BACKGROUND.
My name is Hajia Kaltume Sandabe Abubakar. I was born on April 4,1980 in Maiduguri, Ngala local government area of Borno State. I am the 20th child of my parents- Alhaji Kyari Sandabe and Fatima Ahmad. I am a philanthropist, an entrepreneur and a proud mother. I produce traditional perfumes, using local and indigenous materials.
EDUCATION.
I attended Labai International School in Kaduna State, where I started my Nursery session but proceeded to Maiduguri Capital School for my Primary Education. After obtaining my First School Leaving Certificate, I then proceeded to Government Girls College for my secondary school education, after which I gained admission into the University of Abuja, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Political Science
CAREER.
Following my passion for business, I started by establishing a signature business which i named K SCENTS. Like a whirlwind, my business gained wider notice, and it became a household name, majorly because I made and sold all sorts of traditional perfumes. With the use of local and indigenous materials, I created a fragrance for home and personalised use. My products, till date, are highly patronised by the northern community because of their love for using traditional perfumes to create give their atmosphere impressive scent. As a matter of fact, the impressive patronage I enjoyed from my customers back then, encouraged me to upgrade my brand to what it is today.
I must confess that the feedback window I created to enable my customers get back to me helped me a lot in improving my product, and that has continued over the years. I am also the Amira (female leader) of Amssco Women Association in Dawaah, a community that focuses on reaching out to the less privileged and the downtrodden. My association does not only provide financial aid but offers emotional support as well as provides shelter, food and other social needs. Through my leadership, the Amssco Women Association in Dawaah Community can boast of accomplishing impactful projects that have changed lives and wiped away tears from the heartbroken.
MENTORS.
My parents come first in this category. They have been of great assistance to me in all spheres of my life. They are first and foremost, given for imbibing good and useful values in my life. My father, particularly, provided and is still support to my siblings and I, despite having a very large family. He made sure that all of our needs were attended to, and I can sincerely tell you that we barely lacked in terms of wants and needs. The values my parents imbibed in us taught me both physically, morally, and religiously. I will always look up to them as my greatest mentors who shaped my life positively.
Aside my lovely parents, several other persons have been instrumental in shaping my perception of life, and you know what? I also model my way of life after a number of them.
INSPIRATION.
Growing up, it was part of me to be able to interact with so many people. During my encounter and association with business associates, I always went the extra mile to ensure I learn new things. I made sure to share and obtain ideas, skills and strategies that yields end results. I improved drastically, after listen to my business associates share their success stories and challenges. All these pointers helped in enabling me to build a bigger community for the Amssco Women in Dawaah. People inspire me either as a blessing or a lesson, hence, my ability to grow bigger than I had envisaged and to overcome all the challenges I come across.
DREADS
Not being able to offer assistance to people who look up to me. I also dread hearing that Amssco Women, under my watch, would fail in meeting its expectations of touching lives. May that never happen.
REGRET
My only regret is Money/Financial Display. But Insha Allah, we are tackling that and will overcome it soon.
CHALLENGES.
Like any journey, I have faced my fair share of challenges. Some of these include navigating the competitive nature of the fashion and influencer industry, managing the demands of running a business, and balancing personal and professional commitments. However, I see challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and I strive to overcome them with determination and perseverance.
ANY REGRETS?
Well, not at all. Regrets are a natural part of life and if there’s going to be any I would prefer to focus on the lessons and growth that come from them rather than dwelling on them. I believe that every experience, whether positive or negative, shapes us and helps us become better versions of ourselves.
ACHIEVEMENT.
Well, Alhamdulillah. Over the years my business has expanded. I don’t just offer service locally but also globally now. It has not been easy though, but I have been able to push through Allah’s help and constant prayer. My business is my passion and I have put enough effort into making grow, having, my customers taste in mind of my customers. Also, the small community that I head is moving forward and we thank God for that. We have been able to reach out to people and offer great assistance to those in need. We achieved other projects like visiting the orphanage, motherless babies’ home and so on, which is a great achievement because we have been able to bring smiles to people’s faces and help in providing shelter, clothing, and food or provisions for them. Alhamdulillah once again.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO WEATHER THE STORM?
Through constant prayer. If I am facing any challenge, I pray to Allah and ask for mercy and also to lead me to the right path. Having a supportive family too is another gain. Husband and my kids are the best as they are very understanding. They keep me going and lighten my mood at all times. Every challenge is also either a lesson or a blessing. I either learn from my mistakes or add to my knowledge.
PASSION.
My passion is business.
WHAT STANDS YOU OUT
The fact that I am content with my life, and I have built a successful life for myself, and my family makes me stand out.
PROJECTIONS.
I want my business to keep expanding internationally. Touch more lives and change more stories.
COMBINING CAREER WITH FAMILY LIFE.
My business is done in my comfort zone. Just with constant posting on my status and social media platforms. I have made it easy to be interacting with people, and I can get more customers. My family has been supportive, and they help my business grow. It is not hard to combine my business and family life. I take care of my family and have always been a supportive wife, mother, sister, and friend to people around me. That I am very proud of. We thank God.
ADVISE TO YOUNG WOMEN.
Follow your dream. Most northern women have allowed obstacles shatter their dreams. The time to wake up is now. Let’s indulge in practicing good values and morals. We should also teach our children the religious values that will impact their lives positively. We can strive harder and develop in any career possible even in business and many other skills.
