Nana Otedola Opens Up About Failed Business Ventures Before Finding Success

Nana Otedola, Nigerian businesswoman and wife of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, has shared how several unsuccessful business attempts paved the way for her eventual success.

Speaking on the How Far podcast, hosted by her daughter Temi Otedola and son-in-law, Mr Eazi, Nana revealed that she explored numerous career paths before discovering the business that worked for her.

According to her, she experimented with about 10 ventures, including working as an administrative staff member and buying and selling, while searching for the right opportunity.

Recalling that period, she said even her husband had reservations about some of her career choices.

“I tried like 10 other things. I tried to work as an admin staff member in an office, although your dad kicked against it. I tried to buy and sell. I was trying other things while doing the dry-cleaning business.

“I remember a consultant, known as Brian, said to me, ‘Do you think this will work?’ Your dad also asked me, ‘Do you think this will work?’ Lagos needs a good dry-cleaning and laundry service,” she said.

Her remarks offered a glimpse into the persistence and determination that shaped her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting that her success did not come overnight but was built through years of trial, resilience and a willingness to keep trying despite doubts.