In a remarkable journey of resilience and determination, Ethiopian-born entrepreneur Lidya Hassan has defied the odds to establish herself as a successful businesswoman in Nigeria’s competitive landscape. Lidya’s story is one of grit, adaptability, and a deep-rooted desire to create meaningful impact.
From Ethiopia to Nigeria
Lidya’s journey began in Ethiopia, where she was born. She later migrated to Saudi Arabia and eventually settled in the United Kingdom. Her entrepreneurial spirit was ignited early on, leading her to secure her first job in a factory in the UK. Through hard work and dedication, she quickly rose through the ranks, gaining valuable experience in various corporate roles.
In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Lidya shared the challenges she faced and the lessons learned along the way. After transitioning from the corporate world, she set her sights on Nigeria, a decision that came with its own set of significant challenges, including substantial financial loss due to counterfeit products. However, her determination and resilience allowed her to persevere and establish a thriving business empire.
Building a Business Empire in Nigeria
Today, Lidya is a respected figure in Nigeria’s business community, with interests spanning furniture, concierge services, and an Ethiopian-style hair salon. Her influence extends beyond business, as she actively inspires a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly women, to pursue their passions despite obstacles.
Lidya articulated her motivation, stating, “I’ve always loved the idea of creating something of my own. Corporate roles gave me the experiences I needed, but the freedom and creativity of entrepreneurship are more satisfying. Beyond that, I want to make a tangible impact in emerging markets like Nigeria, and I knew that starting my businesses would allow me to do that.”
She further emphasized Nigeria’s potential, noting, “Nigeria is a growing market with so much potential, especially in sectors like agriculture, fashion, beauty, and technology. There’s a young, dynamic population eager for new products and services. For example, my hair salon taps into the beauty and self-care market, which is booming. I also see opportunities in sustainable farming, especially as Nigeria looks for ways to reduce imports and produce more locally.”
Overcoming Challenges
While navigating the Nigerian business landscape has its challenges, Lidya remains optimistic. “It hasn’t been easy, but it’s not very difficult either,” she reflected. “Nigeria has a rich and diverse culture, so it’s important to be open-minded and adaptable. I try to understand and adapt to the Nigerian way of doing things and also build strong relationships with people who can guide me. Having trusted local partners has been crucial in navigating the challenges.”
Lidya views setbacks as opportunities for growth. “I have experienced financial losses more than once, but I always try to view them as investments in my learning and growth. It’s important to stay positive and understand that every setback is part of the entrepreneurial journey. The key is not to dwell on the losses but to learn from them and move forward.”
As a foreign entrepreneur and a woman, she faces unique challenges, particularly regarding societal perceptions of gender roles. “One of the biggest challenges I have faced is the perception that men are the primary leaders and providers in African culture. As a young woman, many people assume I must have followed a man here who is supporting me financially. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I have always been independent, and everything I have achieved comes from hard work and risks. It can be frustrating to prove my capability, but it also drives me to work harder.”
A Vision for Financial Independence
Lidya’s ultimate goal is financial independence, which she describes as “freedom to make my own decisions, take risks, and build the life I want.” She has a core value of self-sufficiency that motivates her to focus on her goals and avoid reliance on others for success.
Through her journey, Lidya has learned invaluable lessons, particularly the importance of perseverance and building long-term relationships. “The biggest lesson is never to give up. Stay positive and focus on building long-term relationships. In Nigeria, many people are focused on short-term gains, but I believe in looking at the bigger picture and nurturing partnerships that will last. Patience, resilience, and thinking long-term are key to success here.”
Lidya Hassan’s inspiring story exemplifies the power of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams, making her a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond.