Written by Luminous Giannamike
ABUJA – In a story of resilience and determination, Ethiopian-born entrepreneur Lydia Hassan has overcome adversity to achieve remarkable success in Nigeria’s competitive business environment.
Lydia’s journey began in Ethiopia, where she was born, before moving to Saudi Arabia and finally settling in the UK.
Her entrepreneurial spirit was sparked at an early age, and she secured her first job in a British factory and quickly rose through the ranks.
In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Lydia shared her inspiring story, revealing the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way.
After moving through various corporate roles, Lydia set her sights on Nigeria. There, she faced significant challenges, including significant financial losses from counterfeit proceeds. Undaunted, she used her experience to persevere and build a thriving business empire.
Today, Lydia is a well-respected figure in the Nigerian business community, with interests ranging from furniture, concierge services, and Ethiopian-style hair salons.
Her influence extends beyond business, inspiring a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs, especially women, to pursue their passions despite obstacles.
She said: “I’ve always loved the idea of creating something of my own. Corporate roles have given me the experience I need, and the freedom and creativity of entrepreneurship is even more satisfying. I wanted to make a tangible impact in emerging markets like Nigeria, and I knew starting a business would allow me to do that.
“Nigeria is a growing market with great potential, especially in sectors such as agriculture, fashion, beauty and technology. It has a young and dynamic population that is eager for new products and services. For example, my hair salon , is tapping into the fast-growing beauty and self-care market. I also see opportunities in sustainable agriculture, especially as Nigeria looks for ways to reduce imports and increase local production. I think there is.
“But navigating the Nigerian business environment comes with challenges. It hasn’t been easy, but it hasn’t been that difficult. Nigeria has a rich and diverse culture, so it’s important to be open-minded and adaptable. It’s important that I understand and adapt to the Nigerian way of doing things, and that I strive to have strong relationships with people who can guide me. This is extremely important to overcome.
“Despite the challenges, I have learned to see setbacks as opportunities for growth. Although I have experienced financial losses several times, I always try to think of them as investments in my learning and growth. It’s important to stay positive and understand that every setback is part of your entrepreneurial journey.The key is to learn from it and move on, rather than dwelling on the loss. .
“As a foreign entrepreneur and a woman, I face unique challenges. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is that in African culture, especially in Nigeria, men are the primary leaders and providers. As a young woman, many people assume that I must have been following a man who helped me financially. That couldn’t be further from the truth. And everything I’ve achieved has come from hard work and risk. Proving my abilities can be frustrating, but it’s also what drives me to try harder.
“Ultimately, my goal is to become financially independent. To me, financial independence means freedom – the freedom to make your own decisions, take risks, and build the life you want. I want to own my success. I didn’t want to be dependent on anyone else, so being financially independent is a core value for me that keeps me motivated and focused on my goals.
“Throughout my journey, I have learned valuable lessons. The biggest lesson is to never give up. Stay positive and focus on building long-term relationships. In Nigeria, many people Although I focus on financial benefits, I believe in looking at the big picture and fostering long-lasting partnerships. Patience, resilience, and success are key here. And long-term thinking.”
