Prominent Nigerian media personality and entrepreneur Toke Makinwa has revealed that her past business ventures in the fashion and beauty sectors, specifically her handbag line and cosmetics brand, suffered major setbacks and ultimate failures.

Speaking during a recent episode of Master of Craft, a YouTube storytelling series presented by Pawnshop by Bluradish, Makinwa offered a candid reflection on her entrepreneurial journey, detailing how initial commercial failures shaped her approach to business management and financial growth.

Despite the losses, Makinwa disclosed that she is actively working toward relaunching her makeup brand, viewing past mistakes as essential learning milestones rather than reasons to give up.

"I failed... 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," Makinwa stated.

Advising upcoming business owners to remain objective, she urged founders to critically evaluate product flaws, whether in design, stitching, or overall strategy, and avoid staying attached to unviable ideas.

She also emphasized the importance of active financial management, cautioning against leaving capital idle in standard bank accounts instead of exploring investments like stocks and bonds.

"If you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in trouble... Do not let your now determine your future," she added, encouraging entrepreneurs going through difficult phases to stay anchored to their core vision.

ID