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Beauty Hut Africa is a beauty and personal care store that is based in Nigeria. Founded by Subuola Oyeleye in November 24th, 2023, Beauty Hut Africa has made a name for itself by being the go-to shop for a variety of beauty products that one will not ordinarily find in most other beauty retail stores. I sat down with Subuola to find out what inspired her to start Beauty Hut Africa, how Beauty Hut Africa keeps up with the latest beauty innovations and the celebrity she wishes to raid their skincare shelf.
What is Your Name, and Can You Describe Yourself in 3 Words?
I’m Subuola Oyeleye, and I would describe myself as fun, determined and hard-working.
What was the Inspiration Behind Beauty Hut Africa?
I started Beauty Hut Africa because I felt that there was a huge gap in the market when it came to the retail of beauty products and how they are sold to the average African. We usually have a difficult time finding highly sought-after beauty and skin care products for numerous reasons. First off, these products are not only usually sold at inflated prices but are also inauthentic, and inaccessible without having to ship from other countries. Beauty Hut exists to solve these problems.
How Do You Stay Updated on the Latest Beauty Trends and Skincare Innovations to Keep Your Store’s Offerings Current and Relevant?
Embarrassingly, as a product junkie myself, it’s hard for me not to know what is new and what is trending, because of how much I stay up-to-date with products worldwide and because of social media.
However, within the company, we do have people whose primary role is to be on the lookout, searching for new brands and trends.
What 5 Tips Can You Give Women Who Want to Start a Business in Nigeria?
- My number one tip is that you don’t need as much money as you think to start a business. What you need is customers. So, find people who are looking for the product or service you want to offer.
- Secondly, make sure you’re making money. What I mean by this is, as a business owner, ensure that whatever revenue structure you have in place is working.
- Number 3, you need to believe you’re the best person to build your company or business.
- Number 4, be open to new information and be willing to change. In other words, adapt your business as circumstances evolve.
- As for the last tip, consistency is key. If you give up too early, you will never know what you’re capable of.
What Strategies Have You Implemented to Build Brand Awareness and Attract Customers to Beauty Hut, Especially in a Competitive Market?
I would say that the best strategy is word of mouth, nothing beats that. And I think when you care about your customers, inevitably, not only will the value of your business grow, but the business itself will also grow through organic referrals.
What Sets Beauty Hut Apart from Other Beauty Product Stores? How Do You Ensure Your Store Provides a Unique Shopping Experience for Customers?
I see Beauty Hut not just as a home for beauty, but also a place where beauty lovers find products that they want and need. We have a specific focus on newness— that is new and upcoming brands. We also prioritise the Gen Z and the Millennial audience. Lastly, we emphasize how to sell to customers. We prioritize the shopping experience of our customers by adopting a social approach when it comes to sales. This sets us apart from a whole lot of other brands that are more commercial leaning.
If You Could Only Use Three Skincare Products for the Rest of Your Life, What Would They Be?
My favourite products change from time to time. At the moment though, I can’t live without Skin Science cleanser, Hada Labo hydrating lotion and Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Super Glow serum.
If You’re Given a Chance to Raid a Celebrity’s Skincare Shelf, Whose Shelf Are You Raiding?
Definitely Beyonce, I think it will be interesting to know what she uses.
Looking Ahead, What are Your Future Plans and Goals for Beauty Hut?
My short-term goal for Beauty Hut is for us to have efficient reach across Nigeria and be able to have fulfilment centres in different key states and centres. I also cannot wait for the launch of our first flagship store.
