Ebime Seiya is the CEO of Glowglam Empire, a Nigerian brand that promotes healthy skin and products to treat hyperpigmentation and acne.
Seiya’s love for entrepreneurship and her mother’s persuasion led to her crafting, which inspired her to build Glowglam Empire.
She started her business in December 2018 and after her first class at Edo University, she borrowed N200,000 from her mother and friends to start the business.
Talking about how she has grown her business, she says social media and referrals have played a role in her business growth.
“When I started, I was just selling to family, friends and girls at school,” she said.
“But I’ve achieved a bigger market through social media, especially Instagram and WhatsApp, which has helped me reach those audiences.”
Since its inception, the company has served more than 1,000 women worldwide. “Our product range has grown from five to more than two dozen, from selling only to close relatives and university classmates to almost every state outside of Nigeria and Africa,” she said.
Glowglam Empire’s customers are located in the US, UK, Italy, Finland, etc. “Our distribution network has expanded to include multiple sales agents in seven states in Liberia, Cameroon, the United States and Nigeria,” Seiya said.
She said most of her raw materials are sourced and produced locally.
In answer to why she chose the industry, she said it was lucrative and necessary because people always want to look good and feel confident in their skin.
“As most of our raw materials are sourced locally, I cannot deny the impact of the scarcity of foreign exchange on the business. Sometimes we just take the burden and review prices from time to time,” she noted.
Talking about the main challenges facing the business, Seiya said unstable government policies, logistical issues and funding for expansion hampered the business.
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“Being a nearly four-year-old business entrepreneur requires a strategy to continually meet challenges,” Seiya said.
She plans to have an improved automated service system, develop herself, and build brick-and-mortar stores for customers.
“I plan to create a one-stop beauty shop for every beauty need you can think of in terms of products and services,” she said.
“I’m also planning to expand my offerings and build outlets around the world.”
Glowglam has a director of branding and marketing, a logistics officer, two production assistants and contract labor.
On our anniversary, we are offering monetary support to small business owners.
“I’m sure I’ll be in this industry for a long time because the industry has surpassed me,” she said.
“However, I will try new things, such as forex trading, which I just started doing. I have a lot of business ideas that will be revealed in time.”
Based on her advice to other entrepreneurs, she says, “learn a skill, whether as a side hustle or a full-time job.”
“Be open to new opportunities and place a strong emphasis on personal and mindset development,” she said.
