Chief Executive Officer of Jane’s Haven Beauty Spa, Janet Umoru, has risen from hawking oranges and groundnuts on the streets of Lagos to becoming a prominent figure in the beauty industry.
Reflecting on her humble beginnings, Umoru said: “Hawking oranges and groundnuts built the foundation of my business strength.”
Her breakthrough came after a chance encounter on Guinness Road, Ikeja, when a stranger, impressed by her determination, sponsored her training in beauty therapy. “This person is the best thing to have ever happened to me. I’m so grateful to her for coming through for me,” she recalled.
Since launching Jane’s Haven Beauty Spa on June 10, 2015, Umoru has built a thriving enterprise while also giving back to the community through her non-profit, Jane’s Free Food Foundation.
Nearly a decade into entrepreneurship, she acknowledges the challenges of running a business. From cash flow struggles to staff departures, Umoru admits it has not been easy. “Succeeding in business isn’t one big happy dance. Challenges come,” she said, noting moments when she forfeited her own salary to ensure her staff were paid.
Despite the hurdles, her resilience has kept her business afloat. Jane’s Haven Beauty Spa is now regarded as a beacon of empowerment, while her foundation continues to provide food and hope for the underprivileged.
Umoru, a Licensed Skin Therapist, Certified Esthetician, and Massage Practitioner, says her journey underscores the power of determination, resilience, and timely support.
Her story remains a source of inspiration to many, proving that humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.
