National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
Temitope Emmanuel’s journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a household name in the hairdressing and cosmetology industry is nothing short of inspiring.Based in Ibadan, Nigeria, she has risen above countless challenges to build a flourishing salon and a factory producing her own line of hair products. In this feature, Temitope, the CEO of EMMA-TEE GLOBAL LTD, shares her story of resilience, faith, and perseverance with National Wire.
Discovering Passion Amid Adversity
Temitope’s love for hairdressing began in 1992 during the period leading up to the June 12 elections in Nigeria. “I told my mother I was interested in hairdressing, and she arranged for me to train with a woman in our neighborhood,” Temitope recalls. Despite her enthusiasm, her apprenticeship was marked by physical abuse and emotional trauma.
“My trainer, Iya Ayo, was brutal. She would beat me severely, and at one point, she even cursed me while forcing me to say ‘amen,’” she shares. “Even after I left her shop, I continued to have nightmares about being beaten, which left visible marks on my body when I woke up.”
The turning point came years later when her elder sister insisted on organizing a “freedom ceremony” for her, a tradition marking the end of apprenticeship. “The dreams stopped immediately after the ceremony,” she says.
A Struggle for Survival
Temitope’s challenges extended beyond her apprenticeship. After spending seven years with Iya Ayo, she faced societal and familial pressures to pursue other trades. She trained in selling building materials, hawked electrical items, and even worked in various menial jobs to support her siblings.
“I used to sell lamp holders and other small items, hawking them with a tray. Many times, I’d fall, scattering everything, but I’d pick them up and continue,” she says. “It was a tough life, but I kept going.”
Temitope’s family struggled with poverty and displacement, forcing her to sleep in her shop for months at a time due to accomodation issues. Despite these setbacks, she held onto her passion for hairdressing. “A pastor’s wife offered me a space to plait hair at a sawmill. The little money I made there kept my siblings and I afloat,” she recounts.
Spiritual Battles and Breakthroughs
Throughout her life, Temitope faced spiritual challenges, which she believes were attempts to hinder her progress. From terrifying dreams to inexplicable physical experiences, she endured a constant struggle.
“One day, I saw a whole human being walk out of me—not in a dream but physically,” she says, recalling one of her most bizarre encounters. She also faced opposition from people she rented shops with, who threatened her with spiritual attacks.
Her breakthrough came when a pastor recognized her plight and encouraged her to attend vigils at a Christ Apostolic Church. “During one vigil, the pastor made a call for anyone under oppression. I stepped forward, and that was the beginning of my deliverance,” she says.
Building a Business Against All Odds
Despite the hardships, Temitope’s determination never wavered. With support from her family and faith, she gradually built her business from scratch. “I started with just a cutting comb, a ₦100 cream, and a small comb. Slowly, I gathered all the equipment I needed,” she says.
At one point, she lived in her shop because she couldn’t afford rent. “On Christmas Day, while others celebrated at home, I was in my shop because I had nowhere else to go,” she recalls. Her hard work eventually paid off, allowing her to rent a home and expand her business.
A Journey of Faith: Buying a Car Despite Challenges
Later in life after marriage, Temitope’s entrepreneurial journey reached new heights when she decided to buy a car to ease her mobility challenges. “I had saved ₦400,000 for my shop rent, but my husband suggested we use it for a shampoo production business instead,” she says.
However, she felt strongly about the car’s necessity and convinced her husband who had applied for a loan from his workplace to boost her business.
The process of acquiring the car was a test of faith. “The first car we planned to buy was sold before we could finalize. But my brother-in-law surprised us by his strong encouragement. He traveled to Abuja and purchasing a Toyota for ₦1 million, cheaper than the one we missed,” she says.
Learning to drive with a disability posed another challenge. “My first attempt ended with my hitting a wall,” she admits. With modifications to the car and night-time lessons, she eventually gained confidence. “One day, my instructor insisted I drive to church alone. I prayed, and with God’s help, I made it safely.”
A Testament to Resilience
Today, Temitope runs a thriving business and uses her platform to inspire others. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “Looking back, every challenge was a stepping stone. Even when people thought I’d never succeed, I held onto my God and the dreams He planted in my heart.”
She did not fail to appreciate the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Ibadan which provided training opportunities, encouragement and support.
“I must appreciate NEPC for the support, encouragement and opportunities they gave me. Their Oyo State coordinator didn’t look down on me but would always encourage me,” she said.
“Through the NEPC, I got my FDA certification, a certification that is the American equivalence of NAFDAC. With that, I am privileged to export my products to the United States of America.
” Presently I’m awaiting my NAFDAC registration as well because I’ve done everything necessary including all payments. If I have anybody that wants to export my products to America now, I will gladly look into it because my products can enter their market and this is what the NEPC and their madam heading To State office facilitated. May God bless them,” she prayed.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. From enduring abuse to overcoming spiritual battles, Temitope has emerged as a brand, symbol of hope and determination in her community.
“No matter how tough life gets, don’t give up. With hard work and faith, anything is possible,” she advises.
Story by News Editor, National Wire.
