Abimbola Akerele has lived by a simple motto: “Build people, and they will build the business.” That philosophy has carried her from a 17-year career in international banking to becoming one of Nigeria’s most admired beauty entrepreneurs.
As the Founder of Elereka Group, which operates The Nail Boutique, Groomed by Elereka, and Elereka Cosmetics, Abimbola is showing how African excellence, discipline, and purpose-driven growth can flourish in the beauty and grooming industry.
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Her professional journey began in global finance, where she held senior roles across the UK, India, South Africa, and Nigeria. Those years, she says, taught her “strategy, discipline, and leadership in some of the world’s most demanding environments.”
But in 2017, she decided to make a bold shift. Leaving banking behind, she launched The Nail Boutique, a premium manicure and pedicure destination in Lagos. What began as one location quickly set the gold standard for technical excellence, hygiene, and customer service.
“Beauty is still undervalued in investment circles here, despite being a high-growth, high-repeat industry,” Abimbola notes, reflecting on one of her biggest hurdles—funding. Rather than slowing down, the challenge pushed her to be more resourceful: reinvesting revenue, streamlining operations, and staying agile in Nigeria’s unpredictable business climate.
The wins, however, have been remarkable. From growing to five outlets to employing more than 90 staff, she says her proudest moments are when “team members gain confidence, skills, and a sense of purpose.”
In 2021, she expanded with Groomed by Elereka, a luxury grooming salon designed to “reimagine the barbershop experience” for men and boys. With its serene, members-club-style environment, bespoke services, and premium grooming products, it has become a model for modern male grooming in Lagos.
Now, she is preparing for the next chapter, Elereka Cosmetics, a rebranded line of inclusive, locally manufactured organic products. “This is about creating African-made beauty solutions that meet global standards,” she explains.
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For Abimbola, success is not only measured by profit margins but by the lives transformed. “Every decision I take is intentional, whether it’s a new service, a new outlet, or a new brand. It has to solve real needs while staying true to our long-term vision,” she says.
Looking ahead, she is positioning Elereka Group for strategic investment, expansion into new markets, and a global legacy rooted in African craftsmanship and purpose-driven innovation.
Through her work, Abimbola Akerele is proving that beauty in Africa is far more than business—it is empowerment, innovation, and meaningful change.
