Nigerian media personality and entrepreneur, Toke Makinwa, has opened up about the failure of her previous handbag and makeup businesses, revealing that she is working towards reviving her beauty brand.

Makinwa made the disclosure during an episode of Master of Craft, a YouTube storytelling series presented by Pawnshop by Bluradish, released on Wednesday, November 4.

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, the broadcaster acknowledged that her attempts to establish a handbag line and a subsequent makeup business did not achieve the desired success.

“I failed,” she said, describing the experience as part of the learning process that comes with building a business.

According to her, entrepreneurship requires the willingness to take risks, recognise mistakes and make necessary adjustments rather than become discouraged by setbacks.

“It’s just constantly failing, but failing forward, and being comfortable enough to take those risks that do not actually sink you, but shape your decisions going forward,” she said.

She also identified product quality and execution as important factors that entrepreneurs must continually evaluate when developing their businesses.

“Maybe it’s the colouring, maybe it’s the stitching, maybe it’s just the idea,” she said, explaining that business owners must be willing to examine what went wrong with their products.

“You have to keep learning on the job,” she added.

The revelation comes years after Makinwa ventured into the fashion and beauty industries with her luxury handbag collection, Baby Girl For Life, launched in November 2017 under Toke Makinwa Luxury.

The collection featured handbags made from crocodile hide, with the TM Tote among its signature pieces. The launch attracted attention from fashion enthusiasts, although the brand subsequently encountered production challenges.

In 2018, the media personality also ventured into skincare with Glow by TM, expanding her interests in the beauty industry.

She later introduced Toke Makinwa Beauty, unveiling a fragrance collection featuring Dive, Rouge and Intense in May 2024.

Despite the setbacks, Makinwa appears determined to return to the beauty business. Her recent comments also come as she develops another handbag collection, with an emphasis on durability, craftsmanship and understated luxury.

Speaking about her evolving understanding of quality during the same Master of Craft conversation, she said, “Quality means durability to me.”

She added that she wants her products to appeal to customers based on their quality rather than her celebrity status.

“I want to get so good that they purchase it regardless of knowing who owns it or not,” she said.

Beyond business, Makinwa encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to remain open to constructive criticism and surround themselves with people who possess different skills.

“If you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in trouble,” she said.

She also advised people experiencing difficult periods in their careers not to allow present circumstances to determine their future.

“Do not let your now determine your future,” she said.

Makinwa is known for her work in radio, television, acting and digital media, alongside her entrepreneurial interests in fashion, beauty and lifestyle.