For going beyond building a business to building industry, Ali Baba and Tara Durotoye yesterday, Thursday, August 1, received the 2019 National MSME Awards.

While Ali Baba received the award for being the trailblazer in the comedy industry, Tara received her award for blazing the trail in the makeup and beauty industry.

Tara’s husband, Fela Durotoye took to his Instagram page on Friday to celebrate and congratulate the awardees for their courage, confidence and the capacity to start and grow an unconventional business.

He urged others not to be discouraged when people don’t understand their business model, adding that may just be another trailblazer in a new industry.

He wrote: “CONGRATULATIONS to two of my favourite TRAILBLAZERS … my Chairman @Alibaba and my heartthrob @TaraDurotoye … on receiving the 2019 National MSME Awards.

“Over the years, both trailblazers have had the COURAGE to start an unconventional business, the CONFIDENCE to believe in a business that others despised and the CAPACITY to grow their business beyond themselves into an INDUSTRY.

Trailblazers are special because they go beyond building a business to building an industry.

“They are not intimidated by ‘competition’ … they are inspired by the collaborative growth of their industry.

“Trailblazers are SELFLESS VISIONARIES, who often invest more in others than themselves.

“I celebrate every trailblazer out there who is working hard to build collective success for their industry & not just their own selfish ambition.

“Please TAG ANY TRAILBLAZER you wish to celebrate.

“PS… Don’t be discouraged when people don’t understand your business model & can’t see how your business idea can succeed … You may just be a trailblazer starting a new industry. So go ahead & give it all you got.”