In Nigeria’s bustling lifestyle sector, where few women have broken through at scale, Mrs. Lois Andrew Ihwo — widely known as Lola Andy — is rewriting the script. Through her twin brands, Deeutensils and Deescent Global, she has fused style with substance, building companies that not only deliver luxury but also create pathways for women, widows, and communities to thrive.
What sets her apart is not just business acumen, but a dual commitment: elevating standards in kitchenware and fragrance while simultaneously investing in human capital through her Dee Ihwo Foundation.
Her kitchenware business, Deeutensils — launched over 15 years ago after a bold exit from public service — has grown into one of the country’s most recognized lifestyle brands. With branches across Abuja and direct supply chains from factories in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Deeutensils has set benchmarks in authenticity, logistics, and professional training for Nigeria’s culinary sector.
Then came Deescent Global, her 2024 expansion into luxury fragrances that enrich homes, hotels, and offices with elegant scents. The move signaled her ability to spot lifestyle gaps and transform them into thriving industries.
But beyond commerce, Lois Ihwo’s story carries a bigger message of empowerment. Through the Dee Ihwo Foundation, she has turned profit into purpose — supporting widows with steady income, paying hospital bills, funding scholarships for children, training women entrepreneurs, and sending relief materials to the vulnerable. Her philanthropy is hands-on, community-driven, and deeply personal.
It’s no surprise she has collected an array of accolades — from Abuja Female Entrepreneur of the Year (2024) to recognition among Africa’s 100 Most Notable Peace Icons. Yet, in interviews and public engagements, she often redirects attention to the women she empowers, the staff she uplifts, and the traders she equips with tools to thrive.
In a marketplace crowded with luxury imports and shallow branding, Mrs. Ihwo represents something different: a homegrown model of excellence that links global standards with local impact. She’s not just selling utensils or fragrances; she’s building confidence, creating opportunities, and positioning Nigerian women at the center of a redefined lifestyle economy.
Her journey reminds us that true entrepreneurship is not measured only by revenue or branches opened, but by lives touched and legacies built.
