These women are building, creating, and pushing beyond expectations, proving that the only limits are the ones we accept.
In a world that often nudges women to play it safe, some choose a different path. They build, create, and push beyond expectations, proving that the only limits are the ones we accept. These four women— visionaries, builders, and risk-takers — are reshaping business in Nigeria, leading the charge across beauty, food, and fashion. Their brands are inspiring a new generation to dream bigger. This is their story.
Olamide Odunaiya is cooking up a revolution with Chumbys
Food is more than sustenance; it’s a language, a culture, a connection. For Olamide Odunaiya of Chumbys, that connection started in her kitchen, where she found joy in seeing people light up at the taste of her meals. But she wanted to do more. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she noticed how many people struggled with cooking and decided to change that.
“I was shipping fully cooked meals worldwide, but they didn’t always arrive fresh. That was my wake-up call. I needed a better way,” she says. The solution? Pre-packaged, easy-to-use meal kits that preserved flavour and tradition without the hassle. “Now, even if you don’t know how to cook, you can prepare a great meal. All you need is water.”
But it wasn’t just about the food. She took an unconventional route, investing heavily in packaging and research to ensure her products met international standards. “I didn’t want Chumbys to look like just another local food brand. I wanted it to be premium, global.” She would go on to launch a brand that is now recognised as the world’s first 15-minute native rice.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges, but she remains undeterred. “People think creativity is just about making things look nice. To me, it’s problem-solving. Finding ways to make life easier for people — that’s true innovation.”
Sandaram Mohammed is harnessing the science of nature with Infused Organics
Infused Organics started as a personal experiment. Struggling with skin issues, Sandaram Mohammed explored natural ingredients, blending oils, butters, and herbs until she found the perfect balance. Soon, friends and family were asking for her formulations, and she realised she had something special.
“I never set out to start a business,” she says. “I just wanted solutions for myself. But when I saw how much people loved what I was making, I knew I had to take it seriously.”
Unlike some beauty brands, Infused Organics bases its products on extensive research. Every formulation is tested and refined for maximum effectiveness. “Nature is powerful, but you must understand how to harness it properly. That’s what we do here.”
Her journey hasn’t been smooth. There were failures, reformulations, and moments of doubt. But she kept going. “The hardest part was believing I was good enough. But every time a customer told me how my products changed their skin, I knew I was on the right path.”
Lilian Ohaka’s journey from side hustle to beauty brand with Lil Beauty
It all started with Big Brother Naija. Watching housemates, especially female influencers, build powerful brands after leaving the show sparked an idea.
“If they could do it, why couldn’t I?” Ohaka asked herself. That question led to the birth of Lil Beauty. In 2019, it was just a side project called Lil Lippie, focused on lip glosses. But as she researched, experimented, and refined her vision, she saw a bigger picture.
By 2021, she took the leap, leaving behind the security of a 9-to-5 job to go all in. “It was terrifying,” she admits. “No investors, no loans, just me and a dream. I learned everything on the go. I made mistakes, but each one taught me something valuable.”
Today, Lil Beauty is more than just lip gloss; from lip oils to liners and makeup tools, the brand is carving out its space in Nigeria’s beauty industry. “Beauty is an expression,” she says. “And I want every woman to feel seen in what we create, whether you love a full-glam look or prefer a natural, minimal routine. Our products—lip glosses, lip oils, liners, balms, and more—are designed to be everyday essentials.”
Marté Egele: Uche Egele is redefining luxury, one bag at a time
Luxury isn’t just about price tags. It’s about craftsmanship, storytelling, and legacy. Uche Egele of Marté Egele understands this better than most. She isn’t just creating bags; she’s building a brand that fuses Nigerian heritage with global appeal.
Her work speaks for itself—literally. When Beyoncé was spotted with one of her bags in 2017, it wasn’t just a win for her; it was a moment for Nigerian craftsmanship on the world stage. “That moment was surreal,” she says. “It reminded me that what we create here in Nigeria can stand on any runway, in any city, in any room.”
But the journey hasn’t been easy. The perception of Nigerian-made luxury is still evolving, and she has had to fight for her place. “People often assume that because it’s local, it should be cheaper or of lesser quality. I reject that. African luxury is world-class, and I will continue proving that.”
Her design philosophy is simple: timeless, high-quality pieces that tell a story. “Every bag is more than an accessory; it’s a conversation starter, a statement, a piece of history.”
When asked what her younger self would be most proud of, she doesn’t hesitate. “My dedication, my willpower, my resilience—how I keep going, no matter what. Not just in business but in my relationships with people. She’d also love that, despite everything, I still hold onto my optimism, my enthusiasm for what’s ahead. I’m happy with myself, and that’s what truly matters.”
Redefining what’s possible
These women aren’t just building businesses; they’re rewriting the rules. In an environment where access to funding is scarce and expectations for women in business can be limiting, they are boldly proving that success isn’t a matter of permission — it’s a matter of vision, grit, and unwavering belief.
At Good, we believe in that vision. We see the creators, the dreamers, the risk-takers, and we create space for them to thrive. Whether through access to customers, better tools, or a platform that amplifies their voices, we are here to make the impossible possible.
Nigeria’s business landscape is shifting, and women are at the forefront of that change. They are breaking barriers, challenging conventions, and showcasing the power of ambition with opportunity. And this is just the beginning.
