Entrepreneur - Women of Rubies

In Interviews&profile September 17, 2024 By Esther Ijewere

Stacy Irving: From Fashion School to Founder of Shandina Organic Hair Care

When Stacy Irving boarded the plane from Jamaica to Canada at just 10 years old, she was filled with excitement and anticipation. Little did she know, this move would set her on a path that would lead to entrepreneurship and the creation of Shandina Organic Hair Care, a business built on her personal experiences, her love for natural beauty, and her commitment to helping others reclaim their hair health.

A Jamaican Foundation

Growing up in Jamaica, Stacy learned the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and creativity. “In Jamaica, we had to make the most of what we had,” she reflects. “We didn’t always have everything we wanted, but we learned to be innovative and find solutions.” These values became foundational in her life, especially after moving to Canada, where new opportunities and challenges awaited her.

Canada offered a different landscape—culturally, economically, and socially. “Canada exposed me to new ways of doing business and helped me understand the power of diversity, not just in people, but in ideas.” Combining her Jamaican roots with Canadian perspectives shaped Stacy into a flexible, innovative entrepreneur determined to make an impact.

From Fashion to Hair Care

Stacy’s love for creativity led her to fashion school, where she learned to channel her artistic energy. However, it was in this environment that she first experienced issues with hair health. The stress of deadlines, the constant hustle, and the rigors of daily life began to take a toll on her hair. “I struggled with thinning hair and receding edges,” Stacy shares. “It wasn’t just me—many of the women around me were facing the same challenges.”

This shared struggle became the spark that ignited Stacy’s passion for hair care. She began researching natural solutions to address these issues, diving into the world of herbs, oils, and remedies passed down through generations. Her goal was simple: to heal her own hair and empower other women dealing with the same frustrations.

The Birth of Shandina Organic Hair Care

Fueled by personal experience and a desire to offer real solutions, Stacy officially launched Shandina Organic Hair Care 10 years ago. The brand was born out of a need for natural, organic products that catered to diverse hair types and addressed issues like hair thinning, hair loss, and damage. “I saw a gap in the market,” Stacy recalls. “There were plenty of products out there, but not many that used high-quality, natural ingredients specifically designed to nourish and heal.”

Her background in fashion, coupled with her passion for natural beauty, influenced her approach to hair care. Each product in the Shandina Organic line is meticulously crafted to promote healthy, vibrant hair using ingredients that are as gentle as they are effective.

One of the standout ingredients in her products is Cupuaçu butter, a rich, natural emollient known for its powerful moisturizing and healing properties. “Cupuaçu butter has been a game-changer,” Stacy explains. “It restores the natural moisture barrier in hair, enhances elasticity, and repairs damage. It’s perfect for a wide range of hair types and helps address everything from dryness to breakage.”

Building a Community of Confidence

Stacy’s personal experience with hair loss has allowed her to build strong connections with her customers. “I’ve walked the same path they have,” she says. “I know how frustrating and self-conscious it can make you feel. That’s why I’m so passionate about creating products that truly work and providing the support people need to feel confident in their hair again.”

For Stacy, Shandina Organic is more than just a hair care brand—it’s a community. Through her products, she hopes to inspire self-care, self-love, and confidence in others. “I want my brand to help people embrace their natural beauty and take control of their hair health. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good from the inside out.”

Looking to the Future

As she continues to grow Shandina Organic, Stacy remains committed to making a lasting impact. “My goal is to create a space where people feel supported on their hair journey,” she says. “I want my products to make a real difference in people’s lives, helping them restore and maintain healthy, beautiful hair.”

Stacy’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and passion—a journey that started in Jamaica and found new life in Canada. Through Shandina Organic Hair Care, she’s empowering people to love their hair and themselves, one natural ingredient at a time.

In Interviews&profile September 18, 2024 By Women of Rubies

Itohan Asibor: The Visionary Leader Behind Bluberry Confectioneries

Itohan Asibor is the visionary Founder and Director of Bluberry Confectioneries, a leading premium cake and dessert company that has established a competitive edge in Nigeria and Canada. What started from the humble beginnings of her kitchen table has blossomed into a global enterprise, defying the predictable odds of business failure within the first five years—thrice in a row.

Building a Global Enterprise

Under Itohan’s leadership, Bluberry Confectioneries has grown into more than just a business; it has become a symbol of success and resilience in the baking industry. Through her strategic vision and dedication, Itohan has not only built a thriving company but has also become an employer of talent, a change driver, and a leading voice in her field. Her influence extends beyond her immediate business as she shares her expertise at conferences and events, inspiring others in the baking and entrepreneurship communities.

The Cake Faculty: Empowering Bakers Worldwide

In addition to her entrepreneurial success, Itohan founded THE CAKE FACULTY, a learning institute dedicated to training, mentoring, and coaching both existing and aspiring bakers. Her goal is to help others build successful cake businesses, drawing on her extensive experience in entrepreneurship, management, and executive leadership. Itohan’s commitment to empowering others has earned her a mentorship position with the prestigious Cherie Blair Foundation for Women in Business, UK.

Academic and Professional Background

Itohan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Benin, Nigeria, and serves as a director at Antigua Pharmacies Nigeria Ltd. Her thirst for knowledge and professional development is evident in her academic and professional journey. She is an alumna of FATE Foundation, EDC of Pan African University, and a recipient of the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Scholarship.

Continuous Learning and Mastery

Never one to rest on her laurels, Itohan is committed to continuous learning and professional development. She has trained with world-class confectionery artists such as Ron Ben Israel, Buddy Valastro (Cake Boss), and Siku Adewuyi. Her expertise is further recognized through her certification as a PME Master Baker (United Kingdom) and her role as a sugarcraft tutor. She is a full member of esteemed professional bodies, including The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, The International Federation of Pharmacists, and the International Cake Exploration Society.

Giving Back to the Community

Beyond her business achievements, Itohan finds a greater purpose in giving back to humanity. She dedicates a significant portion of her time to teaching, mentoring, and coaching the younger generation on entrepreneurship, self-development, and living a purpose-driven life. Her work in this area reflects her belief that true success lies not just in personal achievements but in the ability to inspire and uplift others.

Itohan Asibor’s journey is a testament to her resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As she continues to make strides in the confectionery industry and beyond, her legacy as a mentor, leader, and visionary entrepreneur continues to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

In Career Gems November 11, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

Vivian Ekwegh: Redefining Resale And Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs

In the dynamic landscape of business innovation, Vivian Ekwegh stands as a trailblazer steering the ship of Declutterdotcom into uncharted waters. As the formidable CEO of this transformative venture, she has not only reshaped the perception of household item resale but has also become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs. Let’s unravel the remarkable journey of Vivian Ekwegh, the visionary leader shaping the contours of e-commerce.

A Visionary Leader’s Genesis: From IT Sales to Declutterdotcom’s Helm

Vivian’s journey into the world of household item resale is rooted in her passion for finding unique, quality items at affordable prices. From her early days of spotting bargains to launching her first-grade thrift business in 2018, Vivian’s vision evolved into the creation of Declutterdotcom in 2019. Her goal was clear—to bridge the gap between the price of new and used items, creating a convergence platform for sellers and buyers. What began as a personal passion transformed into a thriving online platform that has since grown to be the foremost declutter company, facilitating the sale of used items while allowing buyers to save on quality household goods.

Strategies for Success: Building a Clientele of 60,000 in Four Years

In just four years, Vivian has strategically positioned Declutterdotcom as the go-to platform for household item resale, boasting an impressive clientele of over 60,000 customers. The journey involved re-educating people about used items, creating a niche market for barely used items, and leveraging her network as a brand ambassador. The foundation of integrity, quality sourcing, and trust-building has made Declutterdotcom a success even without a physical location, thriving purely in the online space.

A Fusion of Expertise: IT Sales, Digital Marketing, and Academic Brilliance

With six years of experience in IT sales and digital marketing, Vivian’s trajectory in the tech industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Her early career milestones include being the Business Lead for Cisco sales at Technology Distributions and later serving as the Sales Account Manager at Cisco Nigeria. Armed with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science from the University of Benin, Vivian seamlessly melds technological expertise with business acumen, contributing significantly to the growth and success of Declutterdotcom.

A Trailblazer Beyond Business: Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs

Beyond professional accomplishments, Vivian Ekwegh has become a beacon of inspiration for women aspiring to lead in business industries. Challenging traditional norms and consistently breaking barriers, she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to “Just START!” Her journey underscores the transformative power of ambition, determination, and strategic thinking.

Vivian Ekwegh Declutterdotcom — Vivian Ekwegh, Founder- Declutterdotcom

Combatting Online Scams

Addressing the escalating issue of online scams within the declutter resale space, Vivian delves into the challenges posed by fraudulent activities. Emphasizing the imperative for a collaborative effort, she stresses the necessity for legitimate vendors to work together, educating clients to recognize potential scams and collectively preventing any deceptive practices in the industry.

To know more about Vivian’s work, Follow her on Instagram

In Career Gems September 3, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

Tamera Preacher Unveils Game-Changing Platform That Exposes Dishonest Customers

Tamera Preacher, a visionary entrepreneur, is rewriting the rules in a world where customer reviews hold immense power. As the founder and CEO of LyingClient, she’s spearheading a groundbreaking platform inspired by her own challenging experiences with difficult customers. Tamera’s transformative journey from adversity to innovation exemplifies her unwavering commitment to empowering fellow business owners and entrepreneurs. Through LyingClient.com, she’s providing a powerful platform for reporting and sharing encounters with problematic customers, reshaping the narrative of customer-business interactions.

The Genesis of LyingClient.com

Tamera’s inspiration to create LyingClient.com stemmed from a series of unfortunate incidents. As the owner of a general contracting company, she faced an uphill battle—one that was exacerbated by her being one of the few Black women in the industry. In a particularly disheartening episode, her company was falsely reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This unwarranted attack galvanized her to create a platform that would shine a light on dishonest and troublesome customers.

Defying the Odds

Creating LyingClient.com was no small feat, especially for someone without a technical background. Tamera is a military veteran and holds a master’s degree in Human Resources, far removed from the world of website development. However, her determination to see her vision come to life superseded all obstacles.

Tamera embarked on a quest to understand the legal aspects of recording and displaying customer information. Armed with this knowledge, she set out to find the right website developer. Initially, it seemed like an insurmountable task to find a developer who shared her passion and standards for the platform.

The Perfect Platform

Tamera had a clear vision for LyingClient.com. It needed to be user-friendly, integrate seamlessly with social media, and, above all, be accessible to busy entrepreneurs. Recognizing that most self-employed individuals lack the time to extensively research or document customer information, she was determined to create a solution that catered to their needs.

After persistent searching, she finally found the right developer who shared her vision. The website was officially launched, and Tamera’s dream became a reality.

A Platform for Empowerment

Now in its second year, LyingClient.com has garnered a substantial social media following and caught the attention of numerous business owners deeply engaged in their fields. Remarkably, the platform has gained recognition as the #1 platform on Reddit.com for reporting “Karen” customers—a testament to its effectiveness.

Key Features of LyingClient.com

Here are some of the notable features of LyingClient.com:

Real-time Scam Alerts: Stay informed and protected from scams with real-time alerts about fraudulent customer activities.
Directory of Terrible Customer Experiences: Make informed decisions by accessing a comprehensive directory of negative customer experiences.
Advertising for Your Business: Showcase your services to a targeted audience of like-minded professionals within the platform.
Legal Aid Page: Find valuable legal resources for starting, maintaining, and securing your business.

Tamera Preacher’s journey from adversity to innovation serves as an inspiring testament to the power of determination and the importance of standing up against dishonesty. Through LyingClient.com, she has not only empowered business owners but also shifted the balance in favor of those who believe in fairness and transparency in the business world.

Source: Blacknews.com

In Inspiration December 28, 2022 By Women of Rubies

Ashley Das Rosas Massingue, An Entrepreneur From Mozambique Making a Living Out of Cashew Nuts

We all love snacks like Ashley das Rosas Massingue , something we can munch on when we are watching our favourite TV show or we just need something healthy to munch on.

There is a demand for snacks, especially healthy nuts. This is one reason why Ashley das Rosas Massingue decided to start her cashew nuts business. Her business involves packing appetizing flavours into a range of snack cashew nuts which are winning over fans of these tasty treats.

Meet Ashley Das Rosas Massingue

Ashley Massingue is the owner and CEO of a family brand of appetizers, Shez Snacks, in Mozambique. She started her business in August 2020 to process and sell high quality nuts in different flavours. The company is the first in Mozambique using glass jar packaging for this kind of product.

With more than 5 years experience in Communication and Marketing, Ashley decided to embrace her passion for oilseed fruits mainly cashew nuts and start the business.

Ashley was inspired to start the business by a conversation she had with a friend about the term “rat race,” which means working to pay bills. she was sad to realize that her life was already in the rat race and her friend advised her to think of some extra business, something she liked a lot.

And then Ashley thought about food. “I’m not a cook and honestly I don’t like to cook, but I love to eat, especially snacks (of all kinds).

As a result, I came to the idea of selling chestnuts, but for that I needed to add value to the product and not do what all chestnut sellers do. I did a market study about what I needed on the products offered and I created, with the help of my relatives, the Shez Snacks brand of flavoured cashew nuts.” She said.

For Ashley, the entrepreneurial journey has been a challenge every day, mainly because the Shez Snacks product is a gourmet product and consequently is expensive in relation to what is found on the market. However, at the beginning of this journey she already expected this, and that’s why she segmented the business’ target group, being focused on mainly the middle – high class market segment.

The beginning

Four years ago, Ashley co-founded a marketing and billboard rental consulting agency (Lash Agency, Lda – Mozambique), through which she learned and improved her skills in negotiation, market studies, market variations, production of media material, brand activations, etc.

The business provided services to several companies and organizations of national and international reputation. Unfortunately, at the end of the 3rd year she had to close down due to a disagreement with her former partner.

Ashley describes her greatest satisfaction as the acceptance and feedback of the product by consumers and the loyalty of partners who resell her products.

Ashley’s advice to women who would like to undertake their own entrepreneurial journey is “Don’t allow yourselves to continue in the ‘rat race’. Start doing something you like. Start today, start now”

In Fashion September 20, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Eki Okubanjo, a Nigerian Fashionpreneur and Founder of Eki Oris Fashion Brand

Information is power, equip yourself with all the necessary knowledge needed to grow your brand. Develop yourself, know your strengths and weaknesses, focus on your strengths and work on your weaknesses. While you work on your weaknesses, employ capable people to fill in those positions where you consider your weakness. You honestly can’t be everything to your business. For instance, if your strength lies in customer relationship and PR service and you have little or no sewing skills, Focus on your customer relationship and PR skills and work on your sewing skills. This way, the business does not suffer and your skills are effectively and efficiently utilized. — Eki Okubanjo.

Eki Oris is a fashion company that specializes in both custom made and ready to wear (RTW) clothing for the fashion-conscious woman who appreciates finely constructed pieces of impeccable quality, targeted at females 15 years and above. Eki Oris designs are influenced by simplicity, individuality and comfort of their customers.
The Eki Oris Kidswear is a clothing and accessories brand for kids (male & female) aged 0 months – 12 years. It’s a bespoke & ready-to-wear brand which has found its niche in using unique African prints and other fabrics to tailor exquisite and comfortable outfits for children.

Eki worked full time in a private company as the customer relationship manager and also did a bit of business development. During this time she was running the Eki Oris brand as a side hustle. She wore her designs to the office and got a lot of pleasing comments. She made pieces for some of her colleagues and got lots of referrals through them.
In her quest for more, she decided to quite her 9-5 job and give her fashion business the time it requires.

The Eki Oris brand has successfully maintained its integrity over four years by putting customers first, keeping to deadlines, being dependable and also giving out quality products and services. These are some of the things that make the Eki Oris brand special.

I understand the importance of having a conducive and happy working environment for your staff, because once your staff are happy and comfortable, they’ll definitely deliver their best and I have implemented this principle into my business.

Eki Okubanjo learned the basics of fashion designing from her mother who had a tailoring shop while growing up. She launched “Prints by Kira and Eki” with her friend during their National Youth Service (NYSC) year but they parted ways.

Eki Oris was founded in 2015 as a home-based business, and also a side hustle which she ran alongside her corporate job.
In July 2017 she resigned from her corporate job to focus on her business. She had saved up some money, and got some funds from her dad and boyfriend (now husband) to set up.

In her own words, “I had no prior knowledge of running a business, I didn’t know how to calculate my cost, the overheads were a lot, I didn’t know the best salary method to use for paying my tailors. I made mistakes with designs, fabric etc and I have had to refund money back to some customers, but all these experiences helped shape me into becoming a better fashion entrepreneur. Having worked in a corporate environment before venturing into full time entrepreneurship, I have also brought in a lot of knowledge I learnt while I was with my previous employer into my business. I, more than anyone understand the importance of customer management. I brought in my negotiation skills, marketing skills etc into my business and I understand how important it is for a business to keep their business data as this is what will help you make better decisions. I have implemented all of this in my business. In retrospect, when I think of my entrepreneurial journey, I’m honestly glad for how far I have grown. I have learnt from all my mistakes, challenges and also my customers. Experience is something that cannot be bought and my experiences so far have helped me put in proper structures and policies in place that are currently helping my business.”

As an entrepreneur, Eki finds the most satisfaction in IMPACTING lives. She loves that she is able to impact lives through beautiful clothes. An Eki Oris woman is bold, and confident and I love that my designs automatically instil confidence in my customers. An Eki Oris woman goes about her daily activities with her head up and ready to conquer the world because she’s confident in herself.
“I also love that I can positively impact the lives of my staff through the jobs I have provided for them, they in turn can impact their own lives and fend for their families.”

There’s no better time to start than now! Just start. You don’t have to wait till you have everything sorted out to start your business, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Don’t rush the process as well, allow yourself to grow and learn and celebrate the small wins.

Eki Okubanjo sums up all her experiences, including successes and failures in this powerful piece of advice: Importantly information is power, equip yourself with all the necessary knowledge needed to grow your brand. Develop yourself, know your strengths and weaknesses, focus on your strengths and work on your weaknesses. While you work on your weaknesses, employ capable people to fill in those positions where you consider your weakness. You honestly can’t be everything to your business. For instance, if your strength lies in customer relationship and PR service and you have little or no sewing skills, Focus on your customer relationship and PR skills and work on your sewing skills. This way, the business does not suffer and your skills are effectively and efficiently utilized. Also, you honestly need a trailer load of patience and hard work to survive in the fashion industry. Finally, please always remember the God factor. Always pray to him for wisdom to help you run your business, pray for your staff and also your customers.

In Fashion September 16, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Farida Yahya, Founder of Lumo Naturals Haircare Brand

The challenges facing many women in Africa of how to manage and care for their natural hair is one that entrepreneur Farida Yahya is all too familiar with. It was the inspiration for the launch of her business Lumo Naturals, which today creates a range of specialist hair products that both cleanse and treat the hair gently. Today, the brand is winning scores of fans who are looking for a natural solution for their natural hair.

Lumo Naturals is an award-winning haircare solutions brand. With over 6 years in operation and a team of professional hair consultants and stylists, they offer a wide range of hair services and products. They provide quality hair services, along with top lines of our well formulated natural hair products.

As a naturalista, growing up, Farida saw her mother try to tame her hair with tons of relaxers. Farida’s mother tried various products and used tons of strategies but none ever worked. And just like other natural hair owners, she had problems with her own hair ranging from breakage to dry hair, breaking the piggy bank to get premium products to maintain the hair, as well as shrinkage. Additionally, Farida would spend so much time watching tons of videos on YouTube and natural hair blogs looking for tips and inspirations. In 2008, Farida resorted to making DIY products for her hair because there were no big shops that sold natural hair care products in her location. Interestingly, her experiments worked and people began to buy them.

As a female founder, you should never feel pressured to “lead like the boys”. There is nothing wrong in leading with empathy, and you should know that the world of entrepreneurship is tough, and so, don’t demand things from the angle of a victim, instead work hard and smart enough to have those doors open for you. When you do succeed, look back and lift others, mentorship and support is crucial for female founders, if we want to go far, and build the mass we need to change things for good. — Farida Yahya.

Lumo Naturals was birthed in 2012. It started with the production of the first set of natural hair care products – hair butter. And with Farida’s over nine years of experience in biochemistry and a diverse range of complementary skill sets, she has been able to create an extensive offering of affordable natural hair care products designed to benefit naturalistas.

For Farida, running her own business has pushed her to grow. Being responsible for her team and customers has challenged her to learn about how money works, what is required from a leader, and why it is important to deliver quality service consistently.
Farida says she is happiest when she solves a client’s hair challenge, and when she gets feedback about their formulations. In her words, “it gives me such a thrill to know that I am doing my quota to help make the world a better place, and reduce social inequalities.”

Lumo Naturals fill a unique niche in the beauty space. Their product line includes everything from hair cleansers to hair treatments and hair scrums, with a focus on multi-functional products. Additionally, all their products showcase clean, locally sourced ingredients that are cruelty-free, animal-free, and free of harmful irritants and additions such as parabens, benzene, and formaldehyde.

In Inspiration August 2, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Chipo Aaron, Botswanan Entrepreneur and Owner of Cutikles Skincare Brand

The journey into the world of entrepreneurship begins with a single step. For some, that single step can be passion to meet a need, quest to solve a problem or just the need to have an extra source of income. For Chipo Aaron, a Botswanan entrepreneur, frustration was her own push into the world of entrepreneurship.

Constantly frustrated by the chemical-intensive, highly synthetic formulas which have dominated the skincare market for too long, Chipo Aaron felt it was time to change the situation by launching her own skincare company, Cutikles to create high quality spa products that harness the healing power of Africa’s indigenous oils.

Chipo Aaron is the founder of Cutikles, a cosmetic manufacturing brand located in Gaborone, Botswana. She also doubles as an interior designer at Ca Concepts, an interior design firm that designs bespoke residential and corporate spaces.
Cutikles brand produces high quality spa products blended with raw African indigenous oils for both the African and international market. The business also has a spa that serves as a research and development centre that gives clients a foretaste of Cutikles products before release to the general public. Cutikles cosmetic brand exists to help the users of the products improve the overall health of their skin and their general appearance as a whole.

Some days are better than others but we cannot give up because the dreams that we have are valid.

Chipo believes quality and safety must not be compromised at any point which is why she ensures Cutikles spa products are locally produced using natural plant extracts and pure essential oils that have been well researched, packaged and delivered.

Chipo has an entrepreneurial background that has helped her succeed in her business. She was raised by two entrepreneurs who owners clothing retail stores and a logistics company. She learned from an early age that building a brand requires patience, hard work and resilience. She started cutikles after the birth of her first son and in her words, “I have always known that I wanted to be an entrepreneur and once I found the cosmetic world, I knew that is where I belong. I continued with interior design side jobs as I needed the funds to be pushed into Cutikles. The business continues to surprise me every day by the way we are changing lives through our products and services. Some days are better than others but we cannot give up because the dreams that we have are valid.”

She describes her journey so far using these words “being an entrepreneur has given me liberty in following and building my dreams and also providing others with better work environments. I have worked in harsh environments and I don’t wish for anyone to experience such. It is liberating to see someone smile because of the way you respect them and that makes me happy. The freedom of being an entrepreneur is for me a winner and sometimes the several wins and lessons that come with the package are also a game changer.”

Chipo Aaron is a firm believer that women are diamonds that can just change the world. Which is why she enjoins women to follow the idea in that has been lingering in their head.
Imagine the lives that you could change by just developing what you think would have never worked, the jobs you could create, and the happiness that you could create in a household!

Believe in yourself and jump! Go for it.

In Inspiration July 15, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Bukky Asehinde Is Helping Creative Businesses Thrive With Her Bellafricana Platform

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.

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.

In Inspiration June 30, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Divine Ndhlukula, Queen Of The Security Industry In Zimbabwe

From a young age, Divine had always told herself and everyone around her that she would be an entrepreneur and run her own large business in the future.

This was driven by her recognition of the need to create a decent and secure livelihood for her family. Her quest to start and run her own business stayed with her throughout her formative years when she was studying and working to build her career.

She set out to learn all the critical elements needed to run a successful business, undertaking various development programmes along the way, enrolling on an Entrepreneurial Development Programme in 1995.

“I have never really been a half-measure kind of person and this period of my life was characterised by me trying to take on everything — all at once — even when this meant swimming against the stream”

At the same time, she started researching and tracking various entrepreneurial opportunities in the local marketplace, eventually in 1998 seeing a potential business opportunity in the security services sector.

Divine had identified what she saw as glaring service delivery and professionalism gaps in the private security sector, inspiring her to create and build a new type of security company with a difference.

She was also motivated by a desire to empower previously disadvantaged women in Zimbabwe who were not able to access opportunities for formal employment, recognizing that the security sector had the potential to be a large-scale employer.

Divine is a true champion of women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe and is currently the largest employer of women in the country outside the government sector, with 900 women employees on her payroll.

Never try to cut corners. Your business and personal life should be anchored on a firm ethical foundation. From the first day you establish the business, even an informal hustle, you should establish a culture founded on ethics and good corporate governance principles.

Divine Ndhlukula founded SECURICO Security Services from humble beginnings in Zimbabwe in 1998. Divine identified a need in the market for a quality oriented security company and she has driven SECURICO to become the market leader in Zimbabwe.

She has tackled a previously male-dominated industry head on and her business success story is nothing short of remarkable – marking her as one of Africa’s most tenacious and inspiring women entrepreneurs.

SECURICO today provides its clients with a complete security solution – uniformed armed officers, armoured vehicles for transportation of valuables, onsite banking, trained guard dogs, and electronic security systems. The company also does private investigations, employee vetting, and security consulting.