The spotlight is on Oluyemisi Olaoye, an accredited skincare expert and beauty therapist. She is the founder and CEO of Princess Naturals, a prominent skin and beauty therapy enterprise in Lagos. Princess, as she is popularly called, takes us on a journey through her life as an entrepreneur. Enjoy!
Please tell us more about yourself
My name is Oluyemisi Olaoye, and I’m often referred to as Princess. I hold certifications as both an aesthetician and a beauty therapist. My journey in these fields began with training at the Beauty Therapy Institute, where I became a certified beauty therapist. Additionally, I achieved international recognition as a spa therapist through ITEC.
Under the banner of Princess Naturals, I have established a brand that specializes in crafting natural skincare products tailored for both adults and children. Moreover, our endeavors extend to operating a spa that delivers an array of treatments, such as facials, massages, pedicures, manicures, chemical peels, waxing, teeth whitening, lash extensions, and body scrubs. The foundation of Princess Naturals was laid in 2013, and we are now proudly celebrating a decade of operation.
What inspired the business?
The driving force behind the inception of Princess Naturals is my ardent passion for beauty and my unrelenting desire to help people feel and look their best. A personal experience with sunspots on my legs during my youth ignited my exploration into the realm of skincare solutions. Research led me to the benefits of African black soap and other natural ingredients that could potentially fade these spots. After successfully using this mixture on myself, I became inspired to extend this positive change to others.
“Our dedication to skin health is fueled by a desire to help individuals enhance and protect their skin, promoting lasting confidence.”
In 2012, I took the leap from a salaried job to establish Princess Naturals. To ensure optimal service to our clients, I pursued formal education in beauty within Nigeria and achieved international recognition through ITEC. This dedication to my education has provided me with a competitive edge in the industry. The heartening feedback we receive from our clients affirms our commitment to excellence. We have had the privilege of restoring confidence and facilitating radiant, spotless skin for countless individuals, both within Nigeria and globally. Our client base extends across various states in Nigeria, as well as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and more.
How are you navigating through business challenges?
Every enterprise faces its share of challenges. For us, power instability stands as a significant hurdle. Unreliable power supply impacts business productivity, as is often the case across industries in Nigeria. Securing funding is another notable struggle. The high-interest rates imposed by banks have hindered our expansion beyond the two branches we currently operate in Lagos. An influx of funds could have facilitated expansion to other states where we possess a customer base.
“I know I can be what I want to be. If I work hard at it, I’ll be where I want to be”
The inability to expand to other states has also led to delivery challenges. Some customers view delivery fees, particularly for international customers, as steep. Even within Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, the cost of delivery is a concern, particularly considering the recent fuel price hikes. Despite these obstacles, we remain determined to persevere.
A further obstacle lies in sourcing reliable and trustworthy staff who can serve as extensions of the company’s values. As a CEO, it’s crucial to maintain vigilance over various aspects of the business and implement effective processes. However, challenges arise when certain employees seek personal gain at the expense of the business.
How are you upholding the integrity of your business and brand?
Our commitment to maintaining business integrity and fostering customer trust rests upon unwavering principles. We refuse to compromise on the quality of raw materials, opting solely for skin-safe ingredients. This commitment ensures the effectiveness of our products and builds lasting trust among our users. Our products have garnered a loyal following over the years, with customers who continue to patronize us since our inception.
While some clients may briefly explore other brands due to peer pressure or curiosity, they often return to us when they fail to achieve desired results or when skin issues arise. Consistency has been a hallmark of our brand, and the effectiveness of our products serves as a testament to their quality. Our dedication to skin health is fueled by a desire to help individuals enhance and protect their skin, promoting lasting confidence.
Moreover, our spa offerings prioritize professional and therapeutic treatments over mediocrity. This commitment to excellence has resonated with our clientele, who value our devotion to providing top-notch experiences.
How can you rate your growth and what advice do you have for young entrepreneurs in your field?
Over the years, we have experienced substantial growth and evolution, a success attributed to the trust our customers place in us. Although we haven’t reached our ultimate aspirations yet, we remain committed to further growth and expansion beyond our current scope.
“The driving force behind the inception of Princess Naturals is my ardent passion for beauty and my unrelenting desire to help people feel and look their best.”
For individuals aspiring to venture into a similar business or any business venture, my advice is resolute. Approach your endeavors with dedication and perseverance. Embrace consistency and hard work and cultivate the right attitude. A combination of passion, proper training, and the correct mindset can propel you to the pinnacle of your chosen field.
Remember, successful outcomes take time; the quote “I know I can be what I want to be. If I work hard at it, I’ll be where I want to be” encapsulates this journey. Quality and dedication are the foundations of lasting success.
Contact Princess via the link below:
http://wa.me/2348062310488%20hello%20how%20can%20we%20help%20you
https://www.instagram.com/princessnaturals
Discover more from SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
