Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Ezentialz is a lip care brand that will focus on creating healthy and effective lip care products from natural ingredients.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Ezentialz mission is to provide customers with lip care products that will hydrate, nourish, protect and enhance the health and beauty of their lips.The products will be made with natural ingredients (coconut oil,Aloe oil,shea butter, cocoa butter and other essential oils) that are both healthy and hydrating for the lips and induced with vitamin E and C extracts that will nourish and protect the lips.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Primarily, Ezentialz aims to solve the problem of harsh lip care products by providing a natural, healthier and nourishing alternative that will suit even customers with sensitive lips.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1.Ezentialz aims to use natural ingredients that will nourish and moisturize the lips, providing a healthier and sustainable alternative to harsh/chemical-based lip care products 2.Ezentialz aims to use natural ingredients and vitamins to provide long-lasting moisture and protection,making it an effective solution for dry, chapped and sensitive lips. 3.Ezentialz prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices that will impact the environment and society positively.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Ezentialz primary target is young women (between the ages of 18 and 35) who earn a minimum of ₦30,000 monthly and are interested in beauty, self-care and, natural and effective products.Others who stand to gain from the project are; -Those(men and women) who accept and understand the importance of lip care as part of overall skincare. -Individuals who prioritize natural remedies and holistic heal. -Busy parents (mothers and fathers) seeking convenient, natural and effective lip care solutions for themselves and their families. -Businesses offering lip care services and seeking natural, effective products. -Retailers who cater to customers seeking for natural and hydrating lip care products. -Individuals planning to venture into the lip care business and are seeking natural and effective products for their customers.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-12-12

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

1.Name:Chukwudome Chiwendu Tittle:Partner Relationship:Sister Skills:extrovert,DIY Strengths:Creative thinking, innovative ideas for content creation 2.Name:Nkwor Abraham Title:Business Advisor Relationship:Father Skills:Business management, finance, leadership Experience:About 10 years experience in entrepreneurship Strengths:Strategic thinking,financial experience,mentorship,godly advice 3.Name:Maybelle Title:Lip Care Production Expert Relationship:Mentor Skills:Lip care production Experience:About 5 years of experience in lip care production Strengths:Technical expertise,product development We would also want to partner with young women who are seeking financial independence and women who run/own businesses that relate to our products and services.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Ezentialz belongs to the Cosmetics or Personal Care industry, specifically in the Lip Care segment. This industry includes companies that manufacture and market beauty and personal care products, such as lip balms, lip scrubs, lipsticks, and other lip care products. other categories that Ezentialz might fit into are;Beauty and Wellness,Health and Personal Care,Skincare and Lip Care,Natural and Organic Products,Cosmetics and Toiletries In Nigeria, lip care products fall under the personal care or beauty care industry, which is a subset of the larger fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. Specifically, lip care products are classified under the following categories:Personal Care,Beauty Care,Cosmetics,Toiletries,FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Ezentialz wants to empower young women to become financially independent through becoming our distributors. We also want to empower individuals seeking financial independence with knowledge to start up their own lip care business and in the future give grants to individuals with outstanding performance in our lip care workshop. We believe this contributes to the No poverty goal

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Ezentialz may not have a direct connection to the Zero Hunger goal. However,Ezentialz could ensure that its natural ingredients are sourced from sustainable and environmentally friendly suppliers, promoting responsible agriculture practices that support food security.Ezentialz could prioritize ethical business practices, such as fair trade and transparent pricing, which will help ensure that suppliers receive fair compensation for their products, supporting their livelihoods.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Ezentialz mission is providing effective products made with natural ingredients,free of harsh chemicals. Lip care contributes to skin care and skincare contributes to health care so Ezentialz contributes to the good health and wellbeing goal by providing healthy products that protect and nourish the lips.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Ezentialz may not contribute directly to the quality education goals but it will provide vocational training and skills that can be passed down or taught to others thereby promoting learning opportunities.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

One of the goals of this project is to create a platform that empowers women. We have plans to work with young women and female students as distributors of our products. We are also interested in creating more opportunities that empower women such as lip care workshops that will teach them everything they need to know about starting up their own lip care business,grants to the best participant of these workshops to help kickstart their journey to financial independence,using female models and partnering with female influencers to promote our products.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

One of the project's values is health and it's not just about using natural and skin friendly ingredients. Ezentialz will proritize making lip care products in a sanitary conditions and in a way that is ethical and ensures less waste in the environment.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Ezentialz can implement energy-efficient practices and technologies in our manufacturing processes,reducing energy consumption and waste.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

-Ezentialz will create productive employment opportunities for people, especially women, in local communities, promoting economic growth and decent work. -Ezentialz supports entrepreneurship and innovation in the beauty industry, promoting creative and sustainable business models that generate employment and economic growth. - Ezentialz can support MSMEs(local cosmetic stores, salons etc), which are essential for economic growth and decent work, by partnering with them, providing resources, and promoting their development. -Ezentialz prioritizes the economic empowerment of women, promoting gender equality and decent work, and providing opportunities for women to gain economic independence. -Ezentialz can invest in community development projects, promoting economic growth, decent work, and well-being for local communities.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

-Ezentialz will invest in research and development to improve product quality, create new products, and develop innovative manufacturing processes, contributing to industrial innovation. - Ezentialz will invest in infrastructure development, such as building sustainable manufacturing facilities, improving supply chain logistics, and enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting industrial growth and innovation. -Ezentialz can support small-scale enterprises, such as local farmers and small businesses, by providing access to financial services, markets, and technology, promoting sustainable industrial development. -Ezentialz can encourage innovation by supporting startups, promoting the development of new technologies and industrial processes. -Ezentialz will invest in capacity-building programs for our distributors, suppliers, and local communities, enhancing skills and knowledge that contribute to industrial innovation and growth.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Ezentialz can contribute to reduced inequalities and promote a more inclusive and equitable society by: -Creating an inclusive business model that provides opportunities for marginalized groups, such as women and young adults (youths) -Providing access to skills development programs for marginalized groups, empowering them to access better employment opportunities or be financially independent. -Sourcing ingredients and materials from diverse and marginalized communities. -Investing in community development programs that address social and economic inequalities, such as gender equality initiatives and economic empowerment programs for marginalized groups. -Partnering with organizations and businesses that work towards reducing inequalities, supporting their initiatives and contributing to a more equitable society.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

-prioritize local sourcing and develop our supply chain to support local economies, promoting sustainable and resilient communities. -Investing in community development programs that focus on sustainable development, such as waste management programs and environmental education. -Partnering with organizations that work towards sustainable urban development, supporting their initiatives and contributing to the development of sustainable and resilient communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

-source ingredients from sustainable and environmentally friendly suppliers. Ensure responsible supply chain practices, promoting ethical sourcing, and transparency. -educate customers on the importance of responsible consumption and sustainable living practices, promoting behavioral change. -develop innovative and sustainable products that meet customer needs while promoting sustainable consumption.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

-source ingredients from sustainable and environmentally friendly suppliers, promoting responsible agriculture practices that reduce carbon footprint. -Educate customers on climate change and promote sustainable practices that support climate action. Ezentialz's focus is on handmade products, crafted without machine manufacturing, further contributing to climate action by: - Reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with machine-based production - Promoting sustainable and ethical labor practices - Supporting local economies and communities - Creating unique, high-quality products that encourage consumers to value and preserve them, reducing waste and the demand for frequent replacements.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

-Source ingredients that are sustainably harvested and do not harm marine life. -Using packaging materials that are biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable, reducing plastic waste that can enter oceans. -Ensuring that their products do not contain harmful chemicals that can pollute oceans or harm marine life. -Supporting organizations that work to protect marine life. -Raising awareness about the importance of conserving the ocean and the impact of human actions on marine life. -Ensuring that supply chain does not contribute to overfishing, illegal fishing, or harmful fishing practices.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

-Sourcingingredients from sustainable and environmentally friendly suppliers, promoting responsible land use and forest conservation. -Opting for eco-friendly packaging reduces waste and promotes sustainable land use. -Educating consumers about the importance of sustainable land use and responsible resource management. -Working with local communities to promote sustainable development and support local economies. -Products are handmade,reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.Ezentialz can contribute to reducing climate change, which affects life on land.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

-operate with transparency, accountability, and fair labor practices, promoting ethical business standards. -ensure that our operations and supply chain respect and promote human rights, including fair labor conditions and no child labor. -invest in community development programs. -ensure full compliance with laws and regulations(i.e ompleting necessary registrations for the brand),supporting the rule of law and strong institutions. -collaborate with organizations working towards peace, justice, and strong institutions, supporting collective action. - advocate for gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, promoting justice and equal opportunities.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

- partnerships with organizations, businesses, and governments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. - engage with stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and communities, to promote sustainable development and shared value. -building capacity and skills in sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and innovation, promoting economic growth and job creation. -leverage technology and innovation to drive sustainable development, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. -promote fair trade and investment practices, supporting economic development and sustainable growth. -support data collection, monitoring, and reporting to track progress towards the SDGs and make informed decisions.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

6

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

5

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

5

05.08 Justification

1.Ezentialz will develop new blends of natural ingredients, creating distinctive and effective products that will stand out in the market. 2.Ezentialz will prioritize eco-friendly packaging, using recyclable materials and minimal waste design, setting a high standard for environmental responsibility. 3.Ezentialz will leverage technology to enhance customer experience, offering personalized product recommendations and consultations 4.Ezentialz will offer a diverse range of products catering to various skin types and needs, making natural lip care accessible to a broader audience. 5.Ezentialz will invest in continuous research to stay ahead of in natural ingredient discovery and product innovation. 6.Ezentialz will partner with experts in sustainability, wellness, and technology to drive innovation and growth. 7.Ezentialz will foster a community-centred approach, encouraging customer feedback and involvement in product development. 8.Ezentialz will prioritize honesty and openness

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Our competitors can be divided into;national(multinational cosmetic companies,large beauty brands or well known lip care brands with a nation wide presence),regional(lip care brands with a presence in multiple cities in a particular region, regional beauty chains,mid-sized cosmetic companies) and local(local pharmacies and drug stores,small beauty stores, local entrepreneurs and independent lip care brands).To stand out from the competition, Ezentialz can focus on the following,National Competitors:Emphasize natural and organic ingredients, differentiating from chemical-based products,Highlight cruelty-free and environmental friendly policies,Offer personalized products and customer service.Regional Competitors:Develop targeted marketing campaigns for specific regions,Collaborate with local influencers,set up distributors in each region.Local Competitors:Build strong relationships with local suppliers and partners,Engage with the local community through events and sponsorships.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

By spreading the word to fellow young women and female entrepreneurs whenever there are empowerment opportunities available.