Tell us about Gather Around Cookies and what inspired you to start.

The pandemic played a significant role in the birth of Gather Around Cookies. I have always enjoyed hosting, cooking, and baking, but I didn't really see it as a business path. I am very particular about using quality ingredients when I cook for my family, but I didn't pay much attention to the quality of restaurant ingredients until the pandemic.

During the pandemic, we had stayed home and done all of our cooking like most during that time. When things started to open back up - I was excited to visit a popular bakery to get a treat but it tasted weird. It was at that point I realized that because we had only had home cooked meals my palate was cleansed. I could taste everything including the preservatives they used in making their baked items.

This was one of the moments that made me decide to turn my baking hobby into a business! I wanted people to be able to enjoy a delicious treat without having to worry about ingredients that don't look like or sound like food.

Hence, the unique selling point of Gather Around Cookies is a commitment to using only the highest quality natural ingredients.

We are currently located in Spring, Texas, but we also ship nationwide. We provide our desserts to a wide range of clients, from individual orders to large organizations.

Tell us a bit about your transition from Nigeria to the US.

I came to the US right after secondary school for college. It was a typical transition—I missed home a little, but I was somewhat prepared for it because I had been in boarding school all through secondary school. I think the biggest adjustment for me was the weather. Summers were fine, but the winters were harsh. Even nearly two decades later, I am still not a big fan of frigid temperatures.

What was it like transitioning from your medical training to the food industry?

The transition from my medical training to the food industry was not a sudden shift, but rather a natural progression. It was a call into business in this season of life. I had the incredible opportunity to pause my medical journey and build this business. The same qualities that were important in my medical journey, such as discipline, integrity, curiosity, passion, and diligence, have been instrumental in starting and maintaining a successful business enterprise. This journey, though challenging, has been incredibly rewarding, and I am inspired by the growth and success of Gather Around Cookies.

What makes Gather Around Cookies different from any other cookie?

What sets us apart is our quality ingredients and superior taste. We pride ourselves on using high-quality ingredients, including organic flour, organic sugar, organic butter and organic eggs.

What marketing strategies have been most effective in getting your business noticed both within and outside the African community?

One of the most effective strategies that has worked for us is promoting our business locally through community involvement, such as farmers markets or local events (large, small, or medium-sized events).

What challenges did you face starting your business, and how did you overcome them?

One of the challenges we faced at the beginning was finding who "our people" were. Every business has a target market: the people who are most likely to identify with and purchase the product you are offering. We knew we had great-tasting, high-quality desserts, but we had to find our target market. Our involvement in local events and farmers markets helped us narrow out that demographic. It helped us see "who" we consistently sold to.

What are some of your proudest moments doing this business?

A proud moment for me was when we had our first customer who wasn't a friend, family or person recommended by a family or friend. It seems so long ago now, but the first person who ordered from us online through an organic search was a real heartwarming experience!

What advice would you give to aspiring African entrepreneurs in the food industry?

Decide why you want to enter this industry, research what it takes to be successful in your niche, find people who have done what you want to do, study their strengths and weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to start small but don't be afraid to make bold business decisions.

Do you have any tips for learning to do business in the diaspora, considering that some processes and compliance laws may differ from those in your home country?

Knowing the laws for the particular business you want to start is important. Each state may have different applicable laws. Starting as a registered company (in many states) is not compulsory, but it's absolutely important! Keep your business finances separate from your personal finances (even if you are a sole proprietor). YouTube is a great resource for gathering information on several business aspects, including where to start.

What resources (books, mentors, courses, funding opportunities, training programs, workshops) have been helpful in your entrepreneurial journey?

I had the opportunity to attend the Business & Entrepreneurship Program at Joseph Business School, and I highly recommend it.

What is your dream for Gather Around Cookies in the near future?

One of our dreams for Gather Around Cookies is to get our delicious desserts into the hands of as many people as possible across the US by opening multiple successful brick-and-mortar stores through franchising opportunities.

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Sunday Faronbi, a seasoned engineer with a career that has taken him across the globe, from Nigeria to the United States, Europe, Africa, and South America, has transitioned from technical expertise to leadership empowerment, carving an inspiring path.

Originating from Nigeria, Faronbi's career in the oil industry was abruptly halted by the political unrest in 1993. Undeterred, he transitioned to the Nigerian Breweries, where his role sparked a passion for automation. This passion accompanied him to the United States in 1998, a move facilitated by the diversity visa lottery. A stroke of luck landed him a position at Siemens Energy & Automation, setting the stage for a remarkable professional journey. 'I had a job waiting for me at Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. before I got here. I did not apply to them and I never saw any job that I applied to from them. They said someone forwarded my resume to them. They were impressed by my experience at the brewery, which aligned with Simon's projects,' Faronbi shared.

Initially an introverted engineer, Faronbi exhibited a disinclination for social interaction, similar to many colleagues. He preferred solitary work unless circumstances dictated otherwise. "It wasn't until assuming leadership roles that I recognized my deficiency in essential leadership skills. This prompted my pursuit of developing these necessary abilities," Faronbi explained.

Driven by a desire to bridge the gap between technical proficiency and effective leadership, Faronbi founded Rehoboth Consulting, Inc. His personal transformation from an introverted engineer to a confident leader became the cornerstone of his coaching and consulting business. Through mentorship and coaching, he empowers STEM professionals and project managers to unlock their full potential.

Faronbi's consultancy enterprise has since soared significantly. People who attend his sessions or conferences find so much value in them that they recommend him to others.

Faronbi has also leveraged word-of-mouth referrals and social media posts, especially LinkedIn. Regarding generating leads, Faronbi continues to work with local Project Management Institute (PMI) chapters. Many people who attend his sessions or complete his PMI courses reach out for coaching after hearing him speak at a conference or learning about him through their organization. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges. This necessitated a rapid shift to online platforms, prompting him to set up a home office equipped for virtual presentations and webinars.

Faronbi's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and personal growth. His journey from engineer to leadership coach is an inspiration for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in their careers and communities.

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AFI: Tell us about Evawambuibags and how it all started. Why bags?

I started my brand with a different name, Hope & Bags. Then, I renamed it Evawambuibags because after coming to the U.S., I was diagnosed with leukemia about a year and a half later. I wanted to change the narrative about myself. I came to this country alone, not knowing anyone. I wanted to tell a different story about my life through my bags. I wanted to show that I am so much more than just battling cancer. I wanted to show that I'm strong and I can do other things. I work in IT, but I also wanted to create a luxury bag line that tells a story. Each bag has a name - Grace, Faith, Warrior - and a description explaining the meaning behind the name. I also wanted to create employment for women and to give back to Kenya, the country that raised me.

AFI: Can you share your experience transitioning from Kenya to the US?

Like many Africans, I came to America for a better life and better opportunities that I couldn't get in Kenya. I moved to the US through a summer camp program with the YMCA.

AFI: What makes Evawambuibags different from the other brands?

I believe the narrative woven into each bag truly distinguishes them. While there are countless leather bags in the market, mine carry a unique story. They are not just a brand; they are a statement. When you hold one of my bags, it could evoke memories of your own struggles, or it could symbolize triumph. That's the essence of my bags. They serve as a reminder that I'm just another African woman in America, navigating life's challenges. We all have battles, but I hope my bags foster a sense of connection.

AFI: How do you ensure the quality of materials sourcing and the sustainability of your production process?

I have a business partner in Kenya because I'm in the U.S. We have connections with good tanneries in Kenya. They know quality is paramount. We are blessed to have found tanneries that produce excellent leather for us. It's not cheap, but good leather never is. Then, we have amazing employees who see the value of what we're doing.

AFI: Can you share some of the early challenges you faced in starting Evawambuibags and the strategies you used to overcome them?

The biggest challenge was starting a business and finding someone who understood my "why." Being so far away, I moved back to Kenya for about eight months to build those relationships and establish legitimacy. Finding someone who understood what I was trying to convey was also challenging. But once I found my partner, we've been doing great things together. There are challenges with shipping, but honestly, the biggest worry is sometimes feeling alone so far away from the team.

AFI: How did you source your startup funding? Are there resources or grant opportunities you want to share?

I wish I knew the answer to that! I've used my money and maybe a small loan from my bank, but honestly, I haven't received a single grant yet. A friend believed in me and gave me my first investment to start. She's like, "We'll just help you. We'll just start with one bag,” then one bag turns into 2. It wasn't much, but it felt like someone believed in what I was doing. However, I'm still in search of grants.

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AFI: What exciting feedback have you gotten from customers?

When someone relates to a bag. A friend lost her mom and carried my bag for a long time, not knowing it was called Grace. Her sister wanted a bag and left me a video note saying, "I carried a bag that symbolizes everything my mother was." I was like, "Okay, I am truly doing something right." Another friend had just returned from Ghana, and the compliments she got on the bag made her feel good. Customers ordering because of the story behind it. Business has its challenges. Trust me, I get discouraged sometimes, but when you hear stories like that, I want to keep going.

“When you hold one of my bags, it could evoke memories of your own struggles, or it could symbolize triumph. That's the essence of my bags.”

AFI: Evawambuibags is more than a business; it is also a community. Can you discuss your approach to building this community and its importance to your brand?

I want to build a brand that, when I'm long gone, is still a brand that anybody can look back on and say, "Eva started this because..." I want to be remembered for more than cancer. When I buy a bag, I want to remember that cause. I've told my business partner if anything ever happens, I want you to keep going. I don't want my business to end with me. I wanted to keep telling stories. I wanted to still be very relatable. We also try to keep the price as best as we can so that people buy the bag because it's also affordable. It's luxury, but it's also affordable. I don't charge insane costs.

AFI: Can you talk about your marketing strategies? What has worked? What hasn’t?

Currently, I'm just online. I don't have a store. If you find your niche in online business, you may not need a store. Regarding marketing, it's mostly word of mouth. I was buying ads at some point, but I don't think they are very effective. I think it's more of word of mouth. And then, at our networking events, I am also trying to go to networking events, tell them about my business, and also look for collaborations.

I feel like every time I learn something, I try to do pop-ups, but it is not always very feasible for me. So, to answer your question, e-commerce is where you can find me, sliding the DMs. Or just let me know if you're interested. Or my website.

AFI: What advice would you give aspiring African entrepreneurs?

Find your people. Find people who encourage you. I am so blessed that my friends constantly remind me. I am on the right path, and it may seem hard, but nothing good comes easy. Wake up, and do not leave the bed until you are convinced that your why is still why you want to keep doing it. If things get back, write it down, read it, and paste it around you. Do whatever it takes to keep seeing why you're doing this and not giving up. It is not easy. You must believe in what you're doing and know that faith. Hang on to whatever you're doing right, and you will find your break, but you just have to keep going. You have to believe in yourself and your product or service. And make it the best you can. Right?

AFI: Evawambuibags has already made a mark. What are your long-term goals for the brand, and how do you envision expanding its impact?

"Oh, my gosh! I recognize that bag, right?" That is what I want to hear. Like, "Eva, I was in Europe and saw your bag. You know I was in Japan, and I saw 3 of your bags." That is what I want. I want to see people wear this bag because it changed their lives. I just don't want it to be a bag. I want it to be very impactful. But then, to be impactful everywhere, we also want to give back because people have challenges. We try to give back, and when we give back, half the time, somebody sends us somebody who buys a bag, and that's not the reason we do it, but because I have been given so much. To be able to give somebody else hope. So basically, we want to be everywhere, but with the right message.

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AFI: What is Trameter, and What inspired you to create Trameter?

Trameter is a travel-tech startup that simplifies vacation planning. Our app creates personalized trip packages in seconds based on your budget and preferences to anywhere in the world. Inspired by the frustrations of traditional travel planning, we built Trameter to streamline the process and combat overtourism. We've been developing Trameter for 4 years and are now expanding beyond iOS. About 51% of people would visit a previous destination just to avoid the research and planning process for a new one. These reasons were enough to inspire my co-founder and me to start Trameter. Our app helps travelers save time and avoid the overwhelming research and planning process. By providing tailored trip options, we encourage travelers to explore new destinations and contribute to sustainable tourism.

We’re based out of Denver (Colorado) and have been building Trameter for the past 4 years. We’re a team of 10 and will expand the next year as we scale the product beyond iOS to Android and Web.

AFI: Can you share your experience transitioning from Nigeria to the US?

My journey from Nigeria to the US was a family dream. I pursued computer science and human-computer interaction degrees in the US, inspired by a childhood dream of becoming a robotics engineer. Soon after, I also got my MSc in Human-Computer Interaction, which was when I got the idea for Trameter. My Nigerian upbringing has shaped my understanding of different cultures and influenced my approach to designing Trameter, especially in how it can personalize itself to different people and meet their needs like a friend who knows them. This also influenced my decision to personalize Trameter to each country rather than build one product for all.

AFI: How does Trameter differentiate itself from existing travel apps?

Trameter is a revolutionary travel app that simplifies vacation planning. You only need to enter your details, such as your destination, budget, dates, and other preferences, and Trameter instantly delivers personalized package options within your budget in 45 seconds or less. Trameter is absolutely free to use. We've partnered with major travel companies to offer over 2 million hotels and 95% of flights worldwide. Our achievement is a rare feat in the travel industry – in fact, what we’ve built has been tagged the holy grail of travel.

We are bringing an end to the stressful research and manual comparisons. Trameter streamlines the process by finding and combining the best flights, hotels, and experiences for your trip. Our advanced algorithms analyze your preferences and budget to create tailored packages that suit your expectations. We are licensed to book travel globally, so Trameter controls the entire process without redirecting you to any third party.

AFI: What resources, training, online courses, or certifications prepared you for this innovation?

I studied computer science and human-computer interaction, laying the foundation for Trameter's algorithms. My co-founder, a seasoned travel professional with over a decade of experience, brings her expertise in hotel management and customer service to the table. Together, we combine our knowledge to create a seamless and personalized travel experience for users. She’s a licensed travel agent with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. She has worked with Amex Travel and has a degree in Hotel Administration. She’s the Olivia Pope of travel, just without the fame.

AFI: Who is Trameter's ideal user? Are there specific demographics or travel styles you cater to?

Vacationers! Trameter is for anyone taking a vacation, holiday, or trip where they need both accommodation (hotel) and transportation (flight). This could be for solo trips, birthdays, group trips, graduations, or anything else. Trameter can handle any budget. In cases where your budget might be too low, the app automatically finds the closest package to your budget without any further instruction. Give it a shot!

AFI: How did you raise your start-up fund, and how does the app generate revenue? Are there partnerships with travel providers or other revenue streams planned?

We are fully bootstrapped (we haven’t raised any institutional funds). However, we’ve got lots of support from accelerators, grant providers, families, and friends. Our goal was to get the product out there before considering raising funds.

Regarding revenue, we earn commissions on every trip booked through our partners. We are working on partnering with other players in the insurance space, vacation homes, car rentals, trains, buses, and so on. This will further increase our revenue. Our future will not be solely based on commissions. We will be expanding into data. Our expectation is that this will outgrow our commissions in the near future.

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AFI: Can you talk about your marketing strategies? What has worked? What hasn’t? Are you open to collaboration and investment opportunities?

We thought building this product was the most challenging thing. Then we got to marketing, and it humbled us lol… Our current strategies target our early adopters – those burdened by trip planning to the point it stops their vacation. We are reaching them through community platforms such as ProductHunt, IndieHackers, Reddit, and a hundred more. We are also partnering with social media influencers and blog reviewers. So far, launching on community platforms has worked really well. We’re yet to fully implement the other strategies, so we can’t speak to them for now.

So far, what hasn’t worked is our positioning. The problem of trip planning is a big deal, and most travelers know this. The challenge, however, is that companies not truly solving this problem constantly describe themselves as solving it, making it almost impossible to trust any company that says they’re solving it. So, we’re working on other ways to differentiate our message while still hitting the pain points of vacation planning.

Yes, we’re open to collaborations and investment opportunities. Please reach out if you’d like to talk about either or both.

“My Nigerian upbringing has shaped my understanding of different cultures and influenced my approach to designing Trameter”

AFI: What challenges have you faced so far, and how do you navigate competition in the travel tech space?

Our challenges cut across building technology, getting travel partners, and funds.

Technology: this was huge. Building Trameter was no small feat, especially as there was and still is nothing like it in the market. Everything we did was in-house, and we had to think outside the box and create tools and tech to support our goal. Secondly, integrating with partners was worse than we thought. Most used legacy systems with support teams that took weeks to respond. Honestly, I don’t want to relive this part because it greatly wasted our time and resources. The good thing is that it’s a one-time integration, so we’ve crossed that bridge for now.

In terms of partnership, most travel companies are biased towards companies that are more established. This was a major huddle for us, but we kept pushing until we got our first major partnership with the biggest GDS in travel, Amadeus. From there, we started getting other major partnerships and have many more in the work. We also got our licenses to book travel. This is a rare feat for a company at our stage. 

One huge benefit of getting our license is that we can now operate as our host agency, which gives us full commissions compared to 90% of travel startups who use the license of a bigger travel company, they are sometimes forced to give up to 50% of their commissions, making it almost impossible for them to grow or outgrow their competitors.

Fund: When we first started pitching the idea of trip planning in 45 seconds or less, most investors passed on us – they couldn’t imagine this to be true and thought we were flat-out lying. So, we changed it to trip planning in 5 minutes or less, and that still didn’t work lol… We decided to focus on just building until we launched before returning to this. We are intentional about building a generational company that is not reliant on investor funds. Not because we have the cash to run Trameter perpetually, but because we know what we are building and don’t want our existence to be at the mercy of someone else.

AFI: What exciting feedback have you gotten from customers?

We got a traveler who told us Trameter would save his marriage lol… he said it was always a tough time planning their annual family vacation. When it gets too tough, he would bribe his wife with a nice dinner date to take over the planning process. He even offered to pay us and was shocked when we told him the app was free to use.

AFI: What's the next step for Trameter? Do you envision expanding beyond the iOS platform or introducing new features?

Yes! We have a lofty vision. The app we’ve built today is a super-minimalistic version to test the technology's viability. Now that we have it, we’re on full ride to go after the full product. First, we will upgrade the UI to make it aesthetically pleasing and inspiring travel. We will also add some exciting features like multi-city, semantic search for natural language conversation, group trip planning, and advanced preferences.

In terms of expansion, Android and Web will come soon. Beyond them, we plan to expand into other countries starting next year. The goal is global expansion.

AFI: What advice would you give aspiring African entrepreneurs in the diaspora, particularly those in the tech space?

Don’t let fear lead – pursue your dream.

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AFI: Tell us about Any Lab Test Now and what inspired you to start 

My husband and I are the owners of Any Lab Test Now, Reno, Nevada. Any lab test now, Nevada, is a franchise model headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and it has stores in many places in the US. One thing I do like about the company is that it's a group of women who've come together to really empower other people. The primary purpose of Any Lab Test Now is to give people options for their medical lab tests. It's a place where you can get your lab test done regardless of your insurance status. We provide transparent pricing upfront. When you visit the website, you see the price; you know what you're paying, so there is no surprise billing. We also respect our clients' time because we know people have busy lives. We don't want to keep you waiting. You can get your tests done in under 15 minutes. You need not spend 2 hours in line. We offer both walk-ins and appointments.  Our ultimate goal is to serve our community, so our prices are very affordable. We had a grand opening in June 2024.

AFI: When and why did you move from Nigeria to the US?

I moved to the US in January 2010. My husband and I both have a background in engineering, and I worked as a design engineer in Nigeria. However, when I got here for graduate school, I had a taste of an MBA and, from there, to information systems. I love technology, but I also love being able to relate to people.

AFI: What was it like transitioning from an engineering background to a biomedical enterprise?

It took a growth mindset. I usually have something in my bathroom that says, “I have the capacity to acquire any knowledge that would take me to the next level.” There's really nothing the human mind cannot do when we set our hearts to it. On the other hand, my husband took the state-required licensing exams to get certified, and we divided up tasks and learned new things as a team. 

AFI: Many people come to the US with a small dream, not to build a big enterprise. How did you see beyond a regular salary job?

As a couple, we just sat down and asked what kind of life we wanted for our kids. You know, now you have a house and a degree, you go on vacation, but how can we build wealth for the children, something that will outlast us? Sometimes, we don't really understand how the things we see impact us. My dad worked for the government but also had a business. Although I used to say I was not a salesperson, business was in my subconscious. Getting a business is not a joke, and it takes a lot of sacrifices, but we're like, can we make the sacrifice now that we can and then afterward see the gains? One interesting thing about business is that once you have one, it's easy to start thinking of more.

AFI: What marketing strategies have been most effective in getting your business noticed both within and outside the African community? 

Because this is a franchise, we do a lot of high-level marketing. But we're also local, so the most effective marketing strategy is leveraging relationships. That is the one-on-one strategy. We meet with doctors, especially African doctors in our network, who can refer people to the lab. I have a day in the week when I go out to some of the hospitals and reach out. I take fliers out. We also have a good staff member who has been in the medical field for a long time, so we also leverage her relationships. Also, being a member of the Chamber of Commerce and attending events has really been helpful.

AFI: What challenges did you face starting your business, and how did you overcome them? 

A major challenge we had earlier was finding the right location that meets the franchise specifications. Real estate prices were very high when we got to the right location. We also ran into issues with our first contractor, who had to renovate the building. Due to some distance barrier, we had to cancel his contract and find another contractor, which delayed our start time. Hiring the right people was another challenge. Sometimes, you make an appointment, you're ready for the interview, and people cancel at the last minute. Thankfully, we eventually found a great person. Getting healthcare providers to hear about our services is also challenging. Above all, we are learning to maximize whatever opportunity we have.

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AFI: What are some of your proudest moments doing this business?

The joy of owning a business and showing your kids that it's possible is indescribable, as is the excitement of carrying them along. Sometimes, they say, “Oh, God, send a gazillion customer!” Another joyful moment was during our grand opening in June when people from the Chamber of Commerce and other business owners came, and we discussed ideas for doing business together.

“Getting a business is not a joke, and it takes a lot of sacrifices, but we're like, can we make the sacrifice now that we can and then afterward see the gains?”

AFI: What advice would you give aspiring African entrepreneurs interested in buying a franchise like you did? Do you have any tips for learning to do business in the diaspora, considering that some of the processes and compliance laws may differ from those in your home country? 

I'd say go for it after you've done your research. People say business is a gamble, but it's good if you research well. See the trends. Sometimes, things don't work as planned, but even if they did not, you've learned something. If you have any inclination, go for it. Start at a level that you can and keep building it.
Familiarize yourself with applicable laws in your State because every State has different laws. Find the laws that apply to the kind of business you do. Also, build relationships. Sometimes, you need someone who is in to open the door for you. Plus, you need excellent customer service no matter what business you do. Work on excellent communication skills and be confident. Don't be bothered about your skin color or accent. Your people will gravitate towards you.

AFI: What resources (books, mentors, courses, funding opportunities, training programs, workshops) have been helpful in your entrepreneurial journey?

I prioritize personal development because I believe in investing in myself. Read books or get a good coach in the area you are not. I learn from Dave Ramsey's resources. Regarding funding opportunities, universities and states usually have something to help. They ask people to do things like a poster presentation and all that. There's always something available if we can research in the right places.

AFI: What is your dream for Any Lab Test Now in the near future?

I see it expanding from the one store we have now to a couple of stores around here, making giant strides and helping people. We look forward to having more staff, more time on our hands, and doing well in the community.

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AFI: Tell us about EriGlow Organics and what inspired you to start 

EriGlow is an e-commerce skincare business offering body butter (3 variants), body oils (2 variants), an exfoliating scrub, and African black soap gel. We ship to the US, Canada, and the UK. 

Shortly after I moved to the US, all the big-brand lotions and creams I used stopped working for my skin. I started experiencing severe dry skin. I dreaded winters, especially in Minnesota, where we have extended winter months. I tried several creams, from the regular to the advanced formulations; sometimes, I even mixed them. However, it did nothing for me. At some point, I had to visit my primary care doctor, who prescribed steroids for me to use. I obliged but knew that this wasn’t the best option for me. 

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This challenge was what gave birth to EriGlow Organics. I reached out to my sister in Nigeria, who was into locally made and organic skincare products. I had her send me raw shea butter and cold-pressed coconut oil. I began to mix these ingredients, used them, and saw improvement in my skin. So, I kept tweaking the recipe to determine what worked and what didn't. At the point where I shared the butter with friends, I didn't even have a name or branding for it. I would make a large batch and share it with my close friends. When they gave birth, I would provide them with a tub, and they all loved the effect on their baby's skin. Some even tossed out a whole set of big brands in favor of my product. 

Soon, I learned more about plant butter, plant oils, essential oils, etc. This is how EriGlow Organics LLC started. My amazing sister is the chief formulator. She creates the base for our recipes, which I build upon.

AFI: Tell us about your transition from Nigeria to the US. 

I moved to the US in 2014 to join my husband three years after we got married. So, I entered on a spousal visa/green card. 

I've always been entrepreneurial. Before leaving Nigeria, I ran a fresh fruit juice business, helping people make better and healthier nutritional choices. I catered to events like weddings, parties, small groups, and organizations and even had a storefront. I partnered with local farmers and sellers to source fruits and vegetables directly. 

Before that, I did cross-state selling. I sourced items readily available in the South-West but not readily available in the North where I lived (like ofada rice, ijebu garri, and adire). Similarly, I brought items from the North to the South-West, such as leather wears. 

AFI: What makes EriGlow Organics different from any other skincare product/brand? 

At EriGlow, we are committed to high-quality standards to create non-toxic, hypoallergenic products made with organic, natural ingredients. The goal is to continue to churn out products that enhance the natural glow of our customers' skin. EriGlow's vision is to help people fall in love with the beauty of their skin without using products containing harmful chemicals or ingredients. Many of our ingredients are edible. We don't mean you should use our products for food—that's not the purpose. However, the ingredients are things you use for food—some are even superfoods. As with many businesses, products may appear similar, but as the saying goes, "the proof is in the pudding." So come join the EriGlow Organics family. Smiles.

We also care about humanity. From its inception, the business has been committed to social impact. A percentage of our proceeds goes to non-profit organizations whose vision, impact, and values align with ours. Additionally, through a local partner, we empower women in rural communities by providing access to new markets and ensuring fair and ethical trade.

AFI: Considering that you are trained as a Salesforce professional, what resources have been helpful in your entrepreneurial journey?

Whoosh! I'm still on the entrepreneurial journey while working in the corporate world as a Salesforce consultant. The beauty of entrepreneurship is that no previous knowledge or skill goes to waste. My experience in customer service has been immensely valuable to the business, especially during pop-up markets. The same goes for client relations, which is essential as a consultant. As a Salesforce professional, I can leverage my knowledge and skills to meet our CRM needs. 

Here are some helpful books: The Holy Bible, The Audacity of Faith by Kelvin Armstrong, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, The Trusted Advisor, The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, and We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers. 

Other resources: The US offers several resources to help launch your business. Research the ones available in your state, county, or city. Here are a few I've found helpful: SCORE often hosts webinars or workshops. My county also offers valuable resources. 

Mentorship is key. Seek to learn from those who have walked the path before you or who are where you aspire to be. I've utilized both free and paid mentorship opportunities along the way. 

AFI: Funding is usually a significant consideration for many entrepreneurs. How did you source funding? 

Funding is crucial and can determine a business's survival. I've bootstrapped the company thus far and continue to do so, but I'm also exploring grant opportunities in these initial years. 

However, limited financial resources shouldn't be a reason to quit. Do what you can with what you have, and keep reinvesting your capital. The focus is on generating profit until we reach a point where we can comfortably pay ourselves. It's a necessary sacrifice for the time being. 

AFI: Your business involves sourcing quality products from Africa & across the US. What’s that production chain like? How do you coordinate the production?

All our products are currently made in the US, either in my garage or kitchen. We source our key ingredients from various locations: shea butter from Ghana and Nigeria, baobab oil and cocoa ash pod from Nigeria, and other ingredients from around the US. Jars, bottles, labels, and shipping materials are also sourced domestically.

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AFI: What marketing strategies have been most effective, what challenges did you face starting your business, and how did you overcome them?

Social media, referrals, and pop-up markets drive our marketing efforts. However, challenges include shipping logistics and gaining visibility in the crowded skincare market, particularly the organic segment. Like most startups, I wear many hats: product creation, sales, operations, and content marketing. It's demanding but rewarding. Another challenge is expanding beyond our initial customer base (warm market). We're incredibly grateful for their support. Sourcing authentic ingredients and managing their imports adds another layer of complexity. Entrepreneurship is definitely not for the faint of heart!

“ Limited financial resources shouldn't be a reason to quit. Do what you can with what you have, and keep reinvesting your capital”

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AFI: What are some of your proudest moments doing this business? 

Every repeat order and positive customer feedback uplift me. It's humbling to see and hear the impact EriGlow Organics products have, making the journey truly worthwhile.

AFI: What advice would you give aspiring African skincare entrepreneurs?

Know your purpose, research thoroughly, and never compromise on quality standards. I'm disheartened to see this industry exploited by those prioritizing profit over user well-being. Don't be part of that. Remember, every journey starts with a single step. Believe in yourself and keep moving forward.

AFI: Do you have any tips for learning to do business in the diaspora, considering that some compliance laws may differ from those in your home country? 

Remember to research and register your business, but don't pay for your EIN—it's free! I almost made that mistake myself. Keep good records and seek professional help when needed. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks. For example, I had to outsource our current website (it's much better than what I did myself for our first website could do myself), and I outsource getting my taxes done. Cutting corners can backfire. 

One last point: passion is not a business. Differentiate between the two early on in your journey. 

AFI: What is your dream for EriGlow Organics in the near future?

My vision for EriGlow Organics is multifaceted. I see an expansion of our product line (including some exciting new offerings I'm developing). I envision EriGlow on store shelves, becoming the go-to solution for skincare enthusiasts who prioritize healthy ingredients. I see us achieving our first million dollars in revenue and profitability. I picture a team working in our warehouse and the smiles of those we've impacted through our social initiatives. Ultimately, I see EriGlow reaching a global audience and becoming a recognized brand worldwide.

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