Omobolaji Mogaji: A woman’s woman
She holds an impressive CV; a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication, a Postgraduate Diploma in Media Management, a Masters in Brand Management from the University of Valencia, and another Masters in Marketing from the Rome Business School.
Omobolaji Mogaji is an accomp lished Beauty Brand Consultant with over seven years of excellent track record.
Specializing in empowering beauty entrepreneurs to successfully establish sustainable Beauty Businesses in Africa,
Omobolaji is the founder of two sustainable Beauty Businesses; Rubellite Cosmetics and Rubellite Hair. She also runs a consultancy firm, TBE Global.
Recently on international Women’s Day, her company, Rubellite Cosmetics located in the heart of Lekki, gave a surprise, make over to a food vendor, transforming an ordinary woman into a ‘Cinderella.’
That video went viral, setting social media users talking about this gesture that demonstrated this year’s IWD apt campaign theme, #InspireInclusion.
Her skill at crafting compelling Brand Communications was clearly demonstrated in that viral video.
In this interview, this compassionate beautypreneur, a member of ’40 under 40 CEO’ list in Nigeria, spoke to Allure on her company’s IWD give away, how she is providing support to startup Beauty Businesses in Nigeria.
You set social media on fire on International Women’s Day with the now viral video that saw your company do, a complete makeover for a food vendor. What inspired the gesture?
The inspiration behind our viral video on International Women’s Day stemmed from Rubellite Beauty’s commitment to promote inclusivity.
We aimed to spotlight the transformative power of self-care and confidence, using the makeover as a symbol of celebrating women’s strength.
Is this something you do yearly?
Rubellite Beauty has consistently incorporated empowerment into its values, weaving it into various initiatives. For instance, with the Smile project launched in 2022, we conducted a market storm in Iponri, providing free makeovers and photo sessions for 10 market women. As a lasting reminder of their significance to the community, we gifted them personalized photo frames.
How did you come about choosing that particular woman for your free makeover?
Madam Uju, known for selling tasty abacha around our store, happened to be hawking her business the day we conceived the idea. Coincidentally, as she was making her usual rounds, we approached her, bought abacha, and asked if she could spare us a few hours of her time. She graciously agreed, and the rest is history.
The woman that emerged after the makeover was a totally different one. How can more women be encouraged to care for themselves?
Encouraging self-care among women involves fostering a culture of self-love. Rubellite Beauty believes in promoting positive body image and providing accessible resources for personal grooming, aiming to inspire confidence in every woman.
Madam Obianuju was not only gifted a makeover, she was given the gift of self love and a boost of confidence to help her next steps into achieving her goals.
Beauty products are not so cheap, are there brands that women with low income can subscribe to and still come out looking fabulous?
Rubellite Beauty understands the financial aspect and ensures inclusivity by, manufacturing quality affordable beauty products. Our makeup products are available to women with varying income levels, fostering a sense of inclusiveness.
Share with us your journey into beautypreneurship…
In 2016, my professional journey unfolded as a makeup artist, where I honed my skills and discovered my passion for enhancing natural beauty. Seeking to deepen my understanding of cosmetics, I ventured into acquiring a diploma in cosmetic science, a pivotal step that steered my career towards a more comprehensive and impactful direction.
This educational pursuit equipped me with the knowledge and expertise necessary to delve into the production of safe and high-quality makeup products, with a specific focus on catering to the diverse needs of women of colour. This shift in focus marked a significant milestone, aligning my brand with the mission to offer inclusive beauty solutions.
The turning point came in 2018 when I proudly launched two innovative products under my brand. These initial offerings laid the foundation for a brand that prioritizes efficacy, safety, and inclusivity. The positive reception fueled my determination, inspiring me to expand the product line.
Since those early days, the brand has experienced remarkable growth, currently boasting an impressive array of over 20 products proudly displayed on store shelves. Each product reflects the commitment to diversity, quality, and empowerment, embodying the essence of my journey as a beautypreneur.
This evolution is not only a personal passion for cosmetics but also, a dedication to making beauty accessible to women of all skin tones. The journey from makeup artist to cosmetic scientist and entrepreneur has been both challenging and rewarding, shaping my brand into a beacon of representation and quality in the beauty industry.
As a beauty Brand Consultant, what does it take to set up a beauty business in Nigeria?
Setting up a beauty business in Nigeria requires a comprehensive understanding of the market, extensive product research and development, meticulous compliance with regulations, strategic branding, the establishment of good relationships with suppliers and customers, and more importantly, establishing a distinct brand experience.
With the naira to dollar exchange rate, how convenient is it doing this line of business at this particular point in time in Nigeria?
Considering the challenges posed by the naira to dollar exchange rate, operating a beauty business in Nigeria at this time is quite stressful, which means, it demands a more careful financial planning, resourcefulness, negotiation with suppliers and adaptability to market dynamics.
The social media is awash with DIY natural beauty recipes. How effective are some of these prescriptions?
The effectiveness of DIY natural beauty recipes varies. While some may offer benefits, it’s crucial to approach them with caution. Results depend on individual skin types and conditions. Consulting a dermatologist for personalized advice ensures safe and effective skincare.
Can you share with us some dos and don’ts on how to protect the skin?
Do wear sunscreen daily to shield the skin from harmful UV rays. Stay hydrated to maintain skin moisture and overall health. Do follow a consistent skincare routine suitable for your skin type. Do remove makeup before bedtime to allow the skin to breathe. Remember to incorporate a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants for skin nourishment.
Don’t neglect sunscreen, even on cloudy days or during winter.
Don’t over exfoliate, as it can strip the skin’s natural oils.
Don’t pick or squeeze pimples to prevent scarring and inflammation.
A famous beauty quote states that ‘Less makeup, more confidence’, is make up also becoming like an addiction for women?
While makeup is a form of self-expression and enhances confidence for many, it’s essential to acknowledge that excessive use can potentially lead to dependency or be perceived as addictive behavior. Like any form of personal grooming, moderation and a healthy relationship with makeup is key. It’s crucial to promote self-confidence beyond external appearances and embrace one’s natural beauty.
Is beauty still in the eyes of the beholder?
Yes, the concept of beauty being in the eye of the beholder still holds true. Beauty remains subjective and varies based on individual perspectives, cultural influences, and personal experiences.
If you were not into beauty, what other career path would you have followed?
If I weren’t in the beauty industry, I might have pursued a career in cosmetic science or technology, leveraging my passion for innovation in those fields.
What beauty products will you be caught with always?
My beauty essentials would be a reliable sunscreen, Rubellite hydrating lip gloss, and a good moisturiser. These basically help maintain healthy and radiant skin.
What beauty regimen do you keep?
My beauty regimen revolves around maintaining healthy skin. This includes a consistent skincare routine with Rubellite body products, Body wash, Body butter and Body scrub ensuring exfoliation and hydration, also pampering myself with our range of Rubellite makeup products
Who is your favourite beauty icon?
I would have to say Banke Meshida, Founder of BM Pro. She has shown the power of consistency and resilience through her career and her brand which is something I resonate with so much.
When you are not working, how do you unwind?
When I’m not working, I immerse myself in self-care, exploring new foods, watching a good movie, spending time with friends, or opting for a staycation to unwind and relax.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Being an adrenaline junkie, I would say Mauritius because it offers a blend of activities and relaxation to choose from, making it my favourite holiday destination.
It’s still the women’s month, what message would you give to Nigerian women?
In celebration of women’s month, my message to Nigerian women is to embrace their uniqueness, support one another, and pursue their dreams with resilience. Each woman has the power to make a significant impact, and together, we can create positive change in our communities and beyond.