‘Story of our product embodies the resilience, creativity, and authenticity of Nigerian entrepreneurs’

Founded in 2023 by Chioma Esther Nwigwe, Omah Scent was born from a personal moment of calm that blossomed into a clear business vision. What began with a single lavender candle has grown into a purpose-driven fragrance brand rooted in wellness, craftsmanship, and human connection. From a humble home venture, Omah Scent now caters to homes, hotels, and events across Nigeria, with an expanding presence in Ghana, Kenya, Ireland, and beyond. Beyond crafting premium candles, the brand is empowering young people and women through candle-making training, skill development, and entrepreneurship support. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, she discusses the challenges many Nigerian entrepreneurs face, including limited access to capital and inadequate infrastructure. She also shares the hurdles she encountered while building Omah Scent and how the brand is contributing to local job creation and skills development. Excerpts:

Starting a lifestyle brand in Nigeria comes with unique challenges for small and medium enterprises. What inspired Omah Scent, and how did you turn that idea into a successful business?

Omah Scent was born out of a deep passion for fragrance and its power to transform spaces and influence moods. I’ve always believed scent is more than a luxury; it’s a form of self-expression. The journey began modestly, experimenting with essential oils and hand-pouring candles at home. My vision was to create a brand that embodies the Nigerian spirit warm, expressive, and authentic while showcasing our community’s artistry and creativity. Turning that passion into a business took time, research, and a lot of trial and error. Seeing people connect emotionally with the scents we created made every challenge worth it.

Many Nigerian entrepreneurs struggle with access to capital and infrastructure. What hurdles did you face in building Omah Scent, and how did you overcome them?

Funding and infrastructure were definite hurdles. Power outages often disrupted production, and importing fragrance components was expensive. But those challenges forced innovation. We started small, built customer trust organically, and reinvested every profit. Persistence, creativity, and adaptability became our greatest resources.

In a market dominated by imported luxury brands, how do you position Omah Scent as a proudly Nigerian lifestyle SME?

We proudly embrace our Nigerian identity. Omah Scent isn’t trying to imitate international brands, we’re creating scents that reflect our culture, our homes, and our emotions. Every fragrance tells a story, from the freshness of harmattan mornings to the warmth of evening gatherings. We want Nigerians to see that locals can be luxurious too.

Nigerians are embracing wellness and self-care more than ever. How does Omah Scent tap into this lifestyle shift?

People now value creating peaceful, beautiful spaces. Omah Scent offers candles, diffusers, and perfumes that turn everyday moments into calm, intentional experiences. Whether it’s winding down after a long Lagos day or setting the mood for reflection, our products remind people that self-care begins with the atmosphere they create.

What aspects of Nigerian living influence your product development?

Nigeria’s diversity is a constant source of inspiration. The stress of city life pushes us to create calming scents, while traditional notes woody, spicy, and floral bring depth and nostalgia. We draw from our environment to design fragrances that feel familiar yet refined.

How do you educate Nigerians who may still see candles and diffusers as luxury items?

Education happens through experience. When people use our products, they realize it’s not about luxury it’s about wellness and comfort. Through storytelling and social media, we show how fragrance fits into daily life: lighting a candle while working, diffusing oils for relaxation, or wearing a scent that boosts confidence. It’s about making fragrance personal and accessible.

How does Omah Scent contribute to local job creation and skills development?

We’ve created opportunities for artisans, packagers, and young creatives who help design, produce, and market our products. We also train local talents in candle-making, scent blending, and quality control. Beyond jobs, we’re building skills that strengthen the local fragrance industry and inspire others to start their own ventures.

Your candles and sprays are hand-poured and curated. How important is local craftsmanship to your brand identity?

Local craftsmanship is everything. Each candle or diffuser is handmade with care and precision. That human touch gives our products their soul. It’s also a celebration of the artistry Nigerians are known for creativity, attention to detail, and passion.

Do you source raw materials locally, and how does that support Nigeria’s supply chain?

We source as much as possible locally from packaging to essential oils. Supporting local suppliers keeps more value within our economy and strengthens the ecosystem. It also allows us to maintain quality and build long-term relationships that grow with us.

How do you balance cost with sustainability as a small business?

We focus on clean ingredients and minimal waste. Our candles use non-toxic wax and responsibly sourced oils. By producing locally and efficiently, we control costs without compromising quality. Sustainability isn’t always about being expensive, it’s about being intentional.

How open are Nigerian consumers to sustainable lifestyle products, and how do you integrate that into your brand story?

Nigerians are becoming more conscious of what they buy. We make sustainability part of our story by being transparent about our process from materials to packaging. When customers know they’re choosing something safer and locally made, it builds pride and trust.

What innovations help Omah Scent compete with bigger international brands?

Innovation for us means staying authentic while improving constantly. We’ve developed unique scent profiles that feel familiar yet refined, and we rely on digital storytelling to connect with our audience. Being small gives us agility; we can experiment, get feedback, and adapt quickly.

How do you build customer trust and loyalty in a competitive market?

Through consistency and honesty. Our customers know every Omah Scent product is crafted with intention. The difference is emotional; they’re not just buying a scent; they’re connecting with a story that feels Nigerian and personal.

Have you noticed a shift in Nigerian consumer behavior toward local brands?

Absolutely. There’s a growing pride in “buying Nigerian.” Consumers now recognize that local doesn’t mean lower quality. This shift is exciting—it’s paving the way for authentic, homegrown brands like ours to thrive.

How do you reach customers in Nigeria’s digital-first market?

Social media has been a game-changer. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok let us tell our story visually showing the process, the people, and the lifestyle behind Omah Scent. E-commerce has also made it easier for customers across Nigeria to access our products directly.

What does it take to dream of becoming Africa’s leading fragrance brand?

It takes vision, consistency, and courage. Our goal isn’t just to sell fragrances, it’s to redefine what African luxury feels like. We want to represent a new generation of African brands that can stand confidently on any global shelf.

How are you preparing Omah Scent to compete globally?

We’re refining our brand identity, packaging, and storytelling to meet international standards while staying true to our roots. We’re also exploring strategic partnerships that can open new markets. Our mission is to share the Nigerian scent story with the world.

How can Nigerian lifestyle SMEs change global perceptions of African creativity and craftsmanship?

By showing that luxury can come from Africa beautifully, thoughtfully, and authentically. African creativity isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about emotion, heritage, and innovation. Every Omah Scent product carries that message.

Running an SME in Nigeria can be tough. What keeps you motivated?

The impact. Seeing how our products bring people joy, calm, and confidence keeps me going. Every message from a satisfied customer reminds me why we started. The challenges will always exist, but purpose keeps us grounded.

What advice would you give other Nigerian SME owners in the lifestyle and wellness space?

Start with passion and purpose. Don’t rush the process of building something that truly represents you. Focus on quality, consistency, and storytelling. And above all, believe your Nigerian brand deserves to be seen and celebrated globally. As Omah Scent continues to grow, its story embodies the resilience, creativity, and authenticity of Nigerian entrepreneurs redefining what African luxury means to the world.