward to leveraging the expertise of trainers and coaches to continue her journey towards business success. In a continent teeming with potential, Dorcas Agada and Zainab Ishaq stand as living proof that African women entrepreneurs can redefine norms and carve their own paths to success. Their stories inspire us to dream big, embrace challenges, and transform our visions into reality. As we celebrate their journeys, we also celebrate the resilience and innovation that characterize the entrepreneurial landscape of Africa. ___ Interested in reaching out to the ladies? Dorcas Agada, Co-founder Avankra I am Dorcas Agada, a 27-year-old hailing from Benue state. I hold a degree in Business Administration from Yaba College of Technology. Presently, I proudly serve as the co-founder of Avankra. Facebook: @avankra Zainab Ishaq, Founder Amnah Agro-Allied Farms I am Zainab Ishaq, hailing from Niger State, Nigeria. Holding both a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in Mathematics from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, I am also honored to serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Amnah Agro-Allied Farms. Through this company, we strive to offer sustainable solutions for cattle beef production and meat processing, with a dedicated focus on ensuring accessible and hygienic consumption of healthy beef cattle. LinkedIn: Zainab Ishaq
Breaking Barriers, Chasing Dreams
Meet the Unstoppable Dreamweavers Navigating the intricate landscape of entrepreneurship as an African woman demands a spirit of resilience and grace. The journey winds through challenges, twists, and turns that might leave even the most steadfast souls a bit breathless. Yet, within this dynamic tapestry, a remarkable narrative unfolds – one where women aren’t merely confronting obstacles; they’re embracing them with an audacious flair that makes it seem like a leisurely stroll. Indeed, these women are redefining norms, shattering glass ceilings, and shaping destinies as effortlessly as a brushstroke on canvas. Allow us to introduce Zigwai Fanda and Olayemi Adewale-Ojo – two luminous forces reshaping the entrepreneurial narrative in ways that inspire awe. These women don’t just run businesses; they orchestrate symphonies of innovation and perseverance. As they traverse the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship, they redefine the essence of success. Zigwai’s Flourishing Dreams Zigwai’s adventure weaves an enchanting introduction. Driven by a strong desire to mold her dreams, she set out on an unconventional path. Along comes LadyBamboo Limited – a living example of her dedication to sustainability and change. With skill, she transforms bamboo, rattan, and cane into incredible furniture, tools, and more. But her mission is bigger than business; it’s a dance to combat climate change, uplift women, and turn dreams into real-life treasures. “The power of good relationships with your customers, employees, mentors, coaches, etc., can never be overemphasized.”- Zigwai Fanda Olayemi’s Artistry in Sustainability Olayemi steps into entrepreneurship, bringing fashion, sustainability and creativity together. Her creation, Bara, stands as a testament to her ambition. With reversible children’s clothing and versatile designs, she tells a story of mindful choices. She believes fashion and sustainability should partner in a graceful dance, exuding elegance and ethical values. This is the essence of Golden Wisdom and Grace. “Life is an intransferable responsibility.” – Olayemi Adewale-Ojo Skills that Sparkle Zigwai wields strategic prowess, a formidable team, and unbreakable customer connections as her arsenal. Olayemi’s arsenal embraces marketing finesse, strategic insight, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. These tools illuminate her journey, making her brand shine as a beacon of prominence. Navigating Tempests with Poise In the face of adversity, Zigwai’s approach involves reflective contemplation, seeking counsel from trusted confidants, and methodical problem-solving. Each challenge becomes a steppingstone towards growth. For Olayemi, prayer, knowledge-seeking, and mentorship serve as the compass guiding her through stormy waters. In times of turbulence, she emerges not only unscathed but fortified. Glimpse into HGCP Impact Both Zigwai and Olayemi embarked on a transformative journey with the High Growth Coaching Program (HGCP), masterfully curated by She Leads Africa. Zigwai’s experience epitomizes metamorphosis; she honed skills, broadened horizons, and fostered enduring coaching relationships. The program’s influence is poised to transcend its duration, propelling her towards greater pinnacles. With unwavering enthusiasm, both entrepreneurs stand on the precipice of learning. Zigwai anticipates insights from future facilitators, while Olayemi envisions a horizon adorned with newfound knowledge spanning marketing, sales, and business operations. Zigwai and Olayemi’s narratives stand as luminous sources of inspiration, illuminating the fact that embarking on the entrepreneurial journey as African women transcends mere survival; it’s a masterful demonstration of flourishing in the face of adversity. With eloquent assurance, they provide tangible proof of the extraordinary potential inherent in every woman to shape her own legacy. Through their narratives, they create a compelling tableau that invites others to partake, wielding determination, resilience, and grace as instruments to redefine success on their unique and empowered terms ___ Interested in reaching out to the ladies? Zigwai Fanda, Founder of LadyBamboo Limited. Zigwai A. Fanda, a social and environmental entrepreneur, harnesses her fervour to create economically beneficial products from sustainable bamboo and cane, enriching households and businesses. Holding a Degree/Master’s in chemical engineering from the University of Aberdeen, UK, and having worked in the Oil and Gas Industry as a Process/Safety Engineer, she is the driving force behind LadyBamboo Limited. This social enterprise transforms bamboo, rattan, and cane into a range of sustainable offerings, including furniture, accessories, utensils, and more. Facebook: @ladybambooo Olayemi Adewale-Ojo, Founder of Bara Textile Designs Olayemi Adewale-Ojo, a wife and mother with a degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Obafemi Awolowo University, envisions a life beyond these roles. Her passion lies in helping young people discover their purpose early and building a legacy-defining company. This drive led to the birth of BARA, an Afrocentric Children’s Clothing brand, driven by Olayemi’s boundless creativity. BARA’s mission canters on sustainable consumption, encouraging the idea of doing more with less, and contributing to a more environmentally conscious fashion landscape. Instagram: @bara.texdesigns
HGCP 2022 Participants: Oluwatomiisin is fighting new-born malnutrition
It’s interesting how what we think we will be when we grow up changes when we are adults. Growing up Oluwatomiisin Olatunji wanted to care for animals as she couldn’t stand the sight of seeing people suffer in excruciating pain. Today she is the founder of Mamalac Foods Nigeria Ltd and one of the High Growth Coaching Program’s finalists. “My biggest achievement is being able to build a community strong enough that people want to work with us to elevate the brand. I am talking about a community of sisterhood where the members of the community not only look out for each other but see themselves as the brand itself.” – Oluwatomiisin Olatunji What keeps Oluwatomiisin’s motivated is seeing mom’s share their joy at being able to breastfeed exclusively amidst the challenges due to the support received from the Mamalac community. Her greatest desire is to help more mom’s commit to giving their children a healthy start to life especially in relation to nutrition because it’s a very vital need for development of both the child and the country/ world at large Here is what she had to say about her entrepreneurial journey. I hope you get some good advice on how to ensure you build a successful business yourself. What has your experience been like as one of the finalists to the program? It’s been an amazing experience and I have learnt some life skills. I recently raised an issue with my coach and I almost voluntarily left the program but she waded in and helped me view things from another angle. The situation was really a perfect experience for me to learn to always communicate especially with the key players By the end of the 12 weeks, what would you like to have learned from the trainers and coaches? I Learned how to put structures in place so I can run my business with or without my presence. And also Learnt how to grow the business immensely How did you get to this point? I am the first of 3 children. I was born to Mr and Mrs Olakanmi in Ibadan and had most of my schooling in Ibadan. I trained as a veterinarian but was exposed very early to the non-profit/ development sector and it helped me see things differently so I grew up wanting to find a solution to problems around me. What led to you starting your own business? Share your journey. In 2020, when I birthed my child, I had a difficult pregnancy and birth experience which eventually resulted in low breast milk supply. During one of my antenatal visits early in the pregnancy, one of the matrons marketed a lactation supplement to us which I bought. When I had difficulty with my breast milk supply, I used the lactation supplement and realized it wasn’t working like I expected. This double frustration of not being able to feed my child and not getting a solution propelled me to dust my notes as a veterinarian and start doing research on how to increase my breast milk supply. My experiments paid off as it worked amazingly on me as the guinea pig. I had people who paid for samples to test it and I got amazing reviews. This laid the foundation of the business as a standardized the recipes and with time moved forward to have not just one product but at least 7 products at the moment. Introduce your company the way you would to a potential customer? Mamalac Foods Nigeria Ltd helps to fight malnutrition from birth using sugar, and preservative free plant-based supplements such as seeds, spices and herbs to produce lactation supplements and other dietary supplements that helps to ensure the health and vitality of every member of the family. What you would to be remembered for? What impact would you want to make in this world? That I helped reduce malnutrition in children and helped more moms fulfil their primal need to exclusively breastfeed their children. What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur? Being able to take decisions and being able to call the shots with my timing skills What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our community? Building your business online and staying true to your values as a business owner and for the business. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Resilience Perseverance Integrity How do you handle or manage the stresses of being an entrepreneur? Sleeping is a great therapy for me so once it seems the world is conspiring against me, I try to take a break and sleep. What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in? Building an online presence. It’s more important now than before. Building structures in place so that even in your absence, work goes on like you’re there. Invest in sales and marketing because they are the life of the business.
HGCP 2022 Participants: Adedamola helps Africans feel good and confident in their bodies
Furthering your studies and running a successful business is not for the faint hearted. Our High Growth Coaching Program finalist, Adedamola Oni, is making it look like a walk in the park. Adedamola was raised by an entrepreneurial grandmother who fuelled her love of fashion and drive for life-long learning. Thanks to the women that came before her and taught her what she knows, she is who she is today; the creative director of Mama Eto Alasooke (also called MEALasooke). “I believe in the ability of the African people to create prosperity for themselves that’s why I am creating one of the fastest-growing fashion manufacturing businesses to achieve this end.” – Adedamola Oni She prides herself in having an upscale fashion brand that promotes African ingenuity and fashion. Adedamola is a leader that’s passionate about bringing significant contributions to humanity, helping Africans feel good and confident in their bodies. We had a chill and chatted with her to pokeHGCP 2022 Participants: Adedamola helps Africans feel good and confident in their bodies her brains. Through telling her story, she shares tips and insights to help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the rocky terrain of business. Tell us a bit about your family and the relationship you have with them? I am the first child out of 3 children of my parents whom I lived with until the age of 2, before going to stay with my grandmother in Somolu Lagos. My relationship with my family has been a very educational one, my grandmother has always prioritized personal and self-directed learning which has become a habit of mine till this day. I am currently completing my Masters program with the determination to become better, all this because of lessons from my family. My parents are still alive, and together, their union has helped me build self-confidence about the future and what it holds. Have you always been entrepreneurial from a young age? I had always wanted to be a lawyer or an educator like my grandmother, until she introduced me to fabric manufacturing, since then I have always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur creating a business that produces lots and loads of fabrics What would you like to be remembered for? What impact would you want to make in this world? I will be remembered as one of the most inspiring women entrepreneurs of my time, as someone who has as significantly contributed to the human race and has helped elevate the status of African fabrics as exotic on the world change. I will be remembered for bringing prosperity to local artisans in African space What is your ‘why’ i.e. bottom line, and how do you stay motivated? My biggest reason is Africa. I want to see it become a global giant, to see its people live in prosperity, and I believe a business that employs in the fashion space can help. I am motivated knowing that I can harness technology to create change for the world and ensure the sustainability of African culture What led to you starting your own business? I fell in love with the making of Asooke, when my grandmother introduced me to the space. In 1999, she had an idea to start making her own asooke with young people as her primary focus. I was introduced to her community of co-artisans, we went shopping, did accounting together and loved the smell of newly woven fabric. However, her business failed because she was unable to access a consistent market for her products, hence unable to mass produce. I observed that this was the case for other artisans within the space, whom in addition were growing old. When she passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, I caught a vision of what world I could create with the skills she had thought me and with a knowledge of modern business and marketing. I decided to revive and start an African fabric company that makes use of technology and digital tools to promote local fabrics Today, we have served more than 150 customers in more than four (4) continents of the world. What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur? I love making the money…but then I love the “Thank you’s” and feedback I receive from customers and also our artisans. We have worked with more than 80 artisans in the last 2 years. I also love the marketing process of my business, and the co-creation with customers. I also love to create strategy and content for business Introduce your company the way you would to a potential customer? A potential customer in this case will be an About-to-be-wedded couple. Hello I am Adedamola from MEALAsooke, and I will make you feel so confident and special for your big day. I am sure you would want to know why. We understand that your wedding day is the celebration of your love journey together and the beginning of a happy ever after, and on this day you would want to have all your loved ones come celebrate you in style. We will make you look so sweet and special by co-creating and recommending the best designs that will paint a story of your journey together. 10 years from now, you’d look at your wedding photos and beam with pride! What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? The skill of Leadership to lead the organisation to its goal The skill of Never-ending Personal Development The skill of Discipline to do what must be done to succeed What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our community? The best advice is the one I received from my mentor during the HGCP program, to never give up and consistently refine my products for the final customer How do you handle or manage stresses of being an entrepreneur? I always try to invest in relationship and when I am stressed I find it relieving when I talk to my
HGCP 2022 Participants: Esther is dedicated to nurturing young minds
“I will like to be remembered for the impact I made in the lives of children from underserved communities and how through the skills set they acquire from the Community Innovation Hub, they were able to rewrite their poverty story/history of their families” For Esther growing up in Akoko, Ondo State was no excuse to dream small instead it challenged her to push beyond her limitations and at the same time create opportunities for underprivileged children to excel. Read our inspiring interview with Esther Ajayi, co-founder of Community Innovation Hub, a Hub that equips children with 21st Century Skills. Who is Esther, where do you come from how did you get to this point? I was born in Akoko in the Northwest area of Ondo state, Nigeria. I grew up in Ondo State. I had no mentor(s) who believed in me or could point me in the right direction. When I moved to Lagos, I found out I was ignorant about so many things and had so much to learn. There was a lot of work to do personally and so I had to buckle down to build my capacity to catch up with some years I felt were wasted. This is the inspiration behind what I do. I set myself on a course to give children from underserved communities the privilege I never had by equipping them through the Community Innovation Hub. What advice or tips would you give your younger self? Thank you for this question, I am a mum of two now and sometimes I reflect on what advice I will give my children as they get older, so to my 15-year-old self, I will say this: “Hey little Esther, You can learn anything you set your mind to learn. Have a possibility and growth mindset. Find a mentor and find opportunities to volunteer because in volunteering you find who you truly are and those who you are called to help.” How do you stay motivated and inspired? I do not want other children to go through what I went through while growing up, that is my why, and I stay motivated by reading the success stories of those that have passed through my incubation So, tell us more about the Community Innovation Hub? The Community Innovation Hub solves the problem of educational gaps. With CIH, my team and I equip young people with 21st-century skills. Our unique selling point, aside from teaching the skills is that we provide children with mentorship and guidance on how to write scholarship applications and they also get registered for local and international competitions in the area of their skills. What’s been the most significant thing you’ve done to grow your business? The most significant thing I have done to grow my business is to tell my business story, rightly. What skills would you say are required in becoming a successful entrepreneur? Marketing- You must be able to sell your business anywhere and anytime. Emotional intelligence- to relate with people, your network is your net worth. Critical thinking skills- it is a jungle out there, especially for entrepreneurs in Nigeria and so you need critical thinking skills to solve unique problems that arise. What do you feel are your biggest achievements? My biggest achievement is seeing children from the Innovation Hub winning scholarships abroad and winning local competitions. What has your experience been like as one of the finalists to the program? The feeling is something I am still basking in. I am excited to be among the finalists and most importantly, the learnings in the program are going to help me take my business to another level. It really feels great to be part of the 2022 Cohort. What is your favourite quote or saying? “We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it” Barrack Obama
HGCP 2022 Participants: Oluwafunmilola gives us the lowdown on growing a business
Our weekly “High Growth Coaching Program Participants” Feature is our way of introducing our amazing SLA audience to the personalities behind this year’s cohort of the High Growth Coaching program, bringing to the forefront what they are doing and helping others who want to follow in their footsteps. We are shining our spotlight on Oluwafunmilola Afolabi, co-founder of Yetar Virtual. We sat down with her and she was gracious enough to share her journey, from how her love for numbers has influenced most of her major life decisions and how she manages to raise her family and grow a business. “While working as an intern at a bank, I saw women/mothers complain about trying to keep the home front and work balanced. I could feel the pain in their voices, hence on completion of my internship, the auditor asked if I would like to come work in the bank in the future and I said “This is not the place for me.” Oluwafunmilola knew she wanted to be present in the lives of her children and working within the four walls of a bank was not going to help her achieve this. In order to still keep up with her standard of living after her resignation, she began to sew baby dresses. However, this business venture was short-lived as playing with and interpreting numbers beats all, hence Yetar Virtual CFOs Limited. Oluwafunmilola is happily married with 4 biological children and 1 adopted daughter. She describes herself as a funky mother who invests in both her children’s formal and informal education. “The things of God are made a priority in my home and my lovely husband has made it a family culture. Some important value ingrained in my home includes Integrity, Humility, Excellence, and Honesty.” Tell us a bit about your background – how did you get to this point? “When I think about my journey so far, I am amazed at the full circle God has brought me especially entrepreneurially. As a first-born daughter, the expectation to be a role model to my 3 siblings made me step into leadership quickly. It influenced my approach to life. Additionally, my parents were intentional in supporting my inquisitive nature such that at age 11, I started my first business selling ice cream to our neighbors. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and have lived here all my life. Interestingly, I wanted to be an accountant like my father, but I was admitted to study Finance at the University of Lagos. That didn’t deter me as I am an energetic, passionate and self-motivated person. I enrolled with the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN) and qualified as a certified accountant in 2010, the same year I graduated from the university with a 4.16 CGPA. This launched my accounting career, and I have worked both in Accounting Practices and the Industry since 2010. It was no surprise that in 2020 when a friend reached out to me asking for support on another of her friend’s start-ups that I excitedly offered to help. He needed help framing his pricing and profit model such that his business was tax efficient. Together, we consulted for him. That experience gave us the idea that there are a lot of businesses starting up that are not aware of the accounting and tax implications of owning a business. My friend and I decided that we could serve such enterprises and grow with them on their entrepreneurial journey by providing support in this area at a fraction of the cost of having an in-house financial controller. That was the birth of Yetar!” Introduce your company the way you would to a potential customer? What do you know about Chief Financial Officers? Most start-ups and women-owned businesses do not have financial control as a dedicated role in their enterprises. Traditional Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) play a crucial role in managing a company’s financial health which encompasses financial planning, financial reporting, record keeping and compliance, and management of financial risks. Most companies only hire a CFO when they reach a certain size. However, our company’s founding belief is that the role of a CFO is not limited to large organizations. Small businesses can benefit tremendously from having a CFO. This is where Yetar comes in. At Yetar Virtual CFOs, you can hire a virtual (part-time, online) CFO at a fraction of the cost of a traditional CFO. We measure, analyze, and evaluate the financial performance of our clients, essentially to identify trends in the company’s business model with the primary purpose to provide recommendations on processes to optimize performance and profitability. Our flexibility helps us apply a client-specific as well as an industry-specific approach to each client, optimizing the efficiency of their accounting, finances, and tax obligations according to the nature of their business. Her love for numbers and her passion for interpreting numbers in simple terms for business owners and leaders at large keeps her motivated in this entrepreneurial journey. The most exciting thing about being an entrepreneur to her is having the opportunity to take an idea and inspire other people around me to contribute to that idea. What’s been the most significant thing you’ve done to grow your business? I have invested in more training to the extent of interning at an audit firm even though I had advanced in the industry. I knew humbling myself would help me learn from the grass root. What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your day-to-day busy schedule? Talking to my business mentor. Reconsider my priorities. Save time with better tools and software. What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in? Find a Mentor! On her journey so far in the High Growth Coaching Program “It’s been educative, sometimes stressful however the end results encourage me to do more. By the end of the 12 weeks, what would you
HGCP 2021 Participants: Ruth Agbasimalo birthed her skincare brand, Omari Skin, from a place of frustration.
I sat down with Ruth Agbasimalo, the founder and managing director of Omari Skin to get to know her and find out more about the inspiration behind Omari Skin. Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Ruth, I am the founder and managing director of Omari Skin. I am a former software developer who loves learning and doing research as I’m always looking more information to increase my knowledge. I am passionate about skincare and business. Tell us a bit about your background – how did you get to this point? I studied Computer Engineering at Covenant University and it was during this time that I got to know myself and figured out that I had a knack for business. I started my first business when I saw a need, I saw that a lot of students wore shoes that were worn out during the rain. So I asked my dad to get me stock and began selling umbrellas and shoes. After I graduated, I went on to work for Andela and during this time I started selling wig making tools and make-up brushes. I am now running Omari Skin while working for a corporation as a product manager. What do you do for fun? For fun and to wind down, I love to go out, clubbing and hanging out with my friends. Now that I am a mother, I have become somewhat of a homebody. When I’m at home I make clothes and watch Netflix, I enjoy detective shows such as Lucifer, Criminal minds and Hawaii Five-O. Describe a typical day for you? First thing I do when I wake up is my prayers, then I have a cup of tea and workout before I go on with my day. I start at work by checking my emails, then I tackle my day which I typically have planned from the day before. At around 2:00 pm I hang with my kids and afterwards I either finish my work or take a nap. I like to have everything planned ahead and ready to go instead of moving from one task to another haphazardly. What is your ‘why’ i.e. bottom line? and how do you stay motivated? I birthed Omari skin from a place of frustration. I developed boils over my body right after giving and I kept taking antibiotics that did not help at all. The Nigerian skincare industry is saturated with skin lightening product and has no other product offerings. I didn’t set out to start a business but wanted to learn more about skin. When I started doing research, that’s when I finally figured out that I was using products that damaged my skin. During the time I was learning more about skin I got my certifications and began making my own products to address my skin issues. About 6-8 months after the whole ordeal, I started the business. My biggest goal was to help people to understand their skin so they could make sure that whatever they put on their skin is good for them. I wanted to help people make educated choices. What do you feel are your biggest achievements? My biggest achievement is my attitude towards work. I love what I’m doing which is something not everyone can say for themselves. I love that my business allows me that space to care about the customer, which is also one of our biggest achievement. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur? Funny enough, this is my most favorite and also my least favorite. and that is the fact that business is so unpredictable. I’m constantly moving and changing with the climate of things, I love it when it plays to my strengths and hate it when it doesn’t. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? My dad, I grew up knowing he was an entrepreneur. He has a pharmaceutical company and I learnt a lot watching him grow from having a shop to having his own factory. He encourages and inspires me. How did you come up with the name for your company? Omari is derived from an Ibi word Omaricha which means beauty. We wanted people to feel beautiful in their own skin. So our business is literally called beautiful skin. Introduce your company the way you would to a potential customer. Omari skin is a brand that focuses on educating millennials about their skin. We provide research backed skincare products for millennials. We are fully remote at the moment because the company started during the pandemic although we do have a factory where we do manufacturing, testing, production, packaging, quality control, and storage of our products. You can see our product offerings at https://omariskin.com/ or follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/omariskin/. What has been a make or break moment in your entrepreneurial journey? For Omari Skin, it was when we got our first customer. I sat down, looked at them and cried and that was when I knew I wanted to keep doing this. Every time we get reviews from clients about what our products did for them, it touches a part of my heart. It’s one of the best feelings in the world. What’s been your favorite mistake that you made in your business and what did you learn? Undervaluing my business. I put more value on what the customer’s opinion of my brand was instead of the value that my brand brings to customers. After a lot of explaining myself , we ended up totally rebranding. I learnt that you cannot put a price to the value your brand brings to your customer. The most important thing you can do is to communicate that value to your customer. How have you carved a niche for yourself in your industry? Our competitive advantage is that we focus on something that other skincare brands aren’t focusing on – which is skin education as well as being customer centric. We offer a 30-day money back
HGCP 2021 Participants: Victoria Ajayi founded Chow Noodle Bar from her drive to find her purpose.
I sat down with Victoria Ajayi, the visionary founder of Chow Noodle Bar to get to know her and find out more about the inspiration behind Nigerian’s Chinese food noodle bar. Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Victoria Ajayi. I was born and raised in Lagos. I later moved to the UK for my tertiary education, where I studied pharmacy and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for several years in the UK. I am married with 2 kids, which keeps me busy and really put things into perspective. I am a strong leader who is passionate about my own development as well as that of others around me. I am quirky with a weird sense of humor. I laugh easily, I love easy and I throw myself and all I have into everything I do. What is your ‘why’ i.e. bottom line? I have a purpose and agenda. I am motivated by the drive to find my purpose and live it out in all areas of my life. I want to die empty knowing I did my best and gave my best and lived my best life. What do you do for fun/relaxation? I enjoy going to the movies, hanging out with friends and reading. I read some fiction and a lot of books about self discovery, purpose and self-development. Fun fact about me is that I enjoy watching movies without sound (with subtitles of course). What do you feel are your biggest achievements? Having taken my business from inception to where it is today. I am also very proud of my volunteer work where we run community empowerment initiatives. We recently had a Children’s Drive for Valentine’s Day where we spent the day with children on the streets and gave them parcels with colouring books, food, devotionals and colouring pencils. We also held a Widows outreach for International Widows Day where the ladies came together to share their experiences with people who understand what they’re going through. We also gave the ladies makeovers. It was an emotional healing session. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur? My favorite part of being an entrepreneur would have to be learning the different aspects of running a business. Figuring out what needs to be done and getting it done. What was the inspiration behind your business and how did you come up with the name for your company? Chow Noodle Bar was birthed in uni. There was a restaurant/diner we frequented that had affordable generous portions and that is what I decided to go for and bring home. I am very passionate about this business and when I started I was very selective about my team so they can share my passion. I am constantly working on identifying areas of self-improvement for them and myself which will in turn grow my business. Well, there’s three parts to the name. Chow is a Nigerian & Chinese term that everyone associates with food, Noodle because we knew we were making Noodles (duh) and Bar because we were going for a casual bar setting as opposed to a formal restaurant setting. Introduce your company the way you would to a potential customer. At Chow Noodle Bar we are all about providing an authentic tasteful and vibrant Asian street food experience. We have positioned ourselves to cater for those with a fast lifestyle who eat out at least once a day because of long hours. What has been a make or break moment in your entrepreneurial journey? When I was pregnant with my first son, the business was still new and I was still doing everything myself. It was a very challenging time and I wasn’t in a position to hire anyone so I had to either carry on by myself or quit. I carried on and managed through the ups and downs of pregnancy and got done what needed to get done. How have you carved a niche for yourself in your industry? We’ve established and positioned our brand as a household name through packaging. Where do you see your business in the next 5 years? My goal is for Chow Noodle Bar to become a Franchise model with multiple stores around Africa. We also want to host a training academy for youth that focuses on skill acquisition such as offering internships in different industries using our franchises. What’s been the most significant thing you’ve done to grow your business? I’d say constantly asking and listening to what the customer wants and then changing and evolving with our customers. What would you say are the top three characteristics needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Having a spirit f persistence and determination, leadership and having a clear sense of purpose and self awareness, having values and staying true to them. What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your day-to-day busy schedule? Putting some system in place and automating and delegating as much as possible. What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our community? Do not allow the state of things (in business, industry, economy etc.) to dictate your emotions. What is your favorite book? How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie What advice will you give young entrepreneurs who are just starting out?’ Have a clear plan and persist to make your plan come to pass. You must also be flexible. Victoria is currently on the High Growth Coaching Program hard at work preparing Chow Noodle Bar to grow and become a franchise model all across Africa.