Meet Dr. Temitope Alimi | Public Health Analyst & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Temitope Alimi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Temitope, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had a natural affinity for combining beautiful things and colors, particularly fragrances and fabrics and have always been complemented about how I smell or how my home looks and smells for as long as I remember. So, I was not surprised when the idea of starting Àrà Household, a home décor and fragrance line came to me.

The idea about making candles came on a cool Tuesday evening in February 2021. Prior to this time, I had been praying and asking God for direction on what to do as I felt He was calling me into business, but I had no clue exactly what I was to offer. That evening, I was flipping through Instagram stories (something unusual for me as I hardly ever viewed stories), and as I did, I came across a picture of an array of candle jars as the candles were being made and for some reason, I couldn’t shake off the image. Next thing I knew, I was researching luxury candle making, eco-friendly materials to use, branding and so on. I started this research at about 8pm that Tuesday night and was still at it at 2am Wednesday morning and I just could not explain why I kept going. Now interestingly, earlier that Tuesday evening, I had written on my idea journal that I was going to have a factory where products were going to be made to meet people’s needs. I never realized when I wrote that that the same day God was going to give me the idea of what was going to be made in the factory. Anyway, I went to bed after 2am that Wednesday morning because I had to be up for work the next day. When I woke up the next morning to pray, the scripture I happened to have for declaration that day was from Proverbs 31:18 which reads,” She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night” And I was like, “what are the odds – that I stay up late into the night researching about candles, only to wake up the next morning to read a scripture mentioning candle not going out!” So, I knew this was God confirming the idea to me and that was how the process started.

I also began to get some insights about why I was being led into this particular line of business. God had placed this burning desire to help people feel great about themselves, particularly in our current world where people’s sense of identity and wellbeing are consistently being attacked and they grapple with so much stress and mental fatigue. Research has shown that our olfactory and visual senses are huge contributors to how we feel, so I wanted to help people nourish their physical and mental wellbeing by creating thoughtful products and experiences that make them feel wonderful. This is Àrà Household’s mission – to beautify every life it encounters by making them feel like royalty.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, where I obtained my Bachelors in Geography with First Class Honors from the University of Lagos. Although Geography was not my originally intended course of study, it opened me up, and birthed the desire to study the interactions between the environment and diseases and how this understanding can be used to produce positive health outcomes. This led to my getting a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing from the University of Cambridge, Cambridge United Kingdom, and a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Miami, Miami, Florida. My PhD program was interdisciplinary which allowed me to study the policy implications of my research. While my research was about examining how the environment shaped malaria outcomes and how it could aid in elimination of the disease, I was also able to look into how such research translate into policies that help improve lives. This opened a new door to work in a capacity that helps people and influence policy (even if in an indirect way) that affects their health. This is what brought me into the Health Informatics space, where I currently work in Cancer Surveillance. I work with pathology laboratories and hospitals to ensure cancer diagnosis and treatment are reported to state cancer registries in a standardized electronic format, information which is then used to generate national statistics used for cancer research and treatment.

We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others?
I know every individual is different and our uniqueness is as a result of a combination of factors. Mine are a combination of smarts (both book and street smart ), self-assurance, high intellectual and analytical capabilities, decisiveness and excellence in what I do. I’m also never ashamed to admit my ignorance and always ready to learn. I love hard and I’m fiercely loyal. I root for others to succeed because I believe the more light there is in the world, the more the world becomes a better place. I am also very friendly, and I bring joy wherever I go. Add to these, unshakeable faith and complete dependence on God as the Driver of my life and Fulfiller of my destiny, and you have a pretty unique woman called Temitope . Apart from these though, I love going out. When we have great weather, I can usually be found out exploring the mountains of North Georgia or just taking a hike around. I also love to dress up and attend parties, particularly Nigerian parties called “owambe”. I am also passionate about giving back, so you’ll usually find me out two weekends every month on outreach to the homeless with my team from church or visiting women’s prison when we have opportunity to do so.

What you are most proud of or excited about?
What I’m most proud of is the impact I’m able to make on people who cross my path and the continued growth I see in me daily. I’m most excited about this new business journey I’ve embarked on and can’t wait to see where it all leads and the impact I’m able to make in the world.

How did you get to where you are today professionally?
I am where I am today purely by God’s grace. But it’s also as a result of hard work, believing in myself and knowing there is greatness inside of me, commitment, consistency and perseverance even in the face of opposition, and acquiring the skills necessary to move me forward professionally.

Was it easy?
No pain, no gain, right? Success doesn’t come easy. The road to success is often paved with a lot of failures. I didn’t get into university until my fourth attempt at the entrance examinations, when those I finished high school with were in their senior year at the university. I didn’t get into grad school for my PhD until my third year of applying (I had been getting admissions, but no scholarships and I needed the scholarship to be able to attend). So many other “failures” that I won’t bore you with; but you see, they really aren’t failures, they are character building opportunities. They, more than the successes, actually shaped the woman I have become.

If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
I was able to overcome because I kept and still keep my eyes on the goal. So long as I’m convinced that a particular thing is what I’m supposed to do or be, I go after it and don’t stop until I get it. Do I get tired and feel like giving up in the process? Yes! But what do I do? I rest a little, feel sorry for myself a little, and then pick up from where I left off! It’s that unshakeable belief in who I was made to be because I know nothing comes at me that I have not been equipped to overcome or that I haven’t already overcome. I was also never afraid to ask for help. In this environment where being independent is seen as a trophy, while it is good to be independent, it is also important to know we were created as inter-dependent beings and asking for and receiving help doesn’t make one any less.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
I have learned total dependence on God for inspiration and direction. I have also learned the importance of being open to learning from everyone and everything – from some you will learn what to do, and from others, what not to do. Not being afraid to fail – the only people who never fail are those who never try. Not hesitating to ask for help when I need it, connecting to others who are growing on their journey, leaving the door open for others to come through and celebrating other people’s wins are also some lessons learned. Finally, I’ve learned to keep putting in the work, to talk about what I do and share my growth/struggles and to never give up.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that Àrà Household is a faith-based brand. When it came time to pick the business name, Àrà (which in my mother tongue – I am Nigerian, from the Yoruba tribe – means “wonder”) was what I received. I believe the name of a thing signifies its destiny, so being named Àrà means that’s what the brand is to bring to the lives of its customers – wonder and beauty. With this consciousness, our products are made of the highest quality materials to ensure the safety of our customers and the environment. Our candles are made using a luxurious vegan blend of natural apricot and coconut waxes which are gluten, toxin, paraben, and phthalate free, and come from renewable sources. The fragrance oils used are also phthalate free. But while we started with luxury candles, the brand will include other home fragrance products such as diffusers, room/linen sprays and accessories, as well as, home décor such as throws, throw pillows, curtains and beddings.

What sets Àrà Household apart is the Kingdom message behind it and the signs that follow it. Through the products we offer, God wants people to feel a sense of peace, joy, and wellbeing, knowing He’s got everything under His control, and He is their oasis. He also wants to restore that feeling of royalty to His children because that’s who they are. The brand is to normalize being surrounded by opulence, beauty and luxury, because that’s what you find in a King’s palace where His children live. As such, the sign that follows this brand is the fragrance of the King’s Presence wherever the product are, which will bring liberty to those who encounter the products.  These four attributes were further highlighted to me: (a) that as candles bring light wherever they are, the light of Christ will come into every space these are brought into, and anything in darkness will come to light; (b) that as they are scented candles, the fragrance of every prayer raised up in homes/spaces they come into will rise up to Him, and that everyone who comes in contact with them would also carry the sweet aroma of Christ wherever they go; (c) that each product be named as an affirmation, reinforcing the intrinsic value of the customer and reminding them of who they are and whose they are; (d) that packaging for every item must be beautifully done because His children must get used to being surrounded by beauty. The brand is therefore set up to elevate people’s experience and make going from average to luxury and opulence within reach for all.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Mountains and water are my happy place! Some of the first things we would do if I had a friend visiting would be to explore the mountains, which are a few short hours away from the city. My favorites are Bell Mountain and Brasstown Bald in Haiwassee, and Ford Mountain. Not only are the views from these vistas breathtaking, but the scenic drive up itself is a treat! We would also visit some waterfalls along the way including Amicalola Falls, stop at Helen for some food and water sports and visit Tallulah Gorge on our way back. This will be for the entire weekend.

Later in the week, we would visit some of my favorite spots for food in the city. Sage Woodfire Tavern in the Perimeter is a favorite both for the food and ambience. I would also take them to Bangkok Station in Buckhead and we would go for happy hour and great food at Yard House at the Battery. I also love to people watch, so we would definitely be visiting the Truist Park when the Braves have a home game. We would round off the visit with a day of relaxation at Piedmont Park, stop and chill at Colony Square for food and the vibe, and watch a movie at the Silverfox Cinema.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The first person would be God, the One who gave the idea and deposited the gifts in me in the first place. Next would be my mom of blessed memory, Mrs. Abiodun Alimi, who is the reason why I am so driven to succeed at anything I do. It started with me wanting to be successful so I could take care of her and repay her for all her sacrifices, and now that she’s gone (it will be 20 years since she passed in November 2022), the desire has morphed to making her proud and honoring her legacy. My shoutout also goes to my younger sister, Omolara, who is my support system and sounding board for all my ideas. Many others have also helped me in getting this business started. Special shoutout to Engr. Wale Abraham and Dr. Kola Adewuyi who I bounced ideas off when I was getting started, I am thankful for their encouragements and constructive feedback. I also acknowledge, my friends Denia Martin and Yemisi Olaniyonu who have listened and offered encouragement when I was frustrated with a process or outcome. Finally, I also want to appreciate my coaching community, Immerse Inner Circle, led by Debola Deji-Kurunmi. The classes and coaching calls really helped me take the needed steps to launch the business.

Website: www.arahousehold.com

Instagram: @ara_household

Twitter: @Ara_household

Facebook: @arahousehold

Other: Tik Tok: @ara_household

Image Credits
@jaxonphotogroup (for personal picture)