Exquisite Magazine got the opportunity to have an interview with Gloria Adegboye, the Ceo of Abike Essence, a young lady who creates a soothing ambience one candle at a time with diverse scents.
Tell us about Yourself
My name is Gloria Adegboye. I love the arts and literature, beautiful scents and anything with a wholesome essence.
I aim to expand and elevate my consciousness every day while operating from a place of flow, presence, ease and alignment.
I study Law at the University of Lagos and I am an amazing communicator with excellent problem-solving skills. I value building and nourishing viable relationships.
What does your business do and how it started?
Abike’s Essence is an eco-friendly scented soy candle and wellness brand. It started with an intent to share life’s ‘Essence’ through our unique scent blends and deliver experiences to people through our candles.
My mother has always loved scented candles and I grew up around them; I then inculcated a love for scents and developed a curiosity for scent blends. When I was ready to start a business, I then chose to start scented candles.
How do you solve your customers’ challenges?
I listen to what the challenge is, empathize with the customer and draw up different solutions to alleviate the problem.
Who are your ideal customers?
My ideal customers are women of all ages who have refined taste, view life with a sense of depth and are enthused about experiencing life in its beautiful essence.
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
I start my day with mindful meditative presence and prayer, then I either get ready for school classes or look at my tasks for the day to compartmentalise them then start my self-care routine and eat.
After this, I have my productive moments where I am either working on school work, my work tasks as an Executive Assistant or my business.
Next, I have leisure which could either consist of dancing, Netflix or YouTube time, relating with my friends, art watching or ‘alone time’ enjoying my presence.
Following this, I either exercise, listen to meditative sounds, journal then go to sleep.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
It has been positive; I have immense support from my parents.
What motivates you?
My goals and visions for myself.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is being an anxiety-stricken underachiever.
How do you define success?
Success is pure joy, fulfilment and alignment. Success is also being able to access resources that will help me attain those three entities.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Being able to make decisions concerning the flow of the business, take needed breaks and align myself to fulfilling a particular goal because I know that it is a necessary aspect in the big picture of my business.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing, I love and appreciate my journey for all it has been.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Self-awareness, tactfulness and planning.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
The version of myself that I’d like to see and be excited by.
What advice would you give to people who want to become entrepreneurs?
Find out why you’d like to be an Entrepreneur (self-awareness), find out what resonates with you and do your research.
What business-related book has inspired you the most? (or, What is your favorite book?)
My favourite book is The Alchemist.
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
I’d name it, ‘All Glory’.
Please share the contact details you wish to be made public
@abikesessence on Instagram; +234 816 888 3238
