Barakat Adesina, the founder of Glizt Paints, is on a mission to do more than just paint walls—she’s determined to paint a brighter future for the next generation of entrepreneurs. With her successful business as a foundation, Barakat is turning her focus towards empowering others, particularly young people, to start and grow their businesses.
Barakat’s journey began modestly after her NYSC service year, where she learned the skills to make paint during a SAED training session. From a single room in her father’s house, she built Glizt Paints into a thriving business with stores in Ibadan and Lagos and distributors across Nigeria. Now, she wants to help others achieve similar success.
“I believe that every young person has the potential to succeed, but they need the right tools and support,” Barakat says. “I was fortunate to have the support of my mother and the determination to push through the challenges. I want to be that support for others.”
This vision is what led Barakat to start working on an academy designed to teach and train aspiring entrepreneurs. The academy will focus on essential skills for building a sustainable business, from starting up to scaling and securing funding. “I want to create a space where young people can learn not just the technical skills of a trade, but also the business skills that will help them turn those trades into successful ventures,” she explains.
The academy will offer a range of programs, including workshops on business management, marketing, and financial planning. There will also be specialized training sessions on paint making and decoration, reflecting Barakat’s own expertise. “It’s not enough to just know how to make a product; you need to know how to sell it, how to manage your finances, and how to grow your business. That’s what I want to teach,” Barakat emphasizes.
Barakat’s commitment to empowering others is deeply personal. Growing up, she faced significant challenges, especially after her father’s accident when she was in secondary school. “My mum had to sell her clothes so I could go back to school,” she recalls. “That experience taught me the importance of resilience and support, and it’s why I’m so passionate about helping others now.”
Working towards her company’s expansion and launching the academy, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: empowering the next generation to achieve their dreams. “If I can help even one person succeed, it will all be worth it,” she says with a smile.
With her vision and determination, Barakat is not stopping anytime soon. She’s building a legacy of empowerment and success for the next generation.
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