Hey revered readers!!! Look we are featuring on the blog today😆😆😆
Meet Tosin Abejide, a world-class beauty entrepreneur and a budding lawyer. She recently bagged the award of "Best Entrepreneur of the Year" at the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University.
We had a swell time interviewing her as she took us on her entrepreneurial and life journey so far! It's a long read but you will enjoy every bit
Enjoy!
LODF: Can we meet you?
Tosin Abejide: My name is Abejide Oluwatosin Mercy. I'm presently a part 5 law student of the prestigious Faculty of Law, OAU. I'm also a beauty entrepreneur, I offer makeup services and also own an online jewelry store.
LODF:Tell us about yourself, what was growing up like for you? What's your family background?
Tosin Abejide: I come from a family of 5. Just my parents ,my 2 sisters and I. But we grew up with our cousins and extended family around so i always seem to forget that, lol. I come from a Christian home, we used to attend Baptist then later we moved to Living Faith Church a.k.a Winners Chapel. I was born in kaduna, my family actually resided there. We moved to Ibadan because of the crisis when i was 9 years old. My dad is a contractor and my mum is a Teacher.. Very strict parents but i love them too much anyway.
LODF: What are your interests/hobbies?
Tosin Abejide: I'm interested in makeup and the business of it,not just the creative aspect.
I'm also weirdly interested in law as it relates to Taxation🙈.
My hobbies are reading (inspirational ,novels, biographies etc) and listening to good music.
LODF: What are your interests/hobbies?
Tosin Abejide: I'm interested in makeup and the business of it,not just the creative aspect.
I'm also weirdly interested in law as it relates to Taxation🙈.
My hobbies are reading (inspirational ,novels, biographies etc) and listening to good music.
LODF: So, why make-up? What’s the inspiration behind your business?
Tosin Abejide: I started makeup out of boredom really 🙈🙈. ASUU strike motivated me to learn stuff. I also learnt bead making and wireworks .
LODF: What's the secret or inspiration behind your brand name “Rheevo”?
Tosin Abejide: House of Rheevo was gotten via the inspiration of the holy spirit. It might sound corny but really it was. My Pastor Bishop David O. Oyedepo was preaching and he mentioned that it’s only true revelation, obedience and hardwork that can create a revolution. I decided that I'd like to revolutionize the makeup industry!!!! And that's how i chose the name. The house in it was me copying Tara Durotoye initially but now i plan to make it a house of everything beauty including :facials, skin care, hair, nails and makeup.
LODF:What side to make-up do you enjoy doing? Bridal? Birthday? Model?
Tosin Abejide: I actually enjoy doing face painting and special effects makeup more than regular makeup. Then I like doing editorials also. They are very challenging and they push me to be more creative.
LODF: What's your signature as a make-up artist? What differentiates you from other MUAs?
Tosin Abejide: I've been told I have a light touch and my foundation routine isn't too heavy. I basically like mild makeup. And if I had my way, most ladies will be on nude eyeshadow and popping lipstick...lol..but I don't. So most times I just do what my client wants and try not to loose my "soft touch"
LODF: How has your entrepreneurial journey been? Any challenge?
Tosin Abejide: My entrepreneurial journey has been exciting. I've learnt alot, met amazing people and pushed myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. I'm happy even though I know I have a long way to go.
The major challenge i have faced in the course of my business is pricing.
Initially I was shy and I did most of my jobs free of charge. Later it dawned on me that I had to grow my business and I needed money to achieve that(lol), so I started charging little prices, but being in a student environment, everyone wants your excellent service for next to nothing!!!! It's been a struggle but its getting better. Nowadays I don't even have so many people haggling with me like we're in the market anymore. Looking at how bad it was ,I'm just grateful to God for where I am now. I mean somebody wanted to pay 200 naira for her makeup! And she wasn't joking oh😁😁
LODF: How do you fund your business?
Tosin Abejide: Funding!!!!! Actually getting capital is a headache sometimes, I must agree. But hey....save steadily, buy one thing at a time. You dont have to have 100k to start a makeup business. If you can get it, great.(but i don't like the idea of starting such an unpredictable business with a loan) If you can't, be like me...buy small small. Whenever i look at my kit now, I'm amazed. I remember when all I had was a purse.
Sometimes don't buy sharwama, sometimes take a bus, save.
LODF: How have you been able to balance make-up business with other pressing things like academics and all?
Tosin Abejide: Balancing activities has been my strong point for as far back as i can remember. I remember being in a boarding house and balancing play time with reading time and sleeping time.
In OAU being a business owner can be draining. But I've learnt over time to cut off unproductive activities and stick to only beneficial and extremely necessary ones.
It's important that I succeed in business and also in my academics, so I dont take certain kind of jobs when the school is in session.
I try to push the hard work to the holiday season as much as possible.
LODF: Do you have mentors/models in your field? What are their names?
Tosin Abejide: I have mentors in the makeup industry. They're Nsoleke, Lolade Mlpro and Lola Maja. These women have been able to create their brands and establish themselves as professionals. Their work speaks for them. They are also very nice and honest people. I've met 2 personally out of the above mentioned 3. They've been blessings to me honestly.
In OAU being a business owner can be draining. But I've learnt over time to cut off unproductive activities and stick to only beneficial and extremely necessary ones.
It's important that I succeed in business and also in my academics, so I dont take certain kind of jobs when the school is in session.
I try to push the hard work to the holiday season as much as possible.
LODF: Do you have mentors/models in your field? What are their names?
Tosin Abejide: I have mentors in the makeup industry. They're Nsoleke, Lolade Mlpro and Lola Maja. These women have been able to create their brands and establish themselves as professionals. Their work speaks for them. They are also very nice and honest people. I've met 2 personally out of the above mentioned 3. They've been blessings to me honestly.
LODF:Who/what keeps you going at those times you feel like giving up?
Tosin Abejide:Most times I have to keep myself going...I sit down and remind myself why I started and what I want to achieve with God's backing! It's not a joke. Its an empire. Of course there will be bumps on the road. God has been good.My family and friends also push me to be better,that’s why I don't joke with them.
LODF: What advice do you have for upcoming entrepreneurs particularly in the make-up industry?
Tosin Abejide: I just want to encourage every upcoming entrepreneur like me to please know their onions. Learn very very well first before you open a shop. When you're very good at what you do,people you don't even know will be the ones advertising you to the world. It's important that you don't chase money first, start by building a network of people who trust you and value your services. It might take time but consistency is key. You have to continue, even when you don't feel like.
LODF: What advice do you have for upcoming entrepreneurs particularly in the make-up industry?
Tosin Abejide: I just want to encourage every upcoming entrepreneur like me to please know their onions. Learn very very well first before you open a shop. When you're very good at what you do,people you don't even know will be the ones advertising you to the world. It's important that you don't chase money first, start by building a network of people who trust you and value your services. It might take time but consistency is key. You have to continue, even when you don't feel like.
LODF:Where do you see yourself in about 5 years?
Tosin Abejide: In 5years, I see myself as an amazing tax lawyer with flexible work hours and a masters degree to her name.
I see myself owning a physical outlet for house of Rheevo, where our loyal customers can walk in and come out looking like glistening Precious stones.
I see myself owning a business which can run by itself and a thriving jewelry online store.
Tosin Abejide: In 5years, I see myself as an amazing tax lawyer with flexible work hours and a masters degree to her name.
I see myself owning a physical outlet for house of Rheevo, where our loyal customers can walk in and come out looking like glistening Precious stones.
I see myself owning a business which can run by itself and a thriving jewelry online store.
LODF: What's your favourite quote?
Tosin Abejide:I have too many to pick a favorite oh...but I think this applies
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, NIV “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody”.
LODF: Describe yourself in 3 words.
Tosin Abejide: Beautiful,Smart,Business savvy.
LODF: Thank you for taking time out to share with us Tosin! We are honored having you here!
Tosin Abejide: Thank you too! I'm honored!
Beautiful😍
ReplyDeleteYay!! Thank you dear Opeyemi.
ReplyDelete