The Chief Executive Officer of Dee Utensils, Amb. Lois Ihwo, has recounted how she single-handedly ran every aspect of her business in its early days, saying she was the sales girl, cashier, accountant, cleaner, marketer and dispatcher before the company grew into one of Nigeria’s leading premium kitchenware brands.

Speaking in Abuja at the celebration of Dee Utensils’ seventh anniversary, Amb. Ihwo said the journey from a modest beginning to a thriving enterprise employing 138 people was made possible by God’s faithfulness, consistency and resilience.

According to her, the business started with very little capital and a small shop where she performed multiple roles daily to keep the company afloat.

“I was the sales girl, the cashier, the inventory officer, the accountant, the cleaner, the store manager, the marketer, the dispatcher, and everything in between,” she said.

She recalled that there were times she could only afford to stock her store with goods worth N10,000, adding that every stage of the business required sacrifice, hard work and unwavering faith.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including losing about seven social media pages over the years, Ihwo said she remained focused on her vision, believing that temporary setbacks could not derail a purpose ordained by God.

She noted that while many people admire the success stories of businesses, they are often unaware of the sacrifices behind them.

“People see the beautiful showrooms, luxury products and celebrations, but they don’t see the silent battles behind the success. God knows the complete story,” she said.

Ihwo explained that social media frequently presents only the glamorous side of entrepreneurship, leaving out the sleepless nights, financial risks, disappointments, prayers and difficult decisions entrepreneurs make daily.

Today, she said, Dee Utensils has grown into an organisation with 138 employees serving customers across Nigeria and beyond while creating employment opportunities and positively impacting lives.

She disclosed that some members of staff now earn N500,000 and above monthly, while the company has also sponsored the education of several students, provides monthly support for widows and continues to stand by its employees during difficult moments.

According to her, one of the company’s memorable milestones was when the wife of a president from another country travelled to Nigeria to patronise Dee Utensils, describing the experience as a humbling reminder of God’s extraordinary favour.

She also recalled a period when the company simultaneously imported eight containers of premium products, noting that the scale of investment involved in manufacturing, shipping, logistics and warehousing reflected God’s sustaining grace over the years.

Ihwo revealed that many of the company’s biggest clients deliberately avoid public attention, stressing that Dee Utensils values the privacy of its customers.

“Not every handshake becomes a picture. Not every sale becomes a post. Our greatest joy has always been delivering value, building trust and exceeding expectations,” she stated.

Expressing gratitude, she acknowledged the support of her spiritual mentors, Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche and Dr. Mrs. Becky Paul Enenche, as well as the contributions of the company’s staff, management team, customers, distributors, family members and friends.

She urged aspiring entrepreneurs not to despise humble beginnings but to remain faithful, consistent and committed to their dreams.