Dr. Mrs. Temitope Maiyegun, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Avila Naturalle, boasts an impressive academic and professional background. With a BSc in Accounting from the University of Lagos, she furthered her education with an Executive MBA from Hilton Business School in the United Kingdom and executive training at Harvard Business School. Additionally, she completed a leadership course at Lagos Business School, focusing on “Leading in the 21st Century” in 2021. Dr. Maiyegun is also a distinguished graduate of the Ten Thousand Women program. Her professional affiliations include being a Fellow Member of the Institute of Research of Nigeria and the Institute of Leadership and Manpower. She holds an honorary Doctorate degree from the Institute of Leadership in the United Kingdom and is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Business and International Studies in Switzerland. Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Maiyegun is a devoted wife and mother of four, with a passion for reading and dancing in her free time.
Vision and Mission of Avila Naturalle
Avila Naturalle was founded in 2017 with a mission to develop pure natural body care products. After conducting research on the Nigerian skincare industry, we discovered that many products contained harmful chemicals, with 77% of Nigerians using bleaching products, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). In response, we created natural alternatives to promote healthier living and reduce skin cancer risks.
Since starting with coconut oil, we’ve expanded our product line to over 400 items, helping millions of Nigerians transition from chemical-based products. Our customer base is balanced, with 51% women and 49% men.
Our business comprises three main divisions: Water and Drinks- We offer premium table water and flavoured drinks, including Rosel, a best-seller that has sold over 5-6 million pieces in a few years since we launched it, and our water is now a household water in Nigeria, especially in Lagos. Food Division- This division includes 90 products, such as teas, spices, custard, cocoa drinks, oats and natural supplements made from fruits. And our Fashion Brands are basically for export.
We operate five factories in Lagos and a farm outside the city, supporting our commitment to natural ingredients and sustainability.
Challenges in The Industry
Avila Naturalle operates a structured business model that maintains control over its supply chain from manufacturing to distribution. The company tracks product movement and provides high-level customer service through systematic customer relations. Products are sold exclusively through authorised distributors and dealers to ensure product integrity and prevent unauthorised sales, enabling effective monitoring and control of business operations.
Comparing Nigerian Professionals with their Foreign Counterparts
At Avila, we prioritise research and development to ensure the quality and authenticity of our products. Through our travels and sampling of products from various countries, we’ve discovered that many products often contain synthetic ingredients, fragrances, or flavours rather than the actual ingredients claimed on the label. Given that Africa is a major source of natural raw materials, we trust the quality of our products here, particularly in our niche.
Our benchmarking process involves comparing parameters and raw materials metrics, which have shown that our products consistently outperform others in terms of using real active ingredients. In contrast, many other products rely on artificial colouring. We believe that standardisation and quality control are crucial in Nigeria, and organisations like NAFDAC and SON are working to achieve this.
By ensuring that only genuine products are available on the market, we can better protect consumers. As a result, we prefer to use products from Nigeria that we know and trust, rather than unfamiliar brands. Our experience with international markets has shown that even products labelled as “body butter” may contain only a small percentage of the actual ingredient, whereas our products are made with real and authentic ingredients.
Feedback from Customers
We have an active Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that enables customers to reach us at any time. Our dedicated team of five representatives attends to customer inquiries and messages, often extending into the evening and night. We also maintain a comprehensive database to track customer feedback, which informs our decision-making process and drives improvements based on their reviews and suggestions.
Managing Your Homes, Business and Social Life
Achieving a harmonious balance between work and family life requires intentionality. It’s essential to prioritise and set boundaries, allocating time and attention accordingly. I’ve learned to differentiate between work and family time, ensuring I’m fully present and engaged in each domain. When it’s time to work, I focus on delivering quality results, and when it’s time to spend with my family, I’m committed to being there for them.
By planning my time effectively, I’m able to manage the demands of my business and social life while nurturing my relationships with my children and husband. This approach has been a part of my life even before starting my business. When I’m at work, I’m fully dedicated, and when I’m at home, I prioritise quality time with my family, staying involved in my children’s lives, knowing their friends, and participating in their school activities.
Future of Avila Naturalle
Avila Naturalle aims to become a globally recognised brand with a presence in at least 5 countries, including the US, UK, Europe, and Africa. The company plans to establish a minimum of 10 stores across these regions in the short term and compete with major cosmetic brands worldwide. Avila’s long-term goal is to be the most trusted natural skincare brand, synonymous with skincare in Africa, and make a lasting impact in the industry.
