Women Of The C-Suite: Victoria Abraham of Omez Beauty Products On The Five Things You Need To Succeed As A Senior Executive

An Interview With Doug Noll

I wish someone had enlightened me that failure isn’t solely one’s own doing. As a small business owner, whenever things didn’t unfold as expected, I often shouldered the blame, thinking it was my mistake or a misstep on my part. However, with time, I came to realize that business encompasses both setbacks and successes.

As a part of our interview series called “Women Of The C-Suite”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Victoria Abraham.

Victoria Abraham is a dedicated and result-oriented business person. She prides herself on her keen attention to the fine details. She’s also a creative thinker whose passion to see things work right and problems solved, has over time made her versatile enough to adapt to different roles and responsibilities with surprising ease.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

Ironically, I had never envisioned myself entering the world of business, mainly because both of my parents were deeply immersed in entrepreneurial ventures. My reluctance stemmed from my childhood experiences, where I seldom got to spend quality time with my parents due to their busy schedules. While my schoolmates were joyfully picked up by their parents, I often found myself making my own way home, as no one was available to collect me. It’s quite amusing when I think about it now.

However, just a year before my graduation, a pivotal turning point occurred. I started attending a new church that regularly hosted seminars for graduating students. It was during one of these seminars that I had an epiphany, and my passion for business was kindled. What struck me the most was the caliber of speakers invited to the event– individuals who were true game-changers, dedicated to adding value to the world. After attending several seminars and hearing from these inspiring figures, I made a conscious decision to do some introspection and soul-searching. Also, I earnestly prayed to God to help me discover my purpose. He answered. And, with this discovery came a lot of self-realization. I knew I would never feel quite accomplished except I did what I loved. so, I thought to myself, why not do something you’re great at? And, voila, the idea to start Omez Beauty products was born.

Also, my upbringing, marked by financial constraints, had fueled a deep-seated desire to assist the less fortunate. I wanted to venture into business, not for personal gain, but to become a catalyst for change and a vocal advocate for my community. I believed that business would provide me with the means to fulfill this aspiration. Through our company, I’ve been able to do just that. Omez Beauty Products has been instrumental in bringing about significant transformations in the lives of thousands of individuals, including children and widows, and this positive impact continues to unfold.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?

One of the thrilling yet hair-raising adventures on my entrepreneurial journey was the sudden, meteoric rise in our sales. I had envisioned grand plans and aspirations for my business, but I never expected such rapid and substantial growth, particularly during our inaugural year of operation.

What made this journey even more challenging was the absence of a mentor or coach to provide guidance and support.

But here’s the twist — I was flying solo without a mentor or coach to hold my hand through this journey, with our meticulously handmade products in high demand, I found myself in a whirlwind of activity. It necessitated sleepless nights devoted to crafting products, handling packaging, and ensuring timely shipments. I was a one-person show, donning multiple hats — the content creator, the social media guru, the friendly customer care representative, the vigilant production manager, and the savvy digital marketing mastermind, all rolled into one.

Reflecting on this experience, I find it astonishing how I managed to juggle these diverse responsibilities. It’s a reminder of the strength I drew from within, the privilege of pursuing this venture, and the opportunities that have come my way. I’m profoundly grateful to the divine providence that supported me throughout this journey.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

One of the mistakes I committed was venturing into business without the guidance of a legal expert or a seasoned business advisor. I hired employees without the safeguard of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or any formal employment contract.

To add to the complexity, a former staff member who was still actively associated with our company decided to plunge into a parallel venture using our intellectual resources. In essence, they duplicated our website and passed it off as their own, even selling the same products under identical names, with only the brand name distinguishing them. It was a misstep I wouldn’t wish upon anyone.

The valuable lesson I learnt from this ordeal is the absolute necessity of never entering into any type of agreement, be it short-term or long-term, without the protection of a legally binding document.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

My mum is my mentor. Her unwavering tenacity, relentless drive, unwavering determination, and remarkable resilience are qualities I’ve worked hard to emulate. Several of the strategies and concepts I have implemented in my business were drawn from her wealth of wisdom. My mom is the proud owner of a grocery store, and, from a young age, I spent countless hours there, assisting customers after school. This hands-on experience spanned over a decade.

Through her actions and words, she instilled in us the importance of politeness and the art of responding to customers with grace, recognizing that it’s within those interactions that we secure the means to sustain ourselves. Her oft-repeated adage was ‘’if they don’t buy that means no food for you’’

It was in these moments that I truly grasped the importance of putting customers first and making them feel like royalty. Thanks to her, my business is not just about products; it’s about people, and that’s where the real magic happens!

Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader?

Prior to embarking on my entrepreneurial journey, my heart’s desire had always been to become a fashion designer. After completing my graduate degree, I made the decision to relocate to a different city. It was there that I had the serendipitous fortune of having a fashion designer as my neighbor. I shared with her my fervent passion for fashion, which left a lasting impression on her. She graciously offered to provide me with training, requesting only a nominal fee in return for her expertise.

During this period, I was simultaneously engrossed in the workings of my online Hair product business. As time passed, the demands of my e-commerce venture surged to a point where I found it increasingly challenging to balance my fashion design classes. Regrettably, I had to make the heart-wrenching decision to temporarily suspend my fashion pursuits in order to devote my undivided attention to my business.

This decision was particularly difficult for me, as fashion had forever held a special place in my heart, a lifelong dream that I was momentarily setting aside.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Most of our readers — in fact, most people — think they have a pretty good idea of what a CEO or executive does. But in just a few words can you explain what an executive does that is different from the responsibilities of the other leaders?

To me, an executive or a founder is the driving force behind the birth and growth of a business. Their approach to nurturing it is distinctive, akin to a mother’s care for her child. They want to see what they envision in reality and sometimes, this often leads to isolation; especially when things are not going as planned. They want to think of ideas or strategies to make sure things work out well. Their primary focus is on generating innovative ideas and strategies to ensure the success of the venture.

Being an executive can sometimes feel monotonous and all-consuming, often leaving little room for a personal life. For those of us who are deeply passionate about delivering value, our primary concern revolves around the feedback, reviews, and desires and satisfaction of our customers. Their thoughts, opinions, and needs become our primary focus.

What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a CEO or executive? Can you explain what you mean?

Hmm…the myth that being a CEO automatically gives you free rein to work fewer hours, sleep in whenever you like and resume work at your convenience. Growing a business from scratch in the Nigerian business terrain is really an extreme sport as it would take everything you have to give in terms of resources, time, relationships…in fact, everything and then some.

It is important for us to be intentional about living in the moment and not to get overwhelmed with responsibilities.

People also think we have superpowers, I feel like business executives are the most fragile people who tend to hide their weakness from the crowd. We have been able to develop thick skin, but that doesn’t mean we are cold-blooded people. Lol, we also have blood flowing through their veins.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by women executives that aren’t typically faced by their male counterparts?

For reasons that should have been jettisoned centuries ago, it is believed, especially in this part of the world, that leadership looks a lot better on men than it does on women, which is an aberration because women are actually doing great at leadership in diverse spheres and platforms of communities, organizations and the society at large.

Look around you, there’s hardly any thriving business that does not have women steering hard and smart to rake in the big bucks. When I am opportune to share my story, I do it with a wide grin.

What is the most striking difference between your actual job and how you thought the job would be?

Prior to my foray into the world of business, my greatest aspiration was to attain billionaire status. I yearned for immense wealth and a lifestyle of opulence, believing that business would be the conduit to this dream.

However, the reality I’ve come to embrace today is a stark departure from those aspirations. Presently, my primary focus has shifted towards delivering genuine value, devising solutions to real-world problems, and effecting positive change, one person at a time.

Is everyone cut out to be an executive? In your opinion, which specific traits increase the likelihood that a person will be a successful executive and what type of person should avoid aspiring to be an executive? Can you explain what you mean?

Not everyone is inherently cut out to be an executive, as it’s a role that demands a unique blend of skills, qualities, and characteristics. In my opinion, several specific traits can increase the likelihood of a person becoming a successful executive, some are: leadership, professionalism, adaptability, emotional intelligence and effective communication.

Not everyone is suited to be an executive. People who are uncomfortable with making tough decisions, or are averse to taking on the high levels of responsibility and accountability involved in executive positions should consider pursuing other career paths. It’s essential to recognize that success in an executive role goes beyond financial rewards; it demands deep commitment to leadership and the well-being of the organization and its people.

What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)

1) I wish someone had enlightened me that failure isn’t solely one’s own doing. As a small business owner, whenever things didn’t unfold as expected, I often shouldered the blame, thinking it was my mistake or a misstep on my part. However, with time, I came to realize that business encompasses both setbacks and successes.

2) Learning not to place unwavering trust in people was a hard-won lesson. When I initially launched my business, I operated under the assumption that everyone had noble intentions. I entrusted roles to individuals who, to my shock, exploited the company’s trust. My advice to budding entrepreneurs is to recognize that betrayal can emerge even from those you hold in the highest regard.

3) Understanding that you can’t please everyone was a valuable lesson I acquired. We created one of our butter products as unscented, but soon we had customers expressing their dislike for the lack of fragrance. We decided to enhance the scent by adding a hint of essential oils, only to find that some customers returned their purchases, claiming we had altered our ingredients. It was an eye-opening experience for me, underscoring the importance of staying true to your vision, as your core audience will appreciate your authenticity.

4) Embracing the reality that things don’t always unfold as planned was a crucial insight. If you are the type that delights in perfection, I’m here to tell you that things will get messed up. People are the hardest to manage and sometimes your deadlines won’t work. The best thing to do is to set up a plan and add extra weeks or months if not years to achieve that goal just to avoid getting stuck and sick. Lol

5) It’s an undeniable truth that not all friendships are enduring. Friends may drift away, possibly due to a lack of belief in your dreams or your business. The key is to remain focused and resilient even when friends or loved ones decide to part ways. The journey toward your goals remains a personal one, and maintaining your commitment is paramount

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

My profound distaste for injustice and oppression arises from a deep-seated belief in the principles of fairness, equality, and human rights. These are not just abstract concepts but values that I hold dear and strive to uphold in every facet of my life. In a world where individuals from various walks of life experience systemic inequalities and face unjust treatment, it is crucial to actively combat such injustices.

My vision revolves around creating a platform, a safe haven if you will, where those who have been subjected to injustice or oppression can openly and courageously share their experiences. It’s not merely a forum for venting or catharsis; it’s a platform that seeks to be a catalyst for change. The ultimate goal is to connect these individuals with the resources, support networks, and legal avenues they need to seek justice and rectify the wrongs that have been committed against them.

I believe that by shedding light on these issues, we can help bring about positive change, create awareness, and empower those who have been marginalized or mistreated. The platform will serve as a bridge between the silenced voices and the avenues through which justice can be pursued. It’s a small yet significant step towards a more equitable and just society, one where every individual can live without the specter of oppression and injustice looming over their lives.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them

I aspire to share a breakfast or lunch with Oprah Winfrey. Oprah’s remarkable journey to success and her profound wisdom have served as a wellspring of inspiration and guidance for countless individuals worldwide, myself included. My intention is to engage in a conversation with her, seeking her invaluable counsel on topics spanning leadership, personal development, and effectively navigating the challenges that life presents.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

About the Interviewer: Douglas E. Noll, JD, MA was born nearly blind, crippled with club feet, partially deaf, and left-handed. He overcame all of these obstacles to become a successful civil trial lawyer. In 2000, he abandoned his law practice to become a peacemaker. His calling is to serve humanity, and he executes his calling at many levels. He is an award-winning author, teacher, and trainer. He is a highly experienced mediator. Doug’s work carries him from international work to helping people resolve deep interpersonal and ideological conflicts. Doug teaches his innovative de-escalation skill that calms any angry person in 90 seconds or less. With Laurel Kaufer, Doug founded Prison of Peace in 2009. The Prison of Peace project trains life and long terms incarcerated people to be powerful peacemakers and mediators. He has been deeply moved by inmates who have learned and applied deep, empathic listening skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills to reduce violence in their prison communities. Their dedication to learning, improving, and serving their communities motivates him to expand the principles of Prison of Peace so that every human wanting to learn the skills of peace may do so. Doug’s awards include California Lawyer Magazine Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year, Purpose Prize Fellow, International Academy of Mediators Syd Leezak Award of Excellence, National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals Neutral of the Year. His four books have won a number of awards and commendations. Doug’s podcast, Listen With Leaders, is now accepting guests. Click on this link to learn more and apply.