Mentorship, family, crucial in my journey as a businesswoman —Maryam Atolagbe

Maryam Atolagbe is a graduate of Agricultural Science and the founder of Machoice, a dishwashing liquid company in Lagos. She is a mentor who has supported many young entrepreneurs and young women in her community. In this interview by KANGMWA GOFWEN, she speaks about her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges in her business, policies the government can put in place to make entrepreneurs thrive, among other issues.

 

Entrepreneurship has many challenges. Why did you decide to become one?

Becoming an entrepreneur was a natural calling for me. I’ve always been driven to create a lasting legacy that directly or indirectly impacts the lives of millions. My upbringing played a significant role in shaping this aspiration. My father, a seasoned businessman, involved me in his ventures when I was 12 years old. Together with my siblings, we assisted him in managing his business, which primarily focused on distributing consumer products directly from companies for over four decades.

However, it was disheartening to witness these companies cut ties with my father, despite the extensive customer base and promotion of their products he had undertaken over the years. This experience fueled my determination to establish my brand, one where we could promote ourselves rather than rely solely on external entities. I recognised that entrepreneurship was not just a path to financial success but an opportunity to exert control over my destiny and contribute positively to society.

 

You recently received a merit award from MasterCard Foundation for the dishwashing liquid you developed. How does that make you feel and what made your dishwashing different from other liquids?

Receiving the merit award from the MasterCard Foundation was an incredibly humbling and joyous moment in my entrepreneurial journey. What I feel is beyond words. I felt a very honest calm in me, saying, “Walhamdulilah, and with Allah’s Barakah, I am contented.”

Machoice stands apart with its skin-friendly and grease-resistant formula, offering an eco-friendly refill system. It makes dishwashing a delight while promoting sustainability.

 

What motivated you to create Machoice?

Machoice was born from a combination of personal experiences and a burning desire to make a positive impact. Witnessing my first-year roommate Nola battle with itchy hands in 2016 caused by traditional dish soaps and my father’s rejection by major companies after years of dedication fueled my determination to create something better. I wanted to be independent as a young woman under 25 and contribute to our community’s well-being by providing a safer and more eco-friendly solution for dishwashing, ultimately making daily life a little easier for Nola and many other Nigerians.

 

You started Machoice in 2020. What has been your source of encouragement?

My source of encouragement has been twofold. Firstly, witnessing the tangible impact of Machoice on people’s lives, such as Nola’s relief from itchy hands, has been a constant motivator. Secondly, the unwavering support of my family, especially my father’s belief in my entrepreneurial spirit, has been a driving force. These factors, coupled with the resilience and determination instilled in me from a young age, have kept me inspired and driven to overcome challenges in this journey. Losing my mother at a tender age, when I was seven years old, added to the driving force behind my pursuit.

Additionally, I draw strength from the evergreen song by Kayode Fashola named ‘Ranti Omo Eniti Iwo N’ise’ (Remember the child of whom you are). My father frequently played this song to us at a very young age, instilling in us a strong sense of identity and purpose that continues to inspire me personally and professionally. This song serves as a poignant reminder of my roots and my unwavering sense of purpose.

 

So far, what are some challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?

My journey with Machoice has been a path filled with visionary solitude, the heartache of losing friendships, the resilience to overcome countless rejections until I secured my first grant in 2021 through Sme100africa’s 25under25 initiative, the relentless pursuit of creating a unique product, battling market competition, conquering financial obstacles, navigating intricate distribution networks, solving logistical puzzles, tackling regulatory hurdles with NAFDAC, assembling a dedicated team, and mastering the art of time management.

I overcame these challenges through unwavering determination, continuous learning, adapting to change, seeking grants, focusing on product innovation, emphasising our eco-friendly stance, pursuing cost-effective marketing strategies, forging innovative distribution partnerships, streamlining logistics, complying with NAFDAC regulations, nurturing a skilled team, and mastering effective time management.

 

What policies would you like the government to put in place to enable you to thrive?

I believe several policies could significantly support businesses like mine, making it easier for us to thrive and contribute to economic growth.

Ensuring at least eight hours of daily electricity, with clear schedules for power availability and outages would greatly enhance productivity and planning for businesses across the country. This reliable electricity supply is not just about convenience but about boosting productivity and reducing operational costs. To make this initiative effective, it is crucial to broadcast these schedules widely so that everyone is informed and can prepare accordingly. This not only aids in planning but also provides a sense of reliability and predictability in power supply, crucial for businesses.

The cost burden of NAFDAC registration and compliance can be quite significant for small businesses. Reducing these costs or providing assistance would encourage more entrepreneurs to bring innovative products to the market. Government-backed financial incentives, such as low-interest loans and grants, would facilitate business growth, especially in the early stages. Access to capital is often a barrier for young entrepreneurs, and such support can make a significant difference.

Offering tax incentives for startups and small businesses could help ease the financial strain of operating a company, making entrepreneurship more appealing. It is about creating a tax environment that encourages growth and investment. Also, supporting training and skill development programmes for young entrepreneurs would enhance their capabilities and competitiveness. These programmes can bridge the skills gap and empower us to run successful businesses. Initiatives that connect small businesses with larger markets, both locally and internationally, can help us expand and thrive. Access to markets is often a hurdle for startups, and such programmes can open doors to growth opportunities.

These policies collectively create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship, enabling young innovators to thrive and contribute to economic growth. By addressing key challenges like power supply, regulatory costs, access to finance, and skills development, the government can foster a vibrant ecosystem for startups and small businesses, driving economic progress in the process.

 

Where do you see yourself in five years and what are you doing towards achieving that?

In the next five years, I envision Machoice as a household name, not just in Nigeria but internationally. To achieve this, we are focused on expanding our market reach, enhancing our product offerings, and fostering strategic partnerships. We will continue to innovate, improve our sustainability practices, and invest in marketing and distribution. I aim to be actively involved in empowering more women and contributing to sustainable development in our community.

 

As a graduate of Agricultural Science, how can the government encourage/support people especially the youth to venture into that field?

To encourage youths to venture into agriculture, the government can implement several key initiatives. Firstly, offering targeted scholarships and grants for agricultural studies can make education in this field more accessible. Secondly, creating specialised training programmes and vocational schools focused on modern, sustainable agricultural practices can equip youths with practical skills. Establishing affordable credit and loan schemes tailored to agricultural startups can alleviate financial barriers. Finally, promoting the benefits of agriculture through public awareness campaigns and showcasing successful young agri-entrepreneurs as role models can inspire more youths to embrace this vital sector.

 

How important is mentorship in entrepreneurship to you as a young business lady?

Mentorship is crucial in my journey as a young businesswoman. Initially, I started my entrepreneurial journey alone, but I soon realised how valuable guidance and knowledge-sharing are. To learn, I joined training programmes led by successful entrepreneurs like Stella Adebayo and Bilqis Idiaro. I also searched the internet for educational resources, watching many YouTube videos and conducting extensive research.

While I approached several potential mentors, not all were willing to help. I have learned that mentorship is a two-way street. It is not just about receiving advice — it is also about giving back. That is why I became a mentor myself, supporting mentees like Warizah Suleiman, the CEO of Rezarhbaking. This experience keeps me grounded and reminds me of my responsibility as a mentor and role model. In essence, mentorship is a vital part of my entrepreneurial journey, emphasising the impact I can have on others and the importance of continuous learning and growth.

 

What is your advice to young entrepreneurs like you and those about to venture in?

My advice to young entrepreneurs like myself and those about to embark on this journey is simple: Put God first and what is meant for you will come your way. However, your efforts and prayers play a crucial role in achieving your goals. Stay dedicated, work hard, and never stop believing in your dreams. Success may take time, but with perseverance and faith, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

 

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