Words by- Josephine Agbonkhese
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Avila Naturalle, Temitope Mayegun is a trailblazing entrepreneur who has revolutionised the natural skincare industry in Africa. With a career spanning over two decades in finance, investment banking, and manufacturing, Mayegun has successfully founded and scaled Avila Naturalle Limited, a pioneering African brand in natural skincare and wellness, from a modest capital of ₦30,000 to a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Her passion for MSME development, women’s empowerment, and sustainable business has earned her recognition as a leader and innovator in her field.

This enigma also boasts an impressive academic and professional background. In her kitty is a BSc in Accounting from the University of Lagos and an Executive MBA from Hilton Business School, UK. She is also an alumna of Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School. A Fellow of the Institute of Research of Nigeria and the Institute of Leadership and Manpower, she holds an honorary Doctorate degree from the Institute of Leadership in the United Kingdom and is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Business and International Studies in Switzerland.

Through her journey, Mayegun has demonstrated unwavering dedication to creating a healthier and happier world, inspiring countless individuals along the way.

In this exclusive interview, the dotting mother of four shares how she’s transforming lives through nature-powered products, while building a legacy of impact across Africa and beyond.

How did your journey into natural skincare begin?

It started in 2017 from a divine vision and a burden to provide safe alternatives to the harmful products flooding the African market. With just $50, I began formulating natural skincare in my kitchen. Through prayer, consistency, innovation, and a deep desire to impact lives, we’ve grown into a multimillion-dollar brand with over 2,000 distributors and exports to several countries.

What specific gaps in the Nigerian skincare industry did you aim to fill when you started in 2017?

The dangers of harmful products are seen on the average man when you walk the streets of Lagos for example—from burnt skin to charred fingers and red patches, and those were my pain points. I wanted us to be able to produce products that were natural, but I also wanted a company that engaged in a lot of sensitisation beyond sales. I realised that colourism was at the edge of most of the skin bleaching issues. Why does the average black man not like their skin tone? This is a concern we try to address daily.

So, how has your campaign and advocacy for natural ingredients influenced consumer awareness and behaviour in Nigeria, particularly regarding the risks of chemical-based products?

We believe we’ve touched several lives. But there’s so much more to be done. Consumer behaviour is influenced by several factors such as preferences, cost, ignorance on ingredients and dissatisfaction with oneself, so, we at Avila Naturalle can only hope that we are able to further sensitise.

But so far, would you say there’s been an impressive demand for natural skincare products from your data as a manufacturer?

Absolutely. Consumers are becoming more conscious of what they put on their skin. There’s a growing demand for clean, safe, and effective products—and that’s what we strive to deliver.

You had a flourishing career in the finance industry. What motivated the bold switch to the beauty industry and how has that career background helped?

It was more than motivation; it was a divine calling. Like I noted earlier, I saw, firsthand, the damage harsh chemicals were causing people. I wanted to create a brand rooted in nature, health, and integrity, and that desire became a business mission.
My experience in the financial sector helped me develop strategic thinking, risk management, and a keen eye for opportunities. Particularly, my knowledge and expertise in stock-broking and banking have significantly paid off, especially in the areas of our growth and expansion. Those experiences also exposed me to business structuring, which became useful when I decided to launch and scale Avila Naturalle, diversifying into various sub-divisions, leading us to become Avila Group. So, for every time I am asked this question, I say God had it in the works.

What particularly influenced and shaped your approach to building such an inspiring business?

To be honest, Harvard Business School was definitely worth the experience. It sharpened my prowess, exposure, a new level was certainly unlocked, and the senior staff at Avila had it from me; the back-to- back strategy meetings, tweaking certain procedures and operations to fit into my new knowledge. It paid off for everyone. It also sparked growth for Avila.

What were the key strategies that drove your growth from starting with just coconut oil and a small team in a mini-flat, to a conglomerate with over 1,000 distributors?

Our distribution program has been key to this growth. With over 2000 distributors worldwide, we’ve put a lot of reward systems in place that help us engage our consumers. We also ensure quality isn’t compromised.

What role does sustainability and natural ingredients play in your product development process?

It’s at the core of what we do. We use ethically sourced, eco-friendly, and biodegradable ingredients. Our goal is to care for people and the planet while promoting sustainability across our supply chain.

What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced, and how did you overcome them?

In manufacturing, especially here in Nigeria, the list never ends. Sourcing the right raw materials, educating consumers, power supply to stay running all day, and, of course, raising capital, have all significantly proved to be hurdles at one point or another in running this company. But you want to put your best foot forward and stay grounded. I know it is easier said than done, but there’s no other way. We stayed true to the course. Our bank now wants to do business; it’s a lot easier. It gets easier with time.
Access to funding, navigating a male-dominated supply chain, and not being taken seriously in the manufacturing space were also key challenges. There was also the pressure of balancing family and business.
I was, however, able to overcome all of these through faith, strategic planning, mentorship, and building a resilient team. I also leaned heavily on continuous learning and innovation. I don’t see obstacles as roadblocks but as opportunities to stretch and grow.

How do you prioritise women’s empowerment in your business model, and what has been the impact?

The larger percentage of our company distributors are women. Women have proven to be efficient at cluster and cottage businesses, delivering results than male counterparts. We are grateful for the few male distributors we have, but we can only prioritise female empowerment. The impact is that with women, you tend to gain more ground because they share information a lot. That has spread the brand the most, especially through word of mouth.

What’s the basic way to take care of our skin?

Keep it simple: cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise, and protect. Use natural, skin-type-specific products, drink water, eat clean, and get adequate rest. Healthy skin starts from within.

Tell us about your childhood and how your early experiences shaped who you are today?

I grew up in Lagos, raised by my father and different stepmothers. My childhood built the foundation for my faith and passion to uplift others, especially women and youths.

What are your top hacks for inspiring a team to maintain high performance and innovation?

For me, I lead by example, through integrity, passion, and vision. I create a safe environment where everyone can contribute ideas and grow. We train consistently, celebrate wins, and stay purpose-driven.

What does a typical day in your life look like?

It starts with prayer and planning. I structure my day around priorities, business meetings, content creation, family time, and quiet reflection. I don’t do it alone; I rely on God’s grace and a supportive team both at work and at home.

How do you balance your roles as a CEO, wife, and mother of four while driving Avila’s global ambitions?

Over the years, I have learnt that when I put God first, everything else will be handled efficiently. So, God comes first. My home, second, and my business, third place. I delegate home duties to my domestic staff; they already know how I want things done. It gives me confidence and the ease to focus on work. You find out that contrary to myopic norms, delegation of various chores helps create a healthy work-life balance that also creates a seamless structure and environment for you to thrive. So, I delegate a lot. I create time for my family too. Sundays are off limits; family time is very precious to me.

How are you giving back?

Giving back is part of my DNA. We’ve empowered over 2,000 women through our distributor model and initiatives like TM & Friends and SheWellness. We’re also currently raising financially independent women and building nano businesses into global brands.

What inspires you daily?

I stay grounded in my faith, set new goals, surround myself with visionaries, and invest in personal development. Every challenge inspires me to aim higher and stay focused on the bigger picture.

Describe your style…
I love modest elegance with a creative flair. My style is expressive yet graceful. It mirrors my personality, bold in purpose but grounded in values.

As a female industrial leader, what advice do you have for women entrepreneurs looking to break into competitive industries?

Female entrepreneurs have several other prevalent roles such as home duties that play important roles in our everyday decisions. So, you want to first ask yourself: In what order of importance are my life obligations? This helps you compartmentalise and prioritise. Decisions are the foundation of a cutting-edge business and as an entrepreneur, the ability to make fast and efficient decisions on your feet are what will take you far. That said, my advice is: Believe in your dreams. Start with what you have, seek knowledge, embrace discipline, and don’t despise small beginnings. Trust God, stay resilient, and surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow.