Dynamic Jesuloyin and her multiple engagements
By Eberechi Obinagwam
Jesubotewi Jesuloyin Suzannah, a graduate of Physiology from Olabisi Onabanjo University started a skincare business immediately after her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2019. A year later, she abandoned the skincare trade.
She later developed interest in pharmacology and pursued a training, obtaining license from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) to start her patent medicine store in 2021, becoming the proprietor of Loyin Patent Medicine Store,
In 2022, she partnered Oriflame, a Swedish company, to revive her skincare business. In 2023, she further diversified her portfolio into jewelry marketing. In addition to these lines of businesses, Jesuloyin is a compere for traditional wedding events.
Starting up
Jesuloyin has always planned owning her business while growing up. So, after her NYSC in 2019, she started with Organic Skincare products after undergoing a four-month training. When she was no longer comfortable with the business, she stopped selling organic products. “All these were happening during the Covid-19 period,” she said.
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She added: “When I had nothing doing during the covid-19 period, I picked up a pharmacology textbook I randomly found, and I got interested. I registered for a pharmaceutical training, wrote their exams and passed. After then, I obtained a license from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) to start a patent medicine store in 2021.”
Jesuloyin later partnered with Oriflame, a Swedish company, in 2022 to revive her skincare business. In 2023, she launched a jewelry business after learning about the business from an expert both online and physical for four months. She said her motive of going into the business was her long love for anything related to fashion accessories.
Managing multiple businesses
Jesuloyin said managing the jewelry and patent medicine was so tough that at some point she thought it was a mistake. But with her sister helping out, she got a relief. “Managing the jewelry and patent medicine was so tough, (laughing). At some point I thought I made a mistake coupled with the fact that I still have other jobs I do.
“My sister helped with managing the jewelry store for a while, and later, I employed capable hands to help out. My patent medicine was my first major business. It has a lot of ups and downs but I love it regardless. I stated early 2021. But my Skincare business was here before the birth of my patent medicine,” she said.
Also, in 2023, Jesuloyin started traditional wedding compere business. According to her, “Traditional wedding compere is something I always dreamt of doing since I was in secondary school. I wanted to work and still enjoy myself, being a compere gives me that.”
Jesuloyin said she didn’t look for job after her school because she didn’t see herself working for someone. “I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur, own my business, train and employ people and still have time for myself.”
Sourcing capital
In sourcing for capital for her jewelry business, Jesuloyin said it was not a challenge because she took time to plan. “It wasn’t really a challenge, because I took my time to plan for it, and I worked towards it at my own pace. Starting up my patients medicine business was challenging. I saved up little by little for it. I didn’t start big at all,” she said.
Penetrating the market
Jesuloyin said it took her six months to find a balance in her jewelry business, “It took me time to understand the kind of accessories my customer base liked and it took over six months before I could find my balance.” Jesuloyin said sourcing for good products at the market was one of the experiences that made her think twice, “It was really draining, she said. It made me think twice if I really wanted to do the business.” she added.
Challenges in business
Jesuloyin’s challenges in jewelry business is interstate delivery. She said the delivery fee scares some customers away because it is presently on the high side which is due to economic challenges. “I lost a lot of online customers because of the high cost,” she said.
Japa
Jesuloyin said she is not leaving Nigeria for now because her business is sustaining her. “As bad as Nigeria may seem, there is still money in Nigeria and that’s the truth. My business is able to sustain me and everything I need. So, I think I am still good for now.” Jesubotewi Jesuloyin Suzannah, is a native of Ogun state. She has a B.sc in Physiology from Olabisi Onabanjo University. She is a licensed patent medicine, a skincare expert and a traditional wedding compere. She has employees and trains people on her skills.
