Adams Rashidat Naomi wasn’t your average university student. While most were content with late-night meals and cramming for exams, Naomi was busy building a fashion empire. With just four bags and N4,000, she launched her first venture, Thenara Bags, right on campus in Ogun State.
It wasn’t easy. Juggling academics and entrepreneurship was a constant struggle. Naomi remembers patrolling departments and faculties, her backpack stuffed with bags, her sharp wit and determination her only weapons against the vast expanse of the university.
But Naomi was no ordinary student. She had a touch of gold, an innate entrepreneurial spirit that refused to be silenced. Even amidst the pressure of exams, she saw the university as a fertile ground for her dreams. Those four bags were the seeds, and with each sale, they grew, blossoming into a business that sold a whopping 38 bags.
But the journey wasn’t without its bumps. The demands of school and business became too much, and Naomi had to make a tough call. She put Thenara Bags on hold, but the dream never faded.
Years later, Naomi, now a seasoned media strategist and presenter, felt the pull of the fashion world again. “I recently just rebranded my sole business Thenara Bags,” she declares with the confidence of a woman who has faced challenges and emerged stronger. “It wasn’t so easy back then, but I made a lot of profit, and that’s why I decided to start all over again.”
This time, Naomi is armed with not just her passion but also the experience of years in the media. She’s a force to be reckoned with, a walking inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Despite her achievements, Naomi remains grounded. “I’m light years behind my goals,” she confesses, humility lacing her voice. But she doesn’t let that deter her. Her guiding principle is a beacon in the storm: “No height is too high to attain, as long as focus is in place.”
For Naomi, success isn’t just about profits and accolades. It’s about inspiring others, about proving that anyone, regardless of circumstance, can achieve their dreams. “It’s never too late to pick up a pencil and start learning,” she says, her words echoing with the wisdom of experience.
So, the next time you see a Thenara Bag, remember the story behind it. Remember the girl who dared to dream in a dorm room, the woman who refused to let go, and the entrepreneur who continues to redefine success.
