5 minutes with Miz Wanneka
Miz Waneka as she is popularly called is a mother, wife and serial entrepreneur. she started off just selling human hair and failed at it several times. But the ability to keep trying again has earned her a sit among the big luxury hair retailer in nigeria and beyond. Wanneka did not stop there as she now has a beauty parlour located in lekki 1. Wanneka has in the last six months, empowered at least 200 young entrepreneurs by helping them start their businesses. the young mum revealed she is currently working on something entirely different in the beauty industry. in an interview with style Correspondent Ruky Salako, she let us in on the journey so far. tell about yourself.
My name is Doris Nkrumah Nwanneka. I’m an indigene of Ebonyi state. Amasiri local government/ town to be precise. I’m married and blessed with two beautiful kids. I’m presently studying Mass Communication in a reputable university in Nigeria.
What do you do?
I’m a serial entrepreneur. I’m the CEO of Wanneka Virgin Hair and Accessories, a luxury hair boutique which is also known as Hair by Wanneka. I’m currently launching my collection, Wanneka Luxury Abayas, which caters to women in society who need comfort but still want to look classy in what they wear. And I’m also a celebrity stylist.
Why this line of business?
Well, I have a passion for beauty. Making people feel and look beautiful. At one point in my life I actually got trained in make up artistry but hair has always been my first love. just the way some people want to be Lawyers, Accountants, Make up artists, Producers and all of that. I’ve always wanted to be a successful hair dealer. Not because there was nothing else to do but because I had and still have a deep passion for it.
Who are your ideal clients?
People who know good hair and want to look good. People who want to stand out from the rest, as that’s exactly what Hair by Wanneka offers you: uniqueness and class.
how long have you been in the business?
For three years.
What are the challenges you face?
When I started, I had to deal with wrong suppliers and competition as I am not the only one into hair business. I also had challenges in terms of some difficult customers especially in the first phase of my business where I even had to sell on credit just to get customers who would eventually tie down my money. So I was spending a lot but was making little or no profit at all. And I was also newly married then and had to cater to home duties, my baby and still run the business. It was not easy at all.
how lucrative is the business?
It’s highly lucrative if you know your market well and how to take advantage of it.
What is your sustainability plan?
Delving into other areas that would further increase and improve the productivity of the Wanneka. Brand keeping customer satisfaction is a priority.
there are numerous people in the hair business today, what makes you different?
I would say my marketing strategy for one. Secondly my prices, as I endeavour to provide quality at an affordable rates so that individuals and upcoming businesses, that is those who intend to start the hair business, can also benefit from Hair by Wanneka. And I always come up with something new and different from the norm.
What advice do you have for people who want to tow this path?
For those who want to start or are already into the business...for no reason should you give up. If you have the passion for it...keep going. No one completes a journey without facing obstacles. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t make it because others have been in the business before you. There’s a place in the stars for everyone who wants to get there. If you fail the first time, try again. Keep going. Update your skills. Learn new ways of attracting clientele. Market your product the way no one else will because truthfully no one will do it better than you. Most importantly, pray fervently.