For this piece, Eve sat with four amazing women who built something beautiful from scratch. Each story is different, but all four share that same mix of faith, grit, and love for what they do.
We talked about what inspired them, how things have changed, and the quiet lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Eve: Tell me a bit about yourself
Rahmat: My name is Rahmat Sabo Ogana, also known as Rahmat Abaya , I am the face behind Rahmat’s Abaya and More. I sell thrift and new abayas, veils, ready-to-wears, shoes, bags, and other female accessories. It started from my love for abayas, especially unique ones.
I’ve never liked wearing what everyone else is wearing, so I turned to thrift abayas, something rare and special. People kept asking where I got my outfits, and that curiosity slowly became a business idea. I started small, grew slowly, and I’m still growing. Alhamdulillah.
Samira: I’m Samira. I like to call myself a serial entrepreneur because I don’t want to box myself into one thing, I sell abayas, but also a bit of everything. I’ve always loved fashion and modesty. Back in the day, I’d go to the market, buy fabric, and have it sewn right there.
I’d tell the tailors exactly what I wanted, and it would come out looking so beautiful. That love for modest fashion pushed me to turn it into something more.
Maryam: My name is Maryam, and I run Ryams_Abaya. I’m into modest fashion , buying and selling abayas and other modest wears. I started in 2020, during the lockdown, when schools were closed. I hated being idle and just sitting at home. So I decided to start something, did a little market research, and that was it. My dislike for idleness turned into a full business journey.
Aishatu: My name is Nanah Magaji, and I’m the founder of Taste_Made_Oven. I’m a self-taught baker and chef. The reality of the Nigerian labor market pushed me to start something of my own. I wanted financial freedom and the ability to create something with my hands. Baking became that thing for me.
Eve: What inspired you to start your business?
Rahmat: Honestly, it was my love for abayas , but not just any kind, the rare ones. I wanted to stand out. Thrift abayas were my thing because they’re unique. People admired what I wore, asked where I got them, and that interest made me realize there was potential to turn it into something more.
Samira: It was fashion. To put it short and simple. I love modest fashion and everything about it. I’ve always been drawn to beautiful clothes that reflect both style and modesty, and I wanted to bring that to others.
Maryam: For me, it was boredom and the fear of doing nothing. During COVID, schools were shut down indefinitely, and I couldn’t stand just sitting at home. I wanted to be productive and independent, so I started selling modest fashion pieces. That was my motivation.
Aishatu: Mine came from reality. The job market wasn’t promising, and I needed to make ends meet. I started baking to gain independence, and it turned out to be something I genuinely love.
Eve: How has your business changed compared to when you began?
Rahmat: It has changed a lot. I’ve learned to move with the digital world , even though it’s not always easy. I went from buying small quantities to handling multiple bales at once. Growth takes time, but I’m proud of where I am.
Samira: In the beginning, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I hadn’t done much research or studied my environment. But I’ve learned a lot. I’m more strategic now, more aware of risks, and I understand my customers better.
Maryam: When I started, I was just testing things out. Now I have a stable system , I’ve moved from a small startup to a fully running business. I’ve learned how to source stable vendors and focus on visibility through social media.
Aishatu: My business grew despite inflation and COVID. I started alone, but now I have about ten staff , some permanent, some on contract. It feels good to see how much progress we’ve made.
Eve: What are some of the challenges have you’ve faced?
Rahmat: My biggest struggle was dealing with the uncertainty of what comes in a thrift bale and the heavy workload that comes with sorting, washing, and ironing everything myself.
Samira: Suppliers. That’s my biggest challenge. They often mix up colors, sizes, or send wrong items. It affects my customers and leads to bad reviews.
Maryam: Finding a reliable vendor was tough. Visibility was also a big issue. There’s a lot of competition in modest fashion, and standing out takes effort.
Aishatu: Capital was and still is a big challenge. Sometimes demand is high, but there’s not enough money to expand production. It’s tough, but we find ways to manage.
Eve: How did you handle those challenges?
Rahmat: I started getting a few people to help me, sorting, ironing, handling deliveries. I realized I didn’t have to do everything alone.
Samira: I began requesting live videos from suppliers before payment. I also started using an agent who inspects my goods before they reach me. That helped reduce mistakes.
Maryam: I did more market research, visited different markets, and even traveled to neighboring states to find stable vendors. For visibility, I stayed consistent with social media , posting daily, running ads, and engaging with people online.
Aishatu: I took small loans and learned to prioritize what the business really needed. I focused on maintaining quality, even when things were tight.
Eve: Who or what has been your biggest support system?
Rahmat: God first, always. Then my family , especially my husband and siblings. They’ve shown up for me every single time.
Samira: My contact list! Honestly, people I barely knew shared my posts, patronized me, and supported me. And of course, my husband, he’s my delivery guy sometimes.
Maryam: Prayer, consistency, and showing up daily. Those have been my biggest support. Even when I don’t feel like it, I try to keep moving.
Aishatu: My family. They’re not just emotional supporters, they actually help out. Some of them work with me, and they’ve been there since day one.
Eve: What lessons have you learned along the way?
Rahmat: Don’t expect 100%. People won’t always meet your expectations, and that’s okay. Business isn’t always “sold out.” Sometimes you sell out in days, other times weeks, both are normal. Patience is key.
Samira: Never trust easily when it comes to business. I used to allow payment on delivery, and I got scammed a few times. Now I always request payment first. It taught me to protect my work.
Maryam: Patience and consistency. You have to give your all and understand that growth takes time. There’ll be ups and downs, that’s part of the journey.
Aishatu: I’ve learned to value quality over quantity. It’s better to grow steadily and build trust than rush into expansion.
Eve: What does the future look like for you and your business?
Rahmat: Bright, insha’Allah. I plan to keep growing, improving my digital presence, and expanding my stock.
Samira: I see a big walk-in store in my future, and a strong online presence. I also want a 9–5 job someday, but one that allows me to keep running my business.
Maryam: I see expansion, owning stores, hiring staff, and becoming a wholesaler. I want to move from reselling to producing my own designs.
Aishatu: I see myself running my own restaurant, one that serves intercontinental dishes with five-star services.
Eve: Finally, what would you like to say to other young entrepreneurs just starting out?
Rahmat: Start small. Don’t wait to have it all figured out. Growth takes time, and your journey is valid.
Samira: Don’t rush in. Study the business first. Build both online and offline presence. Don’t sell on credit. Be prayerful, and choose your suppliers wisely.
Maryam: Build passion first. Be consistent and show up for your business even when it’s hard. That’s how you grow.
Aishatu: Your dreams are valid. You need a strong support system and honesty in everything you do. Keep going , it’s worth it.
Conversations like these remind us that building a business isn’t just about money, it’s about courage, discipline, and showing up, even when it’s hard.
Do you own a business and want to share your story, too; we’d love to hear from you.
