If I need millions to start up a business then it not supposed to be called SME- CEO Shine Light Nig. Ltd

By Kemi Mobuse - Monday, May 09, 2016

In my journey so far with this blog, I have learnt, time and again, that; to help your brand survive and stand the test of time, Persistence and Passion is all you need. Before you know it, that insurmountable obstacle, will become a distant memory ,totally forgotten and you will be sharing your stories with others as times goes on.

I have actually been on the lookout, who manufactures house cleaning products, and my tenacity eventually paid off. I was privileged to meet Ms. Funmilayo Arimoro, a proud entrepreneur and CEO of SHineLight Nig. Ltd. In her exclusive interview with KMB excepts below, she revealed how NAFDAC nearly frustrated her as a SME and more....

Kemi Mobuse blog: Can we meet you?

Shinelight NIG: I’m Funmilayo Arimoro, a graduate of Integrated Science from Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko,Ondo State

Kemi Mobuse blog: What do you do?

Shinelight NIG: I’m the founder of ShineLight Nig. This company manufactures cleaning products of all kinds ranging from dish wash to disinfectant and lots more.

Kemi Mobuse blog: What inspired your going into the manufacturing business?

Shinelight NIG: After service I was opportune to attend an empowerment training where I learnt Web Design and also household products manufacturing.
I decided to put into practice what I have learnt, by producing cleaning products we use at home. But, one day, while exploring my environments, I found out, that, I have the opportunities of producing what's needed in the community instead of my home alone. That was how ShineLight started with the first production of 20 samples from each products and it really moved the market because some of the people in my community are low income earners that can't afford other products in the market while some see it as luxury.
And we decide to give them affordable luxury that is as effective and safe as other products in the market

Kemi Mobuse blog: What is the name of your brand and how has the market reception been?

Shinelight NIG: Our brand name is ShineLight, registered with the cooperate affairs of Nigeria.
The products were well accepted by people. And the patronage has been really good, especially because, it meets the promise of production and by this we also get referral from our customers. The reception is satisfactory and it also encourage us in doing more

Kemi Mobuse blog: How old is your brand now and how has the market reception been?

Shinelight NIG: It will be two (2) years in November this year

Kemi Mobuse blog: What major challenges have you experienced and what has it taught you?

Shinelight NIG: The major challenges we have is funding for certification and other things, as well as an enabling environment for business.
But this has taught me to be persistent, focused and respect our humble beginning because the big come from the small and we hope that, someday the business will be at its peak

Kemi Mobuse blog: What do you hope to achieve with your brand?

Shinelight NIG: To be the leading indigenous company in household production. Nigerians aren't lazy or not innovative but the system is one factor that needs to be review for ideas to succeed....... Some kind of payment and requirements that is not easy for startup to get.

Kemi Mobuse blog: What types of household and environmental cleaners do you make?

Shinelight NIG: Our products includes: Fresh dish wash
Hydro toilet bowl cleaner
Bleach
Hand wash
Air fresher
MEGA multipurpose wash and lots more. All are liquid

Kemi Mobuse blog: Any advice for future entrepreneurs?

Shinelight NIG: My advice for future entrepreneurs is persistent. No one said the road is easy, it takes focus, persistence and courage to get anything done