When it comes to being an entrepreneur, one thing I know that drives it is being passionate about what you do. Entrepreneurship typically involves special vision and hard work, a fair amount of stress, and uncertain returns; These I see in Afi Antonio the Ceo of Earth Gold Skin and Beauty Products and the founder of Afi Antonio foundation. Get to know the passionate entrepreneur who shared her story with us.
Short description of yourself
I am passionate about helping people. I love to sing, cook, dance and listen to music. Aside from being an entrepreneur and philanthropist, I am a photo model and train children living with autism to become models. I love to see people happy. I was born on the 5th of march. I am a Christian and married to Reginald Addo, we have a handsome son.
What motivated you to start your business?
As an advocate for autism, I’ve been preaching inclusion. There’s a saying that goes like this “leadership by example”. I thought of what I could do to have one of my models living with autism onboard and at the same time create jobs for others. As a model with a beautiful skin, I decided to start my own brand of beauty products. That’s how Earth Gold Skin & Beauty Products came about. My company produces shea butter, black soap, and black soap shower gel. I use my brand as a model to push my products and also to campaign on skin bleaching. My products are all-natural without any chemicals added. I made one of my models living with autism the face of the children’s range of my shea butter products.
Tell us about your business.
The name of my business is Earth Gild Skin & Beauty Products. Its to create jobs, push inclusion of persons living with autism and also end skin bleaching. The good thing is, every product bought, a percentage goes to support persons living with autism.
What were the first and few steps you took to get your business up and running?
It was a little easier for me since I was a known model. And because of my good reputation, I was able to convince people to buy my products even when I hadn’t registered with the food and drugs authority from the beginning which I have now. I went out there to find a reliable partner to run the business with. That was my first step. My partner makes the products as I market and sell them. We sat together to come up with the name and design the logo which my partner did.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social media makes raising awareness pretty easy and getting new customers
What has been your biggest challenge so far running your business?
Funding as most startups face. We don’t have machines yet so we do everything manually
How did you overcome these challenges?
I wouldn’t say we have overcome but rather, we find ways of managing it
What do you love about running your own business?
It keeps me busy and thinking because my business partner is laid back so I have to be thinking and bringing up ideas. Being your own boss comes with a lot of flexibilities but if care is not taken, you may collapse your business before knowing it if you don’t use the time wisely.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I tell myself, if someone was able to do it, then I can also do it. Nothing good comes easy.
Do you have a business philosophy?
He honest, committed, dedicated, consistent and have passion or love for what you do.
Greatest fear?
Is my business collapsing
Most courageous thing you have ever done.
Is when I used the little money I had to start Earth Gold Skin & Beauty Products not knowing if it was gonna work or not.
What do you believe?
I believe with time, my brand will be everywhere.
What are some lessons learnt so far?
Trust no one because the people you trust are the ones who will let you down.
Any business quote?
Nothing good comes easy
Advice to other entrepreneurs.
Don’t be afraid to fail. Failing teaches a lot of things. Be consistent with whatever you do and always be honest.
If you enjoyed reading this story, don’t forget to share and also leave your comments below. Thank you.
Very interesting details you ave observed, regards for posting. Gigi Chic Ehudd
Awesome post. I am a normal visitor of your blog and appreciate you taking the time to maintain the nice site. I will be a frequent visitor for a long time. Margareta Jonathon Hesta