We had the good fortune of connecting with Oluwatofunmi Akisanya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oluwatofunmi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is taking a chance at something despite the uncertainty of the outcome. Life is a risk that we take everyday. In order to achieve goals we have to take risks, through this process we can learn and grow. Starting a business is a huge risk because you’re investing so much into it in hopes of being successful but many things could go wrong. For example, trusting the wrong vendors or gaining less profit back but you just have to go for it and see where it takes you. When I started my business, I spent all the money I had on me and hoped that everything would work out. I faced a few obstacles especially since I started during the pandemic, and finding ways to make profit without charging customers too much. I got discouraged and became inconsistent but I kept pushing and thanks to the support of family and friends my first batch of products sold out. I love taking risks because it results in either good or bad and when its bad, it shows a different way to go about the situation.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is called Candied Lips; It is a future cosmetic line but I am starting small with just lip-gloss. Owning a business is not easy, especially for me being a high school student; trying to juggle school work and actual work at the same time is not easy but I’ve learned to set goals, plan out, and stay organized. I have learned to persevere and keep going no matter what because there are going to be stumbling blocks along the way; you have to learn from them and keep it pushing. I want the world to know that by the grace of God, this brand is going places so stay on the lookout.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just fully started exploring the city and I have places I would like to visit this summer, for example; the botanical garden, centennial park, piedmont park, slutty vegan, trap music museum, and many more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank God and my family (mum, dad, and brother); they are the definition of a support system. They’ve helped me rise and conquer amid difficult situations. I specifically want to shout out my mum, who is also my best friend and hype man. She has set a great example for me of what a woman should be; she’s helped me build my confidence, come out of my shell, and she’s the best adviser. My mum is my superhero and I aspire to be like her every day.

Website: https://candiedlips.company.site/

Instagram: Business page: candiedlips0 Personal: yor_ubagyal

Other: Tiktok: candiedlips0

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