Meet Emem Nwogwugwu.
She helps people build systems that serve the whole person and not just the bottom line. In our Founders Friday feature, Emem shares what transformation really looks like, how to stay grounded in chaos, and why presence is the real secret to a balanced life.
Born from family, built with purpose. Sisé is redefining how African meals are cooked and enjoyed, without losing the soul. Founded by two sisters from a lineage of incredible cooks, Sisé delivers bold, homegrown Nigerian flavours in under 20 minutes. Their mission? To make traditional meals accessible, joyful, and stress-free for modern homes - one meal kit at a time.
After 13 years of quiet growth and deep surrender, Elwoma returns with Throne of Grace, a worship album rooted in Hebrews 4:16 and birthed from a place of authentic devotion.
Thing and about thinking differently. About making bold decisions, developing clarity, and building discipline long before the money shows up.
In this post, I share 7 timeless money mindsets from the book, the kind that don’t just live in theory, but show up in your daily choices, habits, and circle.
Brief Essentials, the best place to buy lingerie, underwear and shapewear in Nigeria, launches its new seasonal activewear collection – BE Active (Brief Essentials Active).
The collection debuts with a launch of active training sets, leggings, sports bras, tops, bike shorts and several other body sculpting products – such as waist trainers, neoprene arm and thigh shapers, belly binders, resistance bands – including accessories that can enhance and aid your weight loss journey.
Brief Essentials has remained at the forefront of the NIgeria’s underwear, lingerie and shapewear market, delivering comfort, support, quality, convenience and value – which has helped many people – from petite, missy to plus size and full bust women – find the support they really need.
Our customers want to achieve their fitness goals in cuteness, comfort and style, and the BE Active range is delivering on all these counts as with all that Brief Essentials stands for and represents.
BE Leggings
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT
The launch is in line with Brief Essentials Mission of promoting “Health and Wellness” in a fun and fashionable way.
The active range within the collection is made with quick-dry, four-way stretch fabric which provides compression, yet without sacrificing comfort or freedom of movement.
The body shaping/sculpting products are made with exceptional craftmanship to tone, sculpt and enhance your results on your fitness journey.
Take the Waist Trainer with Triple Belts for example, the core is made with latex and comes with 3 additional removable Velcro belts for anyone that requires more reinforcement.
There are also the training sets; Flex, Core and Vitality – featuring matching bras and leggings made with a 4 way stretch material, mesh for breathability, high waist design to keep away muffin top distractions among others. All leggings and bike shorts feature high waist thick band for your support and comfort.
Bike Short with high waist thick band
Whether you’re working out or you are in need of super stylish and fashionable athleisure wear or activewear accessories, the BE Active collection will meet your needs and your budgets.
BE Waist trainer with triple belts
BE Active by Brief Essentials is available online at https://briefessentials.com/active as well as in the Brief Essentials HQ, situated in Lagos, Nigeria.
Are you looking to start a new business? Do you want to expand your streams of income? We at The Brief Network will show you 5 businesses you can start with little to no capital.
Thrift Store:This is a business that requires little capital at the first start. People want affordable and beautiful clothes to wear and you can expand as you get more profit and more customers. Models are not needed and fliers can be created with graphic design apps.
Personal Shopper or Cook: There are people that do not have the time or energy to cook. Capital is not needed to start this, you can go door to door or create a media flier and advertise via social media. They pay you to shop for them or cook for them.
Teach a Skill: Do you possess a very creative skill? You can teach via WhatsApp, Instagram, Zoom and any other webinar platform with zero capital. You get paid by those that want to learn.
Be an Event Planner: This requires acquisition of certain skills and creativity, however, you can start an ushering agency as part of the business which will yield extra income. It does require a bit of capital for further trainings and certifications.
Laundry Service: If you’re someone that enjoys washing or you have a washing machine at home, this is for you. No capital needed to start, just wash and get paid. You can then expand as time goes to get a bigger washing machine or eventually own your Laundromat.
There are definitely more businesses that you can start and you can let us know in the comment section.
Share this with your friends, you might just give someone a business idea.
In January 2016, Paystack was founded in Lagos by Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi.
Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi.
Paystack developed technology that enabled businesses accept payments via credit card, debit card, money transfers and mobile money through their websites and mobile apps.
Over 60,000 businesses in Nigeria and Ghana make use of Paystack. The growth and success of this technology in Africa is therefore not hidden from the eyes of bigger industries.
Stripe was founded by Patrick and John Collison about 10 years ago. It was involved with Paystack 2 years ago in an $8 million series A founding round.
Stripe recognized the importance of Paystack especially in this era of growth in the internet economy in Africa.
“Paystack is a growth engine for modern businesses in Africa, and we couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Stripe, whose mission and values are so aligned with ours, to nurture transformative businesses on the continent,” – Shola Akinlade.
The acquisition of Paystack will bring about more resources for a better platform.
This includes newer products, supporting more businesses and filling the gaps in the African e-market.
This is a big win for the Nigerian tech world and this is huge inspiration for all those in the tech world.
Welcome to the Spotlight entrepreneur and our entrepreneur for the day is Zuwaira Ikharo Shuaib
She is the Founder and Creative Director at Amal Botanicals Natural Baby Care Company.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role in your business.
Zuwaira Ikharo Shuaib, a Chartered Accountant & an Alumni of London Business School. I hold a Diploma in Natural Cosmetic Formulation with special focus on babies & children. I am the Founder and Creative Director at Amal Botanicals Natural Baby Care Company.
Amal Botanicals, a leading Natural Baby Care brand that caters specifically to newborns and children of all ages.
What led you into this sector as a career ?
My premature triplets inspired me to go in to the Natural Baby care industry.The passion started after they were born and needed only natural babycare products to use for them.
Enterpreneurship could be hard, what has been the highlight (victories and challenges) of your entrepreneurial journey so far?
Amal Botanicals Store opening at Ikoyi, our first flagship store.
The journey to getting our products certified by NAFDAC wasn’t an easy one, but we are grateful for the successful certification of our products by NAFDAC.
What is it like working in your industry?
Working in our industry its interesting and also challenging. We encounter different challenges on a daily basis but what keeps us going is the vision we have for Amal Botanicals.
How are you staying ahead in spite of covid19 and and what lessons or what advice would you give to anyone who wants to break into your industry?
What’s keeping us ahead inspire is COVID 19 is the love we have for providing healthy skin solutions for babies and children of all ages.
My triplets inspire me on this on a daily basis and I hope for same for every mother, because a healthy baby is a happy 😊 baby.
Advice for anyone breaking through to same industry is to know their craft and continue to horn on their skills. It will certainly pay off eventually.
THE FIRST WOMAN TO WIN THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING’S AFRICA PRIZE FOR INNOVATION
Women are gradually taking the lead in every sector, most especially technology.
26-year-old Charlette is really an inspiration and we love to see this. Young, African woman breaking barriers and setting a standard, this is just what we need.
By winning this award, Charlette N’Guessan can transform cyber security and reduce the prevalence of identity theft here in Africa. This would bring about a huge change and individuals will feel safer financially.
A digital verification system called BACEAPI was created and it makes use of an artificial intelligence and face recognition to verify the identities of individuals where they are in real time and this would reduce identity theft by a large percentage. The award was a $33000 (£25000) award, which is amazing.
This would definitely be helpful for us Africans and we hope it transforms our Internet space and make it a better place.
Charlette N’Guessan really showed the importance of finding the solution to a problem and build on it.
This is an inspiration to every young man and woman, you’re never too young to start innovating and find solutions to world problems.
There is a saying that goes “man is not an island”, this is evident in the desire to have relationships.
Networking is an important part of a huge success story, it can bring about growth, job opportunities or investors but it can’t be achieved by being a lone man.
How do we build the right network?
ATTEND NETWORKING EVENTS:
Any event is a networking event, yes , EVERY.
Be willing to meet new people and have conversations with them and it doesn’t have to be about business but the encounter can bring a change to your business.
As you attend that wedding party, don’t have a closed mind and have your business contact info at the tip of your fingers.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE ON PRIVATE
It’s very obvious we are in the digital age and some potential partners, customer or investor will go through your social media accounts.
If they want to reach you and send a message, it can’t work with a private account.
If you desire your privacy, open a business account and a personal page, which can be made private. This way, you can be reached on your business online platform.
HAVE A LinkedIn ACCOUNT
In 2020, a LinkedIn account is almost as important as having a bank account. It’s so amazing how individuals from opposite ends of the world have networked and took on big projects together.
Create a detailed LinkedIn account, have a professional headshot picture and reach out to individuals in your field or prospective field.
HAVE A MENTOR
A mentor ensures we don’t make the mistakes they made.
A mentor in your field of profession or prospective field of profession can be a stepping stone to getting a higher position. They can speak on your behalf and also introduce you to others that can help you in your field.
These are just a few points on how you can build the right network. The list is exhaustive but the consistent point is being ready to meet others and having an environment in which others can network with you.
We hope this post is helpful, stay tuned for for more inspirational and informative contents.
Welcome to the spotlight entrepreneur. Our spotlight entrepreneur for today is MADAME MODISH, the Style Consultant at Fierce & Modish Ltd, she shares insight into her journey as an entrepreneur.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role in your business.
I am the Style Consultant at Fierce & Modish Ltd, a Personal Brand Publicity & Image Management company, birthed in year 2013. I am a Mass Communications graduate of Covenant University Ota with a Masters Degree in Corporate Communications & Public Affairs from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland. I am also an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and have a Diploma in Media Presentation & Production from the London Academy of Radio, Film & TV. I have worked with multiple global fashion brands and create timeless and artistic brand identities for Celebrities, Corporate, Lifestyle, Fashion, Film and Television industries, through strategic campaigns, a peculiar essence and raw art, in Nigeria. I seek to change the narrative in the creative space by re-emphasizing the power of styling, its professionalism and role in communications, and for any brands looking to etch her legacy on the hearts of its publics, whilst surviving a fierce competition and dynamic business environment.
What led you into this sector as a career ?
Passion. I’ve always had a passion for fashion and style. Turning it into a business was a no – brainer because only the professionals in an industry can shape up things in it. If you wish for a change; be the change because true change starts with you.
What has been the highlight of your entrepreneurial journey so far?
I don’t think anything good comes easy, you have to put in the work. Each milestone in my career has required determination, consistency and resilience so I won’t suggest any different for anyone who intends to embark on such a journey. Writing my book is a victory especially in these times, I am truly ecstatic at the journey of being an Author.
What is it like working in your industry?
The fashion industry is a very dynamic one and that is one of the reasons i constantly fall in love with it. The professionals have to keep up, so it continually keeps you on your toes. In this part of the world, it is even more important to be intentional because quite a number of people still don’t understand the relevance of looking good so you have to keep sensitizing and creating awareness to ensure that a better fashion community, evolves.
You recently launched a Style Book – Modish Maxims, would you like to tell us more about this?
Sure! Modish Maxims is a Style Bible, written to give readers a clear and simple understanding of how to build a basic, essential and advanced wardrobe (based on personality and preference), with the long term aim to achieve a tasteful and consistent personal style. It is a timely publication which gears towards decentralizing the knowledge of styling whilst giving readers’ the power to be stylish and establish the foundation they need to develop and hone a functional, memorable, aspirational and unique Personal Brand.
Modish Maxims is birthed out of my initiative to put the Basic, Essential and Advanced knowledge of my craft (Fashion Styling), which is a substantial part of creating a viable personal and corporate brand, into writing.
The book simplifies the tools you need to create a larger than life persona, tell rich and aesthetically pleasing stories and advertise products, through a strategic and endearing appearance. It boasts of over a hundred illustrated images to aid easy understanding of the multiple stages of fashion and style, delivers a reputable directory of Nigerian Designers & Retailers to patronize for male & female fashion (clothing & accessories) and 50 maxims, to live a fierce fashion & style journey by.
The first Fashion & Style book in Nigeria is a thorough and good read which truly empowers every reader.
As a style expert, what suggestions would you give anyone who wants to take their personal style to the next level?
Get a copy of the first fashion and style book in Nigeria, #ModishMaxims : A Set of Style Rules. This Style Bible helps you discover, develop and hone a functional and unique personal style that works for you.
Where can we get the book?
You can get a copy of #ModishMaxims : A Set of Style Rules in E-book on Kindle and Okada Books, in Paperback outside Nigeria on Amazon and in Hardback within Nigeria, on Paystack and directly from the author @madamemodish
How are you staying ahead inspite of covid19 and what lessons or what advice would you give to anyone who wants to break into your industry?
I did an instagram live session about this during the lockdown. The pandemic has brought a long and uncomfortable pause / limit to the possibilities and execution of creative jobs centered around person’s gathering so it is time to de-centralize your knowledge and expertise from being peculiar to your presence alone, to one that is accessible with or without you physically being available. The end of an era often ushers in a new one, it is time to launch new approaches to an existing function, embrace technology and become a world class brand. Enough of being local and subdued, the world is now, truly for the taking.
Welcome to the spotlight entrepreneur. Today, our spotlight entrepreneur is OLUWAKEMI AKUNNUBI and she has carved a niche for herself in helping individuals chart a course in their career and life journey. Keep reading to learn more.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role in your business. (Your career when you launched your business, your sector, business focus and names)
Oluwakemi Akinnubi is Certified Human Resource Professional, a Career Coach, Author, speaker, and an influencer. I am dynamic young woman with 14years cognate experience in Human Resources. A graduate of History from the prestigious University of Ibadan and a master’s degree holder in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Lagos, A member of CPHR Canada and SHRM U.S.A. I have carved a niche for myself in helping individuals chart a course in their career and life journey.
I am the convener of Hr Springboard a platform assist individual to establish professional goals, create a plan, and overcome obstacles that may be on their path to achieving success in any chosen field. I am a Trail blazer, a Self-starter, very confident, analytical. I love to meet people, exchange cultural values, and leave a positive impression.
What led you into this sector as a career Coach?
First, my passion gave me away. I love to see people excel in their desired profession was one of the driving forces. Secondly, I saw a huge gap in people aligning their skills to their passion. So the idea of Hr Springboard is to help individuals chart a course in the career and life journey, to help them establish professional goals, create a plan, and overcome obstacles that may be on their path to achieving success in any chosen field. This entails career exploration, making career choices, managing career changes, lifelong career development plan and dealing with other career – related issues.
My bumper sticker (My Slogan) “You count” “You can excel” “You are welcome”
Entrepreneurship could be hard, what has been the highlight (victories and challenges) of your entrepreneurial journey so far?
Oh yes very challenging, it is hard but hard work is the wheel behind any success. Also, keep learning everyday because everyone has huge capabilities lurked up in them and we must harness all we need to be successful. A lot of people find it hard to invest in areas like coaching and counselling but over time referrals have been a huge one for us.
Also, there is no one cap that fits all in counselling and Career choices so you must deal with individuals differently. Lot of people sometimes feel you should keep offering free services like you use to do in the past, but I have left that stage a long time ago. My victories are numerous and my session as also therapeutic for me personally which is my major achievement being a career coach. My mandate is that clients are happy and are not left the same way. I do periodic check up on all my clients to see how they are progressing, and still step in to assist them.
What is it like working in your industry?
The HR is a dynamic one but still stable. New trends keep coming and we must keep staying abreast of it. I love my industry and it is a fulfilling one because you are helping people solve issues generally.
What are some of the big goals you hope to achieve in the next 5 years?
I want to own my own Career Coaching Academy and I have 2 more books to write on Career. I also want to have a rehabilitation center to help reinstate people who have off the radii back to their normal life. There are so many ideas in the pipeline, but this readily comes to mind.
How are you staying ahead despite covid19 and what lesson or what advice would you give to anyone who wants to break into your industry?
The effect of COVID 19 has been a humbling experience and some things might never return to its initial stage. So, I urge everyone to maximize this season to self-develop themselves in areas that matter. The Covid19 era is one that will forever be remembered. Breaking into my industry is an easy one. Human Resources is very broad so you must know where you fit in and maximize the niche you have carved for yourself. Hr Analytics is one area that I will encourage newbies to dive into. From doing digital to being digital. Artificial intelligence, robotics, and cognitive solutions grow in sophistication, Human resources professional must ensure we align the organizations objectives with the ways we carry out our responsibilities.
Businesses are to experience growth, it is an expected outcome. It speaks volume and show the work that has been put into it.
Today, we’ll be sharing 5 ways your business can move to the next level.
HAVE A STRONG ONLINE PRESENCE: As we know, technology and the internet is a great tool in the business world. Every business that needs to reach a wide range of customers needs to utilize this platform; The businesses with a thriving online presence utilized the platform during the total lockdown.
BUILD A STRONG TEAM: Have a trained team because they determine the outcome of the business in a very large way. It involves seminars, leadership training, qualification exams and ensuring understanding and passion almost as much as you have.
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS: Being aware of the company expenses and inflow of profit ensures proper managerial skills. The business owner should be aware of the finances of the company.
These 3 tips are just a few out of many but can be helpful in the evaluation of the business and ensuring growth.
Stay tuned for more tips to take your business to the next level.
Follow us @thebriefnetwork on Instagram and the TBN Entrepreneurs Connect group on Facebook.
Welcome to the spotlight entrepreneur, we have another enlightening session today and I must say, it’s filled with words of wisdom. Today, our spotlight entrepreneur is OKEYINFU AJAYI and she is here to change the world through education and technology.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role in your business.
My name is Okeyinfu Ajayi and I am a purpose driven individual who believes people should not remain the same after they have met with me. I am here to change the world via Education and Technology.
I am the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Busy Minds Center, an Educational Institution in Lagos Nigeria, with both online and physical business units. We cater for children aged 3 months to 16 years from two campuses. In addition, we have a Teacher Education and Leadership Development Center.
One of the special parts about my role in Busy Minds Center is Teacher and School Leadership Development. Why, you might wonder. Two critical pillars necessary for high education quality and school culture are, School Leadership and Teacher Quality. Of course, I also enjoy innovating with the school team on programs for the students and ensuring we stay accountable to the parents and our vision. Program Evaluation and Learner Assessments is also a huge part of my role.
I am happy I have a strong senior management team, who are able to take control and run the business, leaving me in the space where I can take a step back and focus on some other things within and outside the business.
Beyond Busy Minds, I run an Outsourcing and Technology Solutions Firm, Ka’Vabe Hub and it exciting to be in a space where I can give functional technology service and advice to SMEs especially, women owned business. I am typically in charge of client acquisition and supervise the entire user experience process and I love being able to talk solutions and integrations in a way that is relatable and most importantly, executable. I am the founder and lead creative for KaVabe Hub.
What led you into this sector as a career?
To be honest, getting into the Education Sector, was 100% unplanned but I am happy with where I am. A friend of mine who worked in a school in Lekki, called, asking me to come and have a chat with her boss because she believed with my operations background, I could help their school get their administration and operations unit sorted. As someone with an administrative background, as soon as I walked in and around the school, I could see some alignment and operational issues.
When I eventually met with Mrs Kalejaiye, I shared my observations and recommendations with her, promising to send a more robust report. As the conversation progressed, she offered me a job. I was interested but I had been a stay at home mom for about three years and I was unsure if I was ready for the leap, especially because I coming in at the highest managerial role. When I took the offer, I planned to help them out for a month or thereabouts. I was there for about four (4) years. I have been in the field of Education since 2009; That’s over 11 years.
When I eventually left Discovery House in 2013, I realised that every business idea I considered paled in comparison to the satisfaction I felt when I thought of getting back into education. That’s how I got back in and I must say it has been amazing being in this sector. A tough but life changing happenstance.
Entrepreneurship could be hard, what has been the highlight (victories and challenges) of your entrepreneurial journey so far?
I agree with you the entrepreneurship can be hard. One of the tough parts is to get beyond the glamour and understand the level of hard work and commitment it takes to run a business. Most people see you as a founder and assume you are having a ball. This gets old and tiring.
Another really huge challenge, is consistent and quality staffing. However, due to our on boarding culture and staff development framework, we can ensure we have people who are ready for the classroom and deliver on our promise. We could of course not forget to talk about governmental polices and poor infrastructure that are not exactly favourable to growth, but we keep powering on.
God has honestly been good to me, whilst I wished some things could be erased, I cannot deny they have made me a stronger leader and a better business individual. Some of my highlights are linked to collaborations that have happened in the educational sector. Being able to collaborate with many Educational leaders, has given the education sector a stronger voice. I am also quite excited about some of the team members I have been blessed with over the years. Their commitment to my vision is exceptional.
Before I started Busy Minds in 2013 April, I had another business which I started in 2008. I was not ready for it and it died despite trying to resurrect it. Now I realise, I was not quite ready for the commitment entrepreneurship required. I was basically playing office.
Success is not defined by others; we need to define it for ourselves and by ourselves.
My unique experiences count, and I do not need a applause to validate me or call me successful.
What is it like working in your industry?
Working in education is a lot of fun to be honest. It is always fresh every single day because we work with children and young adults. It is very intense as we deal with real life children and sometimes, extra sensitive parents but at the end of the day, knowing that we are all working towards the good of the child makes it easier. When the children come to school and feel free enough to share the good and not so great things that happen at home, it can be earth moving. But we smile and spin a tale to make it alright.
Seeing a child that came in shy, progressively become bolder and be able to stand in front of the class and make a presentation is a surreal experience. I love it.
The lack of regulation governing opening schools, means one (a school) can practically spring up right next to you with zero warning. It can be a little unnerving but the truth is, we all have different customers. It is however important that we all deliver quality education and be accountable to all the students and families that walk through our doors. Sometimes, the school hype is a real distraction, causing people to focus on the wrong metrics as determinants of quality education. However, I would not trade it for another sector. I am deeply satisfied here.
How are you staying ahead in spite of covid19 and what lessons or what advice would you give to anyone who wants to break into your industry?
As a business, it is always important to be responsive via an agile feedback process. The pace and quality of change outside your organisation should not out pace you. If it does, your relevance and market share will keep shrinking. Responsiveness is like oil, it keeps things moving. Secondly, communicate and keep the lines of communication open.
At BusyMinds School, we have always had a strong technology component and part of our strategic 3-year plans, was launch our online school. As soon as COVID-19 spread into Europe, we started to look at our plans and think about how to fast-track our online/ Virtual ED Component. We were able to run a 2-week pilot at the end of March/First Week in April and this helped us refine our platform and get it more user responsive.
Another thing I believe is extremely important at this time, is empathy. We are fully in touch with our clients, those who have their children online and those who do not. What we did it to create a free platform for those who were unable to join us online due to several reasons – parents at work, no devices etc. This ensures the children stay on track with learning.
Beyond COVID-19 the online school stays because we have students outside Lagos State and Nigeria. We are drawing up measures to ensure that we can go back to school safely but still retain the essence of robust schooling which goes way beyond concrete learning.
For those want to come into education, I have a few questions for them. If they can answer these questions, they should be fine. Education is an extremely sensitive, so it is best to determine if you are in for the money or the impact. Of course, both streams could lead to money and impact, but the start-up approach is different.
Why Education?
What level for you want to cater to?
What is your unique service position?
Who is your target audience?
How do you plan to let them know you exist?
Why will they come back to you? (Service Measurement)
What curriculum will you use?
What is your Overarching vision for the school and your role?
What location are you looking at for set up?
Does it align with your number 7?
What is your digital integration strategy (Academics and Administrative)
The tips I have shared below have also helped me immensely:
a. Trust God with everything. b. Start where you are but have a self-development plan. c. Communicate clearly; never assume people know what you are about. d. Make your thinking visible e. Have a strong support system f. Know your why/ your core, and build on that g. Think long term and short term and include an execution path with clear next steps and what connections you need to make. h. Leverage network when possible but rely on what you can control i. Be customer centric with a good feedback loop
j. I always ask myself – what needs to change or be improved? k. How can I leverage technology?
