Semsey skin solution creates simple, effective skincare products for the African skin which ranges from Bath soaps, Masks, Scrubs, Toners and Moisturizers. Our products are customized into various skin types and conditions, prominent among Africans and alleviates common non-medical skincare problems.
1) TELL US ABOUT YOU AND YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUNG?
My name is Tunbosun Afolayan, a certified cosmetic formulator with specialist skills in nature-derived wholistic beauty and skincare therapies for sensitive skin conditions; currently studying Liberal Arts in Management at a Master’s program level at the prestigious Harvard University.
I am an Alumni of the Harvard HBX Core & China Europe International Business School Women in Leadership & Entrepreneurs in Africa (WELA). I obtained my cosmetic formulation certification from the London School of Natural Skincare, alongside an advanced diploma in Professional Soap Making.
2) HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?
Semsey Skin Solutions opened her doors to the public June 2016.
3) TELL US ABOUT THE SERVICE YOU PROVIDE?
Semsey creates simple-effective skincare products from locally available raw ingredients for general and skin specific wellbeing of the African family. We use available plants materials such as Shea, Coconut, Palm, Cocoa, Cottonseed, palm kernel Oils and likes of coffee, camwood to create products ranges for Baby and Adult Bath, Facial soaps, Body Scrubs to body moisturizers.
4) WHAT INSPIRE YOU TO START THIS SORT OF BUSINESS?
My daughter and I have “sensitive” skin. Asides being an entrepreneur, I sighted opportunities and wanted to give substantial value for the end user.
5) HOW DID YOU FIND THE BUSINESS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED?
We started simple, it was interesting and we were able to define how we wanted the business to grow.
6) WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED?
Getting a reputable supplier for raw ingredients in-country and dealing with registration with regulatory bodies.
7) WHAT IS YOUR STAFF STRENGTH, AND HOW DO YOU MANAGE THEM?
Currently we are seven (7) in number. We try to maintain a conducive working environment and inspired workforce to deliver value across the business chain.
8) DID YOU HAVE TO TRAIN YOUR STAFF, SO THEY CAN EFFECTIVELY ADVICE YOUR CLIENTS?
Personal and professional training is a must for all our Staffs, as often as possible to ensure that we all have the right skillset towards our respective positions.
9) WHAT IS MOST EXCITING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
Our priority is getting farm/crop produce hard to preserve, into skin care produce; providing our NAFDAC approved manufacturing equipments for other beauty entrepreneurs to use through our signature label service. Also, the nomination of our pioneered product for beard care by BellAfricana ACE award as one of the best emerging beauty brand in 2017.
10) WHAT IS THE VISION FOR THE COMPANY?
Our vision is to be the easy choice skincare company, for the true beauty of the African skin.
11) WHAT WORD OF ADVICE WOULD YOU RENDER TO WOMEN AND MEN WHO WANT TO START A BUSINESS IN YOUR FIELD?
Learn the trade, commit to it and Start. It gets better from there, sometimes not, but pull yourself together again.
INTERVIEW BY: SHOTE AYOMIDE DAMILOLA
