Dabota Lawson’s interest in beauty began long before she launched her cosmetics business. After working in modelling and pageantry, the Nigerian entrepreneur turned to developing makeup products for women with different skin tones. She founded Dabota Cosmetics in 2015. She is now looking to expand into international markets.

Lawson’s early exposure to fashion and makeup influenced her career. In a March 2025 interview with Vanguard Allure, she recalled growing up around her mother’s fashion and makeup collections. She started modelling at five and won Miss Nigeria UK in 2010. After returning to Nigeria, she saw an opportunity to offer premium cosmetics in shades suited to different complexions.

Photo: Instagram/@dabotalawson

Lawson had to learn the cosmetics trade as she built her business. In a July 2015 introductory statement, She explained that she attended cosmetics trade shows and met manufacturers in different countries. These experiences helped her understand cosmetics production and the process of establishing her brand.

Dabota Cosmetics sells foundations, concealers, powders, lip products and eyeshadows in shades for different skin tones. One of its offerings, the OPULEN Makeup Book, combines several makeup essentials in one collection, including primers, correctors, blushes, bronzers and highlighters.

Photo: Instagram/@dabotalawson

In a November 2025 interview with Marie Claire Nigeria, Lawson discussed the challenges of raising funds and protecting product formulations. She also highlighted the need to understand the science behind cosmetics, particularly when developing products for people with specific skin needs.

In March 2026, Lawson signed a memorandum of understanding with Woodhall Capital International for a structured financing facility to support Dabota Cosmetics’ planned global expansion. She credited the firm’s founder and president, Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, with providing mentorship and business guidance during the process.

Nigerian CEOs do not only make waves in the world of business; they do so while slaying effortlessly.  They lead industries and make huge changes in their industries while serving looks and ruling the fashion scene easily. These CEO’s do not only bring about industrial evolution, they perfectly blend eye-warming aesthetics into their already terrific personalities. 

Amongst the many CEOs making industrial waves, these 5 CEOs have consistently embodied success through their style and kept everyone in awe of their impeccable fashion sense.

Mo Abudu. 

Mo Abudu, the CEO of Ebonylife Television, is one woman on the entertainment scene who is forever an inspiration to women around the world who are looking to be very successful in their fields of choice while being effortlessly stylish. After many years of success in the entertainment industry, Mo Abudu is one CEO that you can look up to whenever you need inspos on how to look good. She commands attention in any room she enters, with her flawless wardrobe.

She embodies african prints, aso-oke,boubous and free, flowy dresses in ways that you have not ever imagined. 

Ibukun Awosika. 

If you ever thought that nobody could style and slay simple gowns, you are in for a shocker. Ibukun Awosika, former chair of First bank and CEO of of the Chair Centre Groups, a manufacturing company, is one woman whose simple but amazing style speaks loud about her success. 

She styles her gowns and wears them with so much grace. Whether she is up, teaching women how to be successful, or attending meetings, her grey, long and beautiful hair and her amazing gowns are to look out for. 

Chioma Ikokwu. 

Chioma Ikokwu popularly known as Chioma good hair, is the CEO and Co-founder of Good Hairs Ltd and Brass and Copper Restaurant and Lounge. 

She owns any room she walks into like she just walked out of a magazine. She holds a forte in dressing luxuriously; from bold fashion jewelries to intimidating and blindingly beautiful dresses and designer bags. Her instagram page is a burst of colours and effortless glam.  She is your person if you are one who likes to keep everyone in the rooms they enter, spellbound and mouths open. 

Ruth Erikan James. 

Ruth Erikan James, popularly known as Veekee James, is a fashion designer and the CEO and founder of Veekee James, a fashion brand. Veekee James has always lived up to her status of a fashion designer by wearing it in her body.

She makes sure that every attire that goes on her body is a testament to the fact that she has a penchant for good fashion. Whether she’s attending a wedding or social event, or going for a church event, or even a photoshoot with the love of her life, Femi Atere, Veekee James makes sure to serve looks that leaves everyone on the internet in awe. 

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Lisa Folayiwo. 

Lisa Folayiwo is a fashion designer and founder and CEO of Lisa Folayiwo studio, jewel by Lisa. She is a chic and sophisticated lady. She is one CEO who dares move out of the ordinary, not sticking to the minimalistic and one coloured corporate palette.

Rather, she  blends African prints so beautifully and rocks them like a true artist. She makes Nigerian textiles look so chic and her love for bold prints sets her apart from others. Her accessories are also on check. Her bag game? Awesome. Jewelries? Absolutely stunning. 

These CEOs have proven to us that one can be a success while owning the fashion space. They are inspirations to embrace confidence and make bolder moves. 

When next you need to make a big appearance, who would be your inspo? Mo, Ibukun, Chioma, Veekee, or Lisa? The world cannot wait for you to take over it. If you must do that, then why not do so in grand style?

Picture this, 42 kilometers of pure grit, sweat, and determination. Now, imagine doing it not once, not twice, but multiple times across some of the biggest marathon circuits in the world.

That’s exactly what Dr. Awele Elumelu has been up to, proving that strength isn’t just about boardroom decisions or career milestones,

it’s about pushing boundaries, both mentally and physically.

A renowned medical doctor and business leader, Dr. Elumelu isn’t your typical marathon runner. With a packed schedule and high-profile responsibilities,

you’d think she’d have every excuse to skip the early morning runs and grueling training sessions.

But instead, she’s out there, pounding the pavement, clocking in the miles, and showing the world that success isn’t just about ambition, it’s about endurance.

Her latest marathon finish is another feather in her cap, adding to her growing list of races across cities like New York,

London, Berlin, and Tokyo. But this isn’t just about personal achievement. Her journey is a masterclass in discipline, resilience, and the importance of prioritizing wellness.

Running a marathon is no walk in the park (literally). It demands months of preparation, mental strength, and the ability to push through pain when every muscle is screaming to stop.

And yet, Dr. Elumelu makes it look almost effortless because for her, it’s not just about running; it’s about setting an example.

Her story is a reminder that real success isn’t just measured in titles and accolades but in the ability to challenge oneself, stay committed and keep moving forward

whether on the track, in business, or in life. And if that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is.

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