| Participant | Naomi Apeh |
| Location | Mararaba, FCT Abuja |
| Business | Wig sales, with emerging liquid soap production |
| Disability | Albinism |
| Programme | Empower Her Ability |
Before joining the Empower Her Ability Project, Naomi Apeh was running a small-scale wig sales business. Her operations were largely informal, focusing mainly on buying and reselling wigs without structured planning, financial tracking or a clear strategy for growth.
The lack of business structure made it difficult for Naomi to understand how her business was performing and limited her ability to plan and reinvest. At times, the challenges left her considering whether to discontinue the business.
Before joining the Empower Her Ability Project, Naomi Apeh was running a small-scale wig sales business. Her operations were largely informal, focusing mainly on buying and reselling wigs without structured planning, financial tracking or a clear strategy for growth.
The lack of business structure made it difficult for Naomi to understand how her business was performing and limited her ability to plan and reinvest. At times, the challenges left her considering whether to discontinue the business.
Through the Empower Her Ability Project, Naomi received entrepreneurship training, mentorship support and financial assistance.
The training introduced her to foundational business practices, including identifying customers, engaging with the market, communicating effectively with customers and managing her business more strategically.
The financial support enabled Naomi to restock her wig business and begin exploring liquid soap production as an additional source of income. She also developed promotional materials, including flyers and stickers, to support the marketing of her products.
Naomi reports increased confidence, self-reliance and greater stability in managing her business. She is now more confident in engaging customers, managing her operations and making decisions about the direction of her business.
The support also enabled her to move beyond wig resale and begin producing liquid soap, giving her an additional product line and an opportunity to diversify her income.
Naomi also reports reduced dependence on family support and increased motivation to continue developing her business.
Naomi continues to face challenges accessing affordable capital and establishing reliable supplier networks. She would benefit from stronger connections to cost-effective suppliers that can provide quality materials without the additional costs associated with intermediaries.
Continued access to business support and affordable financing would also help her strengthen her existing wig business and develop her liquid soap production.
| Key change: Naomi transitioned from an informal wig resale business with limited structure and confidence to a more organized and strategic enterprise. Through improved business knowledge, financial support and mentorship, she has strengthened her confidence and begun diversifying her business into liquid soap production. |
