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Deprecated: Required parameter $value follows optional parameter $option_id in /home/bellafr3/debug.bellafricana.com/wp-content/plugins/unyson/framework/extensions/megamenu/helpers.php on line 193 From Rebrand to Radiance: The Timeless Elegance of Moelle Essentials - Bellafricana
From Rebrand to Radiance: The Timeless Elegance of Moelle Essentials
How Doyinsola Ogbeifun is redefining occasion wear with a focus on fit, femininity, and confidence
When you meet Doyinsola Ogbeifun, founder of Moelle Essentials, there’s an instant calm that draws you in, the kind that comes from someone who understands grace, structure, and the quiet power of confidence.
Her journey into fashion wasn’t a loud or impulsive one. It was built over time, shaped by observation, curiosity, and an ever-present desire to create clothes that make women feel as good as they look.
A Pause, A Rebirth
Moelle Essentials first came to life in 2018, born from Doyinsola’s vision to design elegant, well-fitted pieces for women of all shapes and sizes. But as with most creative journeys, there was a moment of pause — a three-year break that became a period of reflection and rediscovery.
In 2022, Moelle Essentials returned rebranded, refocused, and ready to redefine occasion wear.
The brand found its rhythm again, this time with a clearer purpose: to celebrate diverse body types through elegant, accessible designs that don’t compromise on quality or comfort.
Fashion That Fits Every Woman
Walk into Moelle Essentials’ world, and you’ll find pieces that speak of balance, classic yet modern, bold yet feminine. From flowing dresses that move like poetry to structured fits that celebrate the body’s natural silhouette, every design is made to make women stand tall.
Whether you’re petite, curvy, or tall, Moelle offers both ready-to-wear (RTW) and made-to-measure pieces. The goal? To eliminate the struggle of finding occasionwear that truly fits.
As Doyinsola puts it,
“Elegance should never be a privilege. It should be accessible — and it should fit.”
The Moelle Woman
The Moelle woman knows her worth. She loves sophistication without shouting it. She values quality but also seeks versatility. And above all, she wears her confidence like her favourite dress effortlessly.
Every piece by Moelle Essentials is designed with that woman in mind. From the first sketch to the final stitch, Doyinsola ensures that comfort, style, and precision go hand-in-hand.
Redefining Occasionwear
Moelle Essentials has carved a niche in occasionwear, reimagining what it means to dress up. It’s not just about sequins or silhouettes; it’s about emotion. The feeling of slipping into a dress that fits perfectly. The quiet excitement of looking in the mirror and saying, Yes, this is me.
With elegant fabrics, timeless cuts, and detail-oriented craftsmanship, Moelle’s creations are meant to stay in your wardrobe, and your memory for years to come.
The Future of Moelle
As Moelle Essentials continues to grow, one thing remains clear: the brand isn’t chasing trends — it’s setting a standard.
It’s about creating clothes that tell stories of women who rise, reinvent, and walk into every room like it was designed for them.
And in that story, Moelle Essentials isn’t just making dresses. It’s making statements — one confident woman at a time.
I am honoured and thrilled to introduce you to the Founder of Scents Pro, Boluwatife Adeife in this exclusive interview.
With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Scents Pro Luxury for an exclusive interview.
Please Introduce yourself and your background.
My name is Boluwatife Adeife. A Nigerian and the creative director and chandler of Scents Pro, an indigenous fragrance company where we create premium quality, hand crafted home and space fragrances in diffusers, scented candles, et al.
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
Scents Pro was birthed from the love for scents generally and how particular I’ve always been about my space and it’s general appearance. I was (still am) a fragrance lover, but when I did my research on home scents I realized at that time, there wasn’t a lot of indigenous brands, accessibility to international brands was a challenge and the quality of these international brands, as regards raw materials for production, was not 100% in most cases.
So Scents Pro Luxury came in, to bridge the gap by providing eco friendly, toxic free and luxurious home scents that’s would bring some level of comfort into homes and spaces.
How did you come about the name and what does it mean?
An expert in any field is called a PRO. An expert with Scents, is a Scents Pro.
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
Indigenous and Toxic free(eco friendly). These were what seemed to be missing at the time we were going to start. These days, people are more open to buying locally made products and the fact that they are vegan and eco friendly makes it even better as people have become more conscious.
Where do you get inspiration for your products?
I get inspiration from everywhere, from different people and brands.
Can you remember one of the first products you made?
A scented candle. I was over the moon excited even though it was obviously not perfect.
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
Running the business in general. It can be overwhelming
Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?
Not at all.
What is your most popular product?
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?
Scents Pro is an indigenous brand. Our products are all 100% locally hand made
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
Short term goal is to evolve and improve generally in every area of the business. Long term goal is to be the leading and most preferred home fragrance brand in the Nigeria and West Africa.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I speak French
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?
Sales and Marketing
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
Build your brand at your own pace and not compare with existing brands.
To connect with Scents Pro, you can follow and contact her via:
It is no doubt that scent is the first thing people notice when they enter your home. Scented candles may seem invisible yet it is a very unforgettable and ultimate accessory everyone should have. There is nothing as good as inhaling good and healthy air with great comfort and scented candles help you achieve that goal. The beauty of scented candles is how well put together and nicely packaged it is. It doesn’t only brighten up the atmosphere of a place, but also serves as an accent piece to every space.
Just as the saying, “you can’t buy happiness but you can buy scented candles”. This may sound ridiculous but somehow truthful. Fragrances and a well-scented environment have a whole lot to do with our moods and feelings. Psychology further explains that the smell of scented candles stimulates our limbic system, that part of the brain responsible for emotions and memories. When a space lacks a good scent, it could lead to discomfort and inconvenience.
Here are the top 5 examples of scented candles with reasons why you need them in your space;
FLAMES AND PATCHOULI-SCENTED CANDLES CREATE A DESIRABLE AMBIENCE AND ATMOSPHERE
Scented candles create a relaxing and inviting ambiance. Have you ever just sat and stared at a candle that was flickering nearby? You’ve probably noticed that it generates a pleasant, soothing, and cozy ambiance. A few strategically positioned candles can help you instantly create a pleasant and intimate ambiance in your house.
Adding a candle here and there softens the environment and makes it feel instantly warmer and more pleasant. Candles are well-known for their calming and healing effects, and therapists, such as massage. Therapists commonly use them to create a peaceful environment in their treatment rooms. With its gorgeous flicker and mellow glow, the simple act of lighting a candle helps to relax and soothe the mind. Give it a shot.
Flames and patchouli candles, a signature of Abela world scents, contain a rich blend of juicy-floral notes, laced with musky-woody notes of rosewood, cashmere, ambergris, patchouli, and tobacco for seductive complexity. Flame & Patchouli is a signature scent that is richly sexual. Surrender to your inner passion and nature’s alluring power, conveying the abstract essence of searing fury.
FLAMES AND PATCHOULI CANDLES
2. FOOTPRINT AND LEATHER CANDLES ARE HEALTHY FOR YOUR ENVIRONMENT.
Self-care and mental health are important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, burning candles can aid in the creation of the ideal environment for promoting serenity and well-being. Consider burning a candle if you’re ever gripped by fear or worrying thoughts. Aromatherapy candles have already been shown to have stress-relieving properties in several studies. Keep in mind, however, that not all candles are made equal, and some could be hazardous to your health.
As a result, you must know what’s in your candle’s compounds. Footprint and leather candle is an embodiment of the warmth of the African soil, it encapsulates subtle gourmand notes with the warm and luxurious aroma of clean earth in its heart of tarragon, sweet grass, violet leaf, fine leather, amber, and sandalwood. This right combination of ingredients might help with anxiety if one ever is engulfed with fear and anxious thought. it is also a rich and sensual fragrance manufactured by Abela by scents of Africa, a fragrance brand inspired by African stories. This brand not only has a wide variety of well-scented candles, but it also produces exotic fragrances that are therapeutic, sweet, and have sultry experiences, this signature scent should be top of your list as this scintillating scent will whisk you away.
FOOTPRINT AND LEATHER CANDLES
3) MUDHUT AND GINGER LEAF FACILITATE COMFORT
According to science, ginger is loaded with antioxidants and compounds that prevent stress and damage to your body’s DNA. they also help the body fight off chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and disease of the lungs, and it promotes healthy aging too.
As a result of the great benefits of ginger Abela by scents of Africa made these Aromatherapy candles that can help you relax, feel calm, energized, and put your mind in a more productive mode. Mudhut and ginger leaf candles can help you relax and relieve stress.
These candles are energizing and help with Abela by scents of Africa concentration. Lemon candles are also energizing, and they can help with anxiety and depression. it is intricately sweet and leathery combining the delightful and refined aroma of osmanthus blossoms with a sensuous heart of patchouli and the suspenseful note of savory leaves.
MUDHUT AND GINGER
(4) PASSION AND YLANG CANDLES ADD A SPARK OF CELEBRATION AND ROMANCE.
As the name implies “passion’’, this candle is capable of igniting a special bond, it is intricately sweet and leathery combining the delightful and refined aroma of osmanthus blossoms with a sensuous heart of patchouli and the suspenseful note of savory leaves.
Passion & Ylang Perfume Candle has an exotic soul, with a seductive core of parma violets and tuberose, as well as a hint of pimenta and ylang ylang essential oils. The heart notes, which have a slightly heady, sweet, exotic, and complex floral smell, claim origin and cultivation in North and South Africa. This Abela by Scents of Africa Signature perfume has a cheerful and elegant fragrance.
PASSION AND YLANG CANDLE
(5) RUSTIC WOOD AND CINNAMON CANDLES ADD LIFE TO YOUR DECOR AND SPACE.
Candles add a sophisticated touch to every room in your house. Abela by scents of Africa offers very wide options of scented candles to choose from: you may use delicate colors to bring a gentle touch to any space, or you can go for bright, strong colors to create a large statement. Candles are incredibly adaptable; they come in a variety of forms and look excellent in any setting.
Candles in the bathroom provide a spa-like ambiance, while candles strategically arranged throughout your living area create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere (very hygge). Meanwhile, candles as the centerpiece of your dining room table create a beautiful candlelit dinner environment, while kitchen candles provide a welcoming atmosphere while also killing odors.
Experience the transposing aroma of exotic “wood” tar in conjunction with the riotous energy of Moroccan spice in this brilliant signature perfume. Abélà by Scents of Africa Rustic Wood & Cinnamon inspires and awakens the most resilient heart, combining notes of dry musk, sandalwood, vanilla, amber, and tobacco to expand the mind into a panorama of richness. These signature candles can also be utilized to create a beautiful and whimsical atmosphere on the table.
Asooke throwStyling African wears could demand lots of detail and attention, this is because for it to fit into the contemporary world one needs to pay close attention to detail and be aesthetic about it.
Lots of fashion designers have come up with flexible wear designs that could be styled for different occasions.
Here is a list of ways and places to style up your African wear,
AFRICAN CORPORATE FASHION
Do you want to infuse your African wear into the corporate world? Do you often attend business fairs, meetings, and conferences and you need the best styling ways to fit into these places and not look too traditional. The idea behind slaying an African outfit successfully is to keep it classy and simple at the same time.
O’Eclat Designs, an ethical Nigerian brand, makes use of premium leather, to craft beautiful handmade bags, with some having beautiful African design prints, these bags can be combined with nice suits/ jackets or beautiful gowns. You will just stun in this fabulous look and have eye-rolling. These bags are made of African fabrics and could be used to fit into the contemporary style of dressing. These beautifully made African bags will suit perfectly with corporate dresses or corporate trousers and suits.
Morin O has also put together collections of African-inspired bags, wallets, belts, and slippers. Morin O’s handcrafted bags will always do well in your corporate world, Men’s bags are not left out, quality men’s bags for the corporate world. No matter the occasion, you can’t go wrong with a well-sewn colorful fabric made with rich leather sourced from Nigeria.
2. AFRICAN SOCIAL FASHION
There is a funny saying ‘’Eni o wo Ankara o je semo’’ meaning; that the guest who does not wear uniform fabric popularly called ‘’aso ebi’’ will not eat at the social gathering. The fabric is worn particularly and uniformly for celebration. On a lighter note, it may serve as a gate pass to several social events. African print is usually worn to social events such as weddings, burials, religious gatherings, and a lot more.
Ethnik Africais a global brand inspired by ancient asooke craftsmanship of western Nigerian and African culture. This brand is known for making beautiful loafers, travel bags, asooke inspired sneakers, that can comfortably be worn to formal gatherings. It can be worn in jeans, jumpsuits, gowns, skirts, or even shorts, traveling bags, sneakers, etc.
Adorning yourself with African wear to socials could be very versatile and flexible. It is popularly known to be worn mainly in African countries though it is slowly being adopted by the western world. Several celebrities have been seen to embrace this trend, a couple of western celebrities such as Rihanna, Beyonce, Sia, and others have been seen rocking African fashion dresses and bags for several outings. This is a big win for the African fashion industry, though slowly but surely, the aim is for the whole world to finally embrace this trend into their culture and social lives.
3. AFRICAN HANGOUT FASHION
There are times you simply need an easy-going style to wear for hangouts, small parties, dinners, or dates. Ankara shorts, crop tops, skirts, and gowns could be your best guess. Ankara/ Adire pullovers and tops are flexible in their utilization and styling and ought to be a staple in each woman’s closet. Ankara coordinate sets are easy to wear as you can rock them with trousers or gowns and skirts. If free wear for fashion lazy or work-free day. The African hangout is a series of ready-to-wear items that one just picks up from the wardrobe.
Small and Medium sized Entrepreneurs across the country are putting in a lot of efforts to survive, scale the hurdles and compete favourably in different sectors.
To carve a niche for themselves they need support, encouragement and a business friendly environment.
The immediate past Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Olusegun Awolowo has been a pillar of support to many. He recently supported Bellafricana members with a 60 Million Naira Grant.
This opportunity is meant to support their businesses through the Export Development Fund (EDF) via the Expansion Facility Programme [EEFP] which issued a 60 million Naira grant to the 15 awardees of the 3rd ACE Awards as well as a few other Bellafricana members that have shown export potential.
The opportunity unveiled during the 3rd edition of the African Creative Exhibition and Awards, held on the 29th of October 2021, at the BWC Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos will help to transform this businesses to the next phase with ease.
There Mr. Awolowo made clear the commitment of the NEPC to support and grow non-oil exports in the country.
Crude oil forms the major commodity that is being exported in Nigeria currently. In 2020, Crude petroleum topped Nigeria’s commodity export for the year according to COMMODITY.COM. Nigeria presently ranks as the tenth most petroleum-rich nation and by far the most affluent in Africa which makes the reason for being such an exporter of crude oil not far-fetched. This has in some ways made other industries take the back seat because, in recent years, there has been more focus on the country’s exportation of crude oil.
The Export Expansion facility programme, founded as a part of Mr. Awolowo’s legacy to grow Nigeria’s export industry has therefore provided a catalyst that supports the country’s active export businesses and export-ready businesses.
Speaking on this development, the CEO of Bellafricana, Bukky Asehinde could not contain her excitement as she spoke about how Mr. Awolowo through the Nigerian Export Promotion Council has been supportive of the growth and expansion of not just Bellafricana but her members.
“Mr Awolowo has time and time again proven to be a huge supporter not just to me or the over 5000 creatives he has supported through Bellafricana but to many creative entrepreneurs all over Nigeria.
Since the over 5 years that Bellafricana was founded, Mr. Awolowo has been a strong pillar of support to this community, endorsing us fully and boosting our brand credibility”.
She added: “This 60 Million Naira grant by the Export Expansion facility programme will go a long way in pushing many businesses forward. I celebrate Mr. Awolowo for showing us who a true leader is and I know that his legacy will always be known for generations to come”.
Asehinde went on to express her gratitude to Mr. Awolowo for standing by Bellafricana over the years and thanking him for building a legacy through his leadership as the former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. “We are proud of his legacy and his support by helping and enabling MSMEs to get to the export level.”
Mr. Awolowo has always supported Bellafricana and her vision to give more visibility to African-owned creative businesses.
He has shown this through his continuous support at every edition of the ACE Awards held since 2017 to laud and encourage the work of highly skilled individuals who are making significant contributions to their respective industries and putting Africa on the world map with their creations.
He has through the Nigerian Export Promotion Council [NEPC] sponsored and supported over 5000 creatives and is now wrapping up with this grant so creative entrepreneurs can scale up their businesses while growing the country’s export industry.
He has also used his encouraging words to push not just entrepreneurs but everyone around him beyond their limits so they can achieve their goals and even surpass them.
It is no wonder Bukky Asehinde describes him as “The father of non-oil exporters.”
One of the awardees and a beneficiary of the grant also appreciated Mr. Awolowo for believing in Nigerian creative entrepreneurs and supporting them in scaling their businesses beyond the shores of the country.
“If we had more people like Mr. Awolowo in this country who have demonstrated true leadership, I have no doubts that we will see more Nigerian entrepreneurs succeeding and getting the visibility they deserve in the global space.”
The Export Expansion Facility Programme [EEFP], a flagship project of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council [NEPC] founded under the leadership of the now former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.
The Export Expansion Facility Programme seeks to democratize the discovery of exporters and their access to relevant government incentives to grow. The initiative supports businesses in Nigeria, with at least one customer abroad, or working on acquiring customers abroad.
It also supports businesses in Nigeria that provide services that an export business might need and it offers these businesses a series of incentives to expand their reach and become an exporter.
Bellafricana is a tech-enabled community that provides a platform for Nigerian and African Creative entrepreneurs in the Fashion, Arts & Crafts, Home & Living, Beauty, and Food produce & Snacks Industry to gain visibility, increase sales, and have the right business support and structure that gives them the capacity to grow their business.
Bellafricana’s vision is to become the biggest e-commerce company that promotes African products to the world and is on the verge of accomplishing this as it recently launched a Marketplace [www.bellafricanashop.com].
I had the utmost pleasure of meeting this beautiful soul during the ACE Awards 2021, where she won the category for the best home & lifestyle brand. I was beyond awed at her graciousness, humility and positivity that she radiated at every point. Hence why I am honoured and thrilled to meet the Founder of Yasmin Crafts in this exclusive interview.
Hamsatu Aliyu-Afegbua – Founder of Yasmin Crafts
*To know more about the products, simply click on the images*
With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Yasmin Crafts for an exclusive interview.
Please Introduce yourself and your background.
My name is Hamsatu Aliyu-Afegbua and I’m an architect and hand-crafter. By the grace of God, I juggle 2 businesses: Eden Signature Limited, an Architectural and Interior design firm as well as Yasmin Crafts Limited which is my handicrafts business. Both of them are situated in Abuja, Nigeria. I am a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria with an M.Sc in Architecture. I also hold a certificate in Entrepreneurship Management under the EDC, from Lagos Business School.
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
We produce handcrafted products in the form of furniture, home decor and multi-purpose baskets. We use locally available raw materials to create these products. The brand Yasmin Crafts was born to satisfy the need for a custom crafts provider that could give better quality handcrafted products in Abuja.
How did you come about the name and what does it mean?
“Yasmin” is my proposed first daughter’s name. The “crafts” I derived from the general term “handicrafts” which is the term used to describe our niche.
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
My niche is Handicrafts. Known by some as Arts and Crafts. Living in Abuja for over 2 decades, I came to realise there was no craft maker who could skillfully add on accessories like real leather, fabric, logos, and art on products to enhance them. Most of the attempts to customise crafts, that I saw by the roadside or in the local markets did not turn out looking too good. One day, I decided to buy the basket from the market and then, customise it to my taste. It turned out great and everybody asked me where I bought the customised basket from.
The rest is history. 3 years down the line, here we are 😊. I started out with baskets and decor and within a year into the business, we had begun furniture production.
*The Lidded Laundry hamper with removable liner is available in 5 different colors including natural, you can tuck this hamper away in a corner of your bed or bath room and keep those clothes off the floor.*
*These stunning natural wicker planters are a nice way to add interior plants into your home. They come with bottoms designed to drain water away from the plant pot you intend to place inside the basket. Great for both real and faux plants.*
Where do you get inspiration for your products?
From my imagination and from observing the needs in the market. I sketch ideas down and develop them. I also draw inspiration from nature.
Another source of inspiration is listening to feedback from our customers, especially negative feedback. We take the feedback and examine our way of doing things as a business. We change what we can and fix what we can’t.
I tell my entire team that here at Yasmin Crafts, customer service is not just one department, it is all of us. Working as a team and sharing feedback has helped us grow as a business.
Natural Lani trunk
*Giving gifts are an essential part of life and relationships. The packaging container is what will be seen first, so make it a memorable time for the person who is receiving it. This trunk is a classy woven gift box that you can be proud of placing your luxury gifts in.*
*With the high quality interior lining be ready to wow your recipients and make a great impression. You can’t go wrong with this as your choice of container when it comes to gifting. The best part is, the gift recipient can use the trunk as an extra storage, extra seating to give another gift or even as a decorative piece afterwards!*
Can you remember one of the first products you made?
Yes. It is a 2 tone coiled raffia basket that I made to store my small jewellery pieces in. I was just learning how to weave at the time, and I had to push myself to try and finish it. I’m very proud of that basket.
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
Lack of funds to expand our production. Buying large scale woodworking equipment and conducting more research on product development.
Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?
Not at all.
What is your most popular product?
Our Aisha set of 3 multi-purpose baskets is one of our best sellers. This is because they can serve a multitude of purposes like storage, home organisation, home decor and gifting purposes.
Aisha baskets are available in 2 designs: a Plain basket with no fabric lining and our fabric lined baskets.
*Customised Aisha storage baskets. These gorgeously lined baskets can serve a wide variety of purposes. They come in 3 different fabric lining as pictures unless you say otherwise. There is a touch of Ankara to symbolise Africa.*
Top uses among our customers for these baskets include:
Making a set of gift hampers with each basket.
Decluttering table tops.
Storing small items.
Displaying products for sale at a store.
Using them as a tray for serving snacks.
Hanging them as a wall decor basket.
Styling a shelf or console.
These baskets are dry use only, please note.
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?
We spice things up with touches of popular Nigerian cultural items like sewing beadwork on the handles of our baskets. We also make use of African fabrics to customise our baskets, decor and furniture.
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
Short term, we hope to be able to invest in large scale woodworking machinery and power tools that will help scale up production and cater for the time demands of our customers. Handcrafting is a slow process, having the right machinery speeds things up.
In the long run, we hope to expand our sales and grow the naira through large scale exports. Promoting quality African crafts all over the world is another long term goal we hope to achieve through expanding our locations.
For my goal in life, I’ll say I hope to be recorded in the history books as the founder of a premium Nigerian lifestyle brand that created employment for millions of women We currently employ a majority of women in our workforce and we intend to keep it that way.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I do some of the metal and carpentry work at Yasmin Crafts.
*This handy piece of furniture helps you save space. With varying sizes of storage baskets, you can organise and display products or decor items on these ladder shelf. Ladder shelves makes for an eye catching display and are great for small spaces where you need a tall storage option. Available in 3 colors: Dark brown, Black and White.*
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?
I would be in the building profession, which I am already privileged to have been doing long before I founded Yasmin Crafts.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
Learn the skill of crafting if you can. Knowing how to make your own products or some of them, is definitely an added advantage.
Take your failures as a part of the success to come. It may take a lot of time, and you will have to be committed and disciplined to be able to launch and sustain a business in hand-crafting.
It has been an absolute pleasure having this exclusive interview and getting to meet the Founder of Yasmin Crafts.
To connect with Yasmin Crafts, you can follow and contact her via:
Bellafricana is pleased to announce that BONA EXPO 22, sets to change the Course of Green Beauty in Africa! Go, Register!
BONA EXPO with her maiden edition themed “ Mother Nature Africa” is the Pioneer Exposition for Green Beauty Manufacturers In Africa, Africans-In-the-diaspora & a select few Internationals looking to gain entrance into the Continent.
Lorraine Dallmeier of Award-winning, accredited formulation school FormulaBotanica in The United Kingdom in her June 8, 2021, Podcast title excerpt says “ Today, for the most part, the rest of the world has little exchange with the African beauty industry apart from its commodities. But we hope this will change, and soon.”
The Botanical, Organic & Natural Africa Expo has spotlighted its vendor interests from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, Uk, Canada & USA.
BONA EXPO 22 2-day exposition will hold on the 10 & 11 February 2022 at The Landmark Centre, 3&4 Water Corporation, Oniru, Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria with activities from Welcome Night Dinner, Exhibitions & Unique Experiences, Masterclasses by International Speakers, Panel Discussions, to Wrap-Up-Party.
*To know more about the event, simply click on the images*
Presenting our Country correspondents:
NIGERIA CORRESPONDENT- JOYCEE AWOSIKA OF ORIKI GROUP
GHANA CORRESPONDENT- VIOLET AWO AMOABENG OF SKIN GOURMET
SOUTH AFRICA CORRESPONDENT- RUBEN OKPOKO OF RUUTOS
KENYA CORRESPONDENT – ZAHRA HASSAN & FADUMA ABDI OF QASIL BEAUTY
AFRICAN-IN-THE-DIASPORA UK CORRESPONDENT – ALEXANDRIA AGGREY OF MADAM ORI SKINCARE
AFRICAN-IN-THE-DIASPORA CANADA CORRESPONDENT- OYETA KOKOROKO OF OKOKO COSMETIQUES
AFRICAN-IN-THE-DIASPORA USA CORRESPONDENT- CHRISTINA FUNKE TEGBE OF 54 Thrones
BONA EXPO 22 PROJECTION:
4000 on-site attendees
6000 online attendees
60 brands
9 Countries
2 International Speaker
8 Masterclasses
8 Panel Discussions
48 Panellists
1 Wrap Up Party
Target Audience:
Local Manufacturers
African Manufacturers
Africans-In-The- Diaspora Manufacturers
International Manufacturers
Retailers, Distributors, Importers & Exporters
Regulatory Bodies
Agricultural Sector- Farmers & Middlemen
Cosmetics Dermatologists
Financial Sector- Agro-Support Banks
Objectives:
Actively Engage and immerse the Green Beauty Industry & its Stakeholders in a quality, value-adding, and indelible brand experience.
Sensitize the public on the choice & importance of clean and safe living driving ultimately our sustainability program.
Re-establish our Natural Ingredients as a part of tangible African heritage, therefore, driving & creating policies to its effect.
Lead Generation: Increase the number of qualified sales leads across sectors.
Promote thought-leadership agenda and positioning for the Green Beauty Industry in Africa and her African Manufacturers as well as increase opportunities for more entrants into the Industry and Continent.
Drive sustainable conversations around the African organic & natural Beauty Industry in the hope that it sensitizes the discontinued use of chemical-based products.
BONA EXPO 22 sets to change the Course of Green Beauty in Africa! Go, Register!
In an exclusive interview, we get to meet the Founder of Mooie Kraft. Ndedigwe Mary Chinaza is a resourceful and talented entrepreneur, who has successfully infused fashion with African prints.
Ndedigwe Mary Chinaza – Founder of Mooie Kraft
*To know more about the products, simply click on the images*
Please introduce yourself and your background.
My name is Ndedigwe Mary Chinaza, I’m a graduate of computer science from Crawford University, I am from Nnewi South local government Anambra state.
Tell us about your work and how did your company start?
My love for bag making drove me into bag making. I started MOOIE KRAFT in 2020 and it’s been an amazing journey so far. MOOIE KRAFT is not just about bag making but we are also into the making of beautiful accessories with our African prints, leather works such as belts and we also make top-notch souvenirs for events and parties.
Ankara foldable hand-fan
How did you come about the name and what does it mean?
Mooie is gotten from a Dutch word that means beautiful, pretty and fine. So I wanted a name that represents everything that my brand signifies. with our name, you should know what to expect from us. [Winks].
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
Producing beautiful bags, belts and accessories for both males, females and also children. we are partially for everybody.
Ankara themed Hoops earrings
Mooie Kraft chain Bag
Where do you get the inspiration for your products?
Everything around me. I also work with customers descriptions.
Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?
Yes of cos, it was an Ankara bag I made for myself, it was memorable because I made it out of little/ no knowledge about bag making.
African print mixed laptop bag
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
Cost of production is one of the major challenges we are facing, material sourcing is another challenge we are facing, the high prices of leatherworking tools to achieve proper finishing of the leather productions.
Do you have any regrets about venturing into this line of business?
NEVER. Not at all ….lol
What is your most popular product?
Right now our Genuine Reversible belt is really selling fast now. And our African mix laptop bag.
Genuine leather Reversible belt
This genuine leather reversible belt is a 2 faced belt. You have the chance to get 2 different colors of your choice in 1 belt.
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?
In most of our signature products, we used our African print/ indigenous fabric to produce them.
Ankara themed flipflop
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
My short term goal is for Mooie kraft to be able to reach out to many people across the world and collaborate with many big fashion brands,
My long term goal is for Mooie kraft to have my dream fashion studio with different branches across the world, empower both young and adults, create jobs opportunity for people.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I love to bake and cook for fun
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?
I would probably be a baker (hahahaha)
What is success to you?
Success to me is achieving all my dreams come true and impacting my knowledge and skills in society.
Mooie Kraft Cross bagWaist bag
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
I would advise the person should make proper research about everything especially when the person has zero knowledge about the business.
Who and what has been your greatest source of inspiration?
God almighty, my family, my friends and everyone that has patronized my brand. You all are my greatest inspiration.
Thank you for having this interview. It was indeed a pleasure to meet with this bubbly personality – Ndedigwe Mary Chinaza.
There you have it. An exclusive interview with the Founder of Mooie Kraft. To connect with her, you can follow her via:
What a year it has been for Bukky Asehinde! And I say that with lots of positives in mind. Ambassador Mrs Bukky Asehinde has been nominated for the 2021 Woman of the year – Start Up by Her Network.
Her Network is a Global Inspirational and Lifestyle Platform. This platform is created to inspire and encourage all women to stand in their greatness; to set real-life examples by living their truth.
Her Network Woman of the Year Awards celebrates outstanding women. Women who have made a significant impact in their community, network or workplace.
The Category for the 5th Annual Her Network Woman of the Year Awards 2021 are Advocacy, Community Service, Education, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Future (25 & Below), Healthcare, Journalism and Start-Up.
To connect with her, visit her Instagram page: @bukkyasehinde
Moreso, she would be going live on Instagram with @Olorisupergal on Saturday, the 11th of December, 2021, at 9:00 [WAT].
*Click on the picture below to watch Bukky Asehinde, one of the 2021 Nominee of the Her Network Woman of the Year Awards in the #StartUp category as she talks to @thetosinajibade of @Olorisupergal on #InstagramLive about the work she does, challenges faced and more!*
This recognition, for Bukky Asehinde to be nominated for the 2021 Woman of the year – Start Up by Her Network, is one to be celebrated. As it serves as an applaud for all her commitments and work towards building and helping creative entrepreneurs.
If you’d like to attend and join in honouring the 2021 Nominees and recipients at our Networking and Awards Night, RSVP via email at womanoftheyear@hernetwork.co
Together, we meet the Founder of Kathrah Enterprise in an exclusive interview. Ayobami Makinde is the CEO of Kathrah Enterprise, which produces good quality honey with the brand name Kathrah honey, bee-wax and honey derivatives.
She has been in the business of farming honeybees and processing honey for the past 7years and has been educating people about the benefits and myths of honey using social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram). Recently, she has been sensitizing the public about the adverse effect of climate change in the production of honey which has led to the loss of sales, discouraging the young beekeepers from abandoning the profession. It is my pleasure to be having this exclusive interview with the Founder of Kathrah Enterprise.
*To know more about the products, simply click on the images*
Please introduce yourself and your background
My name is Ayobami Makinde, a differently-abled, resilient and smart young lady farmer. I am an Alumni of the University of Ilorin, where I studied Pure Chemistry. I am a trained beekeeper, health research consultant. The founder and owner of Kathrah Enterprise. I hail from Orile Owu town in Osun State and am also a mother of two smart boys.
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
I am Agripreneur, apicultural sector to be precise (Beekeeping). I keep the honeybees, harvest, process and package honey into shelf sizes (for retail outlets, stockists and end-users), in bulk (20L galloon) to honey vendors/resellers. We also infuse beneficial herbs spices and fruits into honey to help health-conscious individuals in achieving a wholesome healthy lifestyle. Sales of other honey byproducts such as Bee-wax are used in cosmetics, drug and candle industries.
Also, add shades of colours to events with our honey or infused honey favours as souvenirs in preferred package sizes.
Kathrah Enterprise started 2014 in one room in my parent’s house with the sum of 15,000naira only with support from family and friends. The business was registered with CAC 2016 with the guidance of my mother’s friend, interestingly as at then I had no clarity on the specific type of business, so I chose sales of agricultural products and general merchants.
Kathrah Honey infused with Black Seed
How did you come about the name and what does it mean?
The name Kathrah was coined from the Hadith on a surah in the Quran, Suratul kawthar. It means Abundance. Honey is an abundance gift from God that flows too, so I related it to the meaning I read about, and I fell in love with it and used it.
Kathrah Honey infused with Cinnamon
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
My niche is Food, (natural). Food is a fast-moving goods. The profit margin is small but because it’s consumed daily, this makes it profitable mostly with volume. Honey is a class of food that has diverse usage ranging from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals. The food industry uses honey for therapeutic purposes.
Kathrah Honey infused with Cinnamon
Where do you get the inspiration for your products?
I got the inspiration to start a honey business from my experience when I used honey for medicinal purposes. On a fateful day, February 12, 2012, I had a road accident along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, leaving a very deep wound on my leg with my right hand partially paralyzed. I mixed honey with Shea butter and apply to the wound because the wound wasn’t discovered early which could no longer be sutured. During my school days, I had heard about the therapeutic ability of honey so I decided to try it, so I used myself as an experiment.
The results were amazing within two (2) weeks. That is how the journey started and In order to be an authority in the business, I did learn about the art and science of honeybees. Today we keep honeybees, sell the by-products and intentionally build a household honey brand in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Furthermore, we added new variants which are all NAFDAC certified to my products list. The pandemic made a lot of individuals more conscious about what they eat and their preference for natural food increased drastically. As a researcher, I thought to create a product that can help achieve a wholesome healthy lifestyle, not just flavour. This led to creating five (5) different variants that can serve as a natural remedy in managing some common illnesses among people. All variants solve a pain point in which all ages above 12month can use.
Kathrah Honey infused with Lemon & Ginger
Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?
A 350ml,500ml size of Kathrah Honey. it’s memorable because it’s my first. We’ve come a long way since then, from the packaging to the company’s growth.
Kathrah Honey infused with Zobo
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
Honey business is a very controversial business. There are lots of misconceptions about raw honey. Majority especially in Nigeria mistaken original honey for adulterated honey because of the myths attached, which is a major challenge. Also, insecurity is affecting access to the farm and charges in logistics as results of the weight of honey. It’s a highly viscous liquid.
Kathrah Honey infused with Cacao.
Do you have any regrets about venturing into this line of business?
None. I have no regrets.
What is your most popular product?
Kathrah honey (plain), 1L size.
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?
In curating the new product line, infused honey, I ensured that at least three of my raw materials are native to Africa, specifically Nigeria. Asides, the health benefits, it is to promote our own homegrown, which are Zobo leaves, lemons, gingers and Cocoa.
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
My short term goal is to distribute the new honey variants and plain honey to strategic retail outlets such as pharmacy retail chains, and superstores in Nigeria.
My long term goal is to create a manufacturing /processing hub for honeybees by-products, thereby profferring easy manufacturing process to MSMEs,startups and smart small businesses either for contract manufacturing or toll manufacturing.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I know how to process locust beans (Iru) and have the knowledge to water a mass number of building blocks manually. Also, I consider myself quite handy [LOL], as I can roll a lister Generator.
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?
I will be in the pharmaceuticals company, a laboratory or a Lecturer.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
I will advise any newbie in the honey business to ensure to invest in learning the art and science of processing honey and be willing to invest in educating people via marketing mediums.
Colour me impressed, enlightened and pleased!
There you have it. An exclusive interview with the Founder of Kathrah Enterprise. To connect with her, you can follow her via:
Maryam Aliyu-Baba is a verified member of Bellafricana and the winner of the best innovative product of the year 2021 at the recently held African Creative Exhibition and Awards. A military wife, mother of four, an entrepreneur and CEO of Clay by Marienne. I had the opportunity to meet the Founder of Clay by Marienne for an exclusive interview.
Please introduce yourself and your background
I am Maryam Aliyu-Baba C.E.O. clay by Marienne. A passionate designer with a BA in Industrial Design (ceramics major) from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, M.Sc. Hazard Management and Emergency Response IRGIB Africa University and the Winner ACE Awards (2021) best innovative product.
Tell us about your work. How did your company start?
The company started as Marienne art as a student experiencing the pleasure of creating, and the joy of seeing your creations add elegance to spaces. This passion took a back seat as I started having babies. We resumed mid-2021 and evolved into Clay by Marienne after learning that clay is much more than just art but indeed what we were made from and is indeed one with our bodies, possessing amazing healing abilities. It is also good for the environment and has no negative effect on climate, making it the next best thing and an amazing replacement for plastic and other culinary wares.
How did you come about the name and what does it mean?
Marienne is French for Maryam, so the name is pretty straightforward.
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
The average global citizen with an awareness of personal health and overall wellbeing, people with health complications who are looking to make a holistic lifestyle change. The market is viable because we as humans are constantly seeking ways to improve wellbeing.
Where do you get the inspiration for your products?
Having children, and being exposed to a whole new set of health issues and remedies, and brought about the move to this range of products. Design inspirations come from my creativity and imagination, brainstorming with team members, ideas online and feedback from our esteemed customers.
Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?
Yes, I can. It was a set of 3 long neck tabletop vases. They are so memorable because I created them while trying to answer my 300level first semester exams.
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
Introducing this new product range to the people and getting them on board. It Is quite challenging to get people to make a lifestyle change.
Do you have any regrets about venturing into this line of business?
None; except that I did not come across the knowledge to kick start earlier.
What is your most popular product?
It will have to be the alkaline water bottle series.
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?
To a very large extent, as it is common knowledge that traditional African homes would bury clay pots to store drinking water.
What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?
In business, I look forward to spreading the word and getting as many people as possible on board this journey to a healthier more intentional living; growing the brand and becoming a household name home and abroad.
In life, I look forward to continued learning and being the best possible role model for my growing children and the upcoming generation.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I started out as a B.Sc Chemistry student and made the switch partway after discovering the beauty of the design.
What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?
I would be a counsellor or a Teacher.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?
It would be that you should start where you are and with what you have. There is never a perfect time/ situation.
There you have it. An exclusive interview with the Founder of Clay by Marienne. To connect with her, you can follow her via:
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