Starting a business in Nigeria is not for the faint of heart—especially when you’re fresh out of school with nothing but skill, passion, and a dream. But for Ijaodoro Victoria Oluwatobi, founder of Tovic’s Fashion World, it was more than just a hustle. It became a mission.
Victoria helps ladies look gorgeous and confident—without breaking the bank. Her fashion brand isn’t just about clothes; it’s about showing women that beauty, confidence, and style are never out of reach. But her journey, like many Nigerian entrepreneurs, didn’t come without bumps and bold lessons. We sat down for a quick chat to hear her story, and what she wishes someone had told her at the beginning.
1. Before you started your business, what was your original idea or vision—and has it changed since then?
Before I started my business in 2017, I was only focused on making money. I had just finished secondary school, so that was the main goal. But now, after about 8 years, it’s so much more than that. My vision is to help boost women’s confidence and also make a difference by giving back to charity.
2. What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before starting?
Honestly, I wish someone had told me to focus more on visibility and audience-building instead of trying to look like I had everything figured out from the start. That would have helped a lot earlier on. In 2018, I got a grant—but I didn’t use it wisely. Instead of investing in stocking my goods, running basic ads on social media, or doing things that would help me connect with potential customers, I spent it on things like business cards and clothing tags—things that looked professional but weren’t urgent at that stage.
Don’t get me wrong, looking professional is important even at the beginning. But don’t skip the most important things. I was comparing myself to my sister, who had already been in business for a while, and I lost sight of where I was in my journey. I should have focused on understanding my market, building a solid audience, and being more visible. That’s what really drives growth in the early stages.
3. What was one of your biggest challenges in the early days, and how did you push through?
Putting a face to my business. I was very shy and avoided creating content or showing up online. To fix that, I enrolled in various business classes to build my confidence—and it worked.
4. Was there a mindset shift that helped you stay consistent or level up?
Yes. Every time I feel discouraged, I remind myself how far I’ve come and stay focused on the future. I believe these efforts will definitely yield positive results.
5. What are some common myths people have about running a business in Nigeria?
People often think it’s easy because “there are so many people” to sell to. They think it’s just about selling stuff and getting rich fast… but it’s actually really hard.
6. Looking back, are there tools, habits, or platforms you wish you started using earlier?
Yes! Definitely Bumpa and using a content calendar. They’ve helped a lot in staying organised and showing up more consistently.
7. How has your community or support system helped your journey?
It’s been super helpful in helping me reach a wider audience. Referrals from people I know have played a big role in growing my business.
8. If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I’d focus on a specific niche from the start and build a stronger online presence.
9. Any advice for someone who wants to start something but is still unsure?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It can make a world of difference.
10. Finally, what does success mean to you now—has that definition changed since you started?
It has! It’s funny how much it’s changed. I’ve grown in terms of my customer base, and I’ve learned so much about running a business. Now, success means making a positive impact on society—not just making money.
Victoria’s journey is proof that entrepreneurship isn’t just about having a good product—it’s about building confidence, showing up consistently, and finding smarter ways to grow. From overcoming shyness to managing her business better, she’s learned that visibility, community, and financial clarity go a long way.
And as she continues to grow her fashion brand and impact lives, FunZ is here to support entrepreneurs like her—making it easier to get paid, track income, and stay organised, so they can focus on what truly matters: building, earning, and making a difference.