“I launched a new hair product and tested it on myself, and I couldn’t believe the transformation. After years of battling traction alopecia and trying various organic remedies, I finally found something that worked. Seeing my own hair thrive felt like a dream come true. Now, our journey extends beyond skincare into health products, always staying true to our mission—empowering local traders and harnessing nature’s best ingredients to create solutions that genuinely improve lives.” — Temitope Abiona (2025)
From Passion to Enterprise: The Birth of Eriglow Organics
The journey of entrepreneurship is rarely straightforward, but for Nigerian-American entrepreneur Temitope Abiona, it has been nothing short of inspiring. As the founder of Eriglow Organics, a premium skincare brand dedicated to enhancing natural beauty, she has turned personal struggles into a thriving business.
Temitope, who has previously shared insights on women’s health, returns to discuss her experience as an entrepreneur in the diaspora—highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons learned while navigating business ownership as an immigrant. It’s only fitting that we spotlight her story during Women’s History Month, celebrating the resilience and brilliance of women making waves in the entrepreneurial world.
From Lagos to the U.S.: A Journey of Discovery
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Temitope relocated to Nasarawa due to her mother’s job before completing her education in Jos, Plateau State. Her love for Northern Nigeria runs deep—so much so that she’d pick Tuwo over Amala any day! (I can’t say I relate—LOL!)
Her immigration to the U.S. in 2014 was a turning point, marked by amusing and eye-opening experiences. When she first landed in Chicago and saw the ground covered in white, she mistook it for sand—until she stepped outside and realized it was snow! Though she thought she had experienced cold weather in Jos and Turkey, nothing prepared her for the freezing temperatures of Minnesota. She humorously recalls wanting to turn back immediately.
These early experiences taught her adaptability—a trait that would become invaluable in her entrepreneurial journey.
Taking the Leap: From 9–5 to Entrepreneurship
One of the boldest decisions anyone can make is leaving the security of a nine-to-five job to pursue entrepreneurship. While this shift can be daunting, Temitope was no stranger to business. Even in Nigeria, she was involved in various ventures, from selling fruit juice to trading goods between the North and South. However, running a business in the U.S. came with a different set of challenges.
“The transition to business ownership is the most courageous thing you’ll ever do,” she admits. “It’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about navigating legal frameworks, handling logistics, and constantly learning.”
For instance, when she launched Eriglow in November 2023, she believed she had logistics figured out—until an order from Canada forced her to rethink everything. The customer was unexpectedly charged an import fee, which caught her off guard. It was a wake-up call: every new level in business brings new lessons.
She quickly immersed herself in business education, attending accelerator programs and learning about essential elements like business insurance, licensing, and compliance. She stresses that entrepreneurship requires working seven times harder than a regular job—a reality she faces daily, often working into the early hours, pushing through exhaustion, and relying on faith.
The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Anxiety, Uncertainty & Perseverance
Entrepreneurship isn’t glamorous behind the scenes. Unlike a stable paycheck, running a business means financial uncertainty. So, how does Temitope handle it?
“You have to detach from your emotions quickly,” she advises. “If you dwell on setbacks, you’ll struggle to move forward.”
She recalls a particularly tough day at a pop-up market. After standing for hours, pitching her products, and barely making $100 in sales, she realized she hadn’t even covered her Uber fare. “That night, I posted a picture on my status. People probably thought I had a great sales day, but in reality, I was wondering, ‘What kind of cry should I start crying?’”
Yet, she kept moving forward. “Entrepreneurship demands sacrifice. I remind myself that today’s struggles are paving the way for tomorrow’s success.”
Confidence in the Process: Building Eriglow Organics
Confidence isn’t built overnight—it’s developed through consistency and proof. When Temitope first started making body butter for herself, she had no intention of turning it into a business. However, after witnessing remarkable results, she shared her products with friends, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One moment that solidified her confidence was when a grandmother at her church used Eriglow’s body butter on her grandchild’s eczema and saw incredible improvement.
Even my own experience with her products was impressive—I used them both in the U.S. and in Nigeria, and they performed beautifully in both climates.
Temitope admits that perfectionism can be both a motivator and a hindrance. “I had to ask myself: What’s the best I can do right now with what I have?” This mindset helped her take action instead of waiting for an unattainable perfect moment.
How Eriglow is Transforming Skincare
Eriglow Organics is more than just skincare—it’s a movement toward clean, effective, and ethical beauty solutions. The brand’s products are plant-based, featuring shea butter, baobab oil, aloe vera, and essential oils. Unlike many “organic” brands that secretly use harsh additives, Eriglow stays true to its natural roots.
One of its most exciting innovations is a black soap formula that avoids the harsh, drying effects commonly associated with traditional versions. Customers are also discovering unexpected benefits, such as using the soap as a shampoo to soothe scalp irritation.
Beyond skincare, Eriglow is expanding into haircare, and Temitope recently tested a product on herself that significantly improved her traction alopecia. The brand also prioritizes ethical sourcing, purchasing directly from local traders and farmers, ensuring authenticity while supporting small-scale businesses.
The Future of Eriglow: A Vision for Growth
Temitope envisions Eriglow growing into a global powerhouse. “Five years from now, I see Eriglow producing its own ingredients, manufacturing in-house, and operating at a multimillion-dollar scale.”
More than just financial success, she wants Eriglow to create economic opportunities. One supplier from Kano recently checked in after a break in orders, reminding her of the impact her business has on others’ livelihoods. “Eriglow isn’t just about skincare; it’s about empowering communities and creating opportunities.”
Her ultimate dream? To see Eriglow products on grocery store shelves worldwide, making organic, high-quality skincare accessible to everyone.
Staying Rooted: The Influence of Her Nigerian Heritage
Temitope’s upbringing in Nigeria deeply influences her work. Growing up, she was aware of natural skincare ingredients like shea butter and black soap but never truly appreciated them until she moved abroad. Today, she champions these age-old remedies in her brand, blending tradition with innovation.
Her journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of believing in one’s vision. “Success isn’t about having it all figured out from day one—it’s about trusting the process and taking bold steps forward.”
With Eriglow Organics, Temitope Abiona is not just building a skincare brand—she’s creating a legacy.
