Building Confidence Through Beauty
Helping women look and feel their best has always been at the heart of Salako Oluwatoyin Esther’s work. Through Glamified Beauty Empire, her Surulere-based beauty brand, she offers salon services, professional makeup artistry, and hair care products for women between the ages of 18 and 50. While her clients enjoyed quality beauty services, building a business that could grow sustainably came with its own challenges.
In the early days, Glamified Beauty Empire was operating in what Esther describes as “survival mode.” Managing staff, keeping track of inventory, and separating her personal finances from the business were constant struggles. Like many entrepreneurs, she had the passion and skills to run her business, but she lacked the systems needed to scale with confidence.
A Turning Point
Everything began to change when she joined CFYE x Shecluded’s first cohort.
The program offered more than business training. It gave Esther a new perspective on leadership and entrepreneurship.
“The training helped me see myself differently,” she says. “I began to recognise the value of what I was building and the possibilities that existed for my business.”
With practical lessons from the program, she introduced clear staff policies, improved inventory management, formalised business documentation, and separated her personal and business finances. These changes helped her build a more organised business and make better-informed decisions.
Turning Opportunities into Growth
Beyond the training, Shecluded opened doors to funding and valuable networks. Esther secured a major grant and several smaller funding opportunities through the community. She also accessed Shecluded’s loan program, using the funds to purchase equipment that improved operations and increased revenue. Today, she is on her second loan cycle.
One of the biggest lessons she learnt was the importance of focus. Rather than trying to offer every beauty service, she refined her business by concentrating on high-impact services such as wig revamping and professional makeup artistry. This strategic decision strengthened Glamified Beauty Empire’s reputation and created a more sustainable path for growth.
Today, the business is attracting more corporate clients and partnership enquiries from beauty and personal care brands. What was once a business struggling to stay afloat is now operating with stronger systems, greater confidence, and a clear vision for the future.
Looking Ahead
Esther remains an active member of the Shecluded community, participating in programs and continuing to invest in her own development, particularly in digital marketing and online visibility.
Her story shows that passion can start a business, but sustainable growth requires the right knowledge, support, and opportunities. With access to all three, Esther has transformed Glamified Beauty Empire from a business focused on survival into one built for long-term success.
Support Esther’s Business
Want to experience Glamified Beauty Empire’s services or follow Esther’s entrepreneurial journey? Connect with her on Instagram:
- Glamified Beauty Empire: https://www.instagram.com/glamifiedbeautyempire
- Glamified Salon Essentials: https://www.instagram.com/glamifiedsalonessentials
Follow, engage, and support a woman entrepreneur who is building a beauty brand with purpose, passion, and excellence.
