We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Oluwasemiloore Ariyo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Oluwasemiloore thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Starting Over: What I Would Do Differently Knowing What I Know Now**

If I had to start over today, knowing everything I’ve learned from my journey, I would approach things very differently. My name is Ariyo Oluwasemiloore, and my entrepreneurial path has been anything but smooth. From selling clothes in university to struggling with pricing, rediscovering business through importation, and finally, finding my footing in product marketing, I’ve learned lessons that would shape my new beginning.

Identifying a Profitable Product from Day One

My first mistake in my earlier businesses was selling products without considering profitability. If I were starting over today, I would first research and select a product with a high profit margin. It’s not just about what people want but ensuring that the pricing allows for sustainable revenue. No matter how passionate I am about a business, if the numbers don’t add up, it won’t survive.

Focusing on Marketing and Advertisement from the Start

Marketing is everything. I spent two years struggling because I didn’t understand this. If I were to start again, I would invest in marketing from day one. I would learn and implement digital marketing strategies, leveraging Instagram, Twitter, paid ads, and content creation to reach my audience. Visibility is key; you can have the best product, but you won’t make sales if people don’t know about it.

Building a Support System Early On

I now understand the importance of having a strong support system. My family has been instrumental in my journey, and if I were starting over, I wouldn’t try to do everything alone. I would seek mentorship, network with like-minded entrepreneurs, and surround myself with people who can offer guidance and motivation. Having the right people around can make the difference between giving up and pushing forward.

Leveraging Pre-Orders for Cash Flow

One of my best decisions was using pre-orders for my ANTI-blue light glasses business. This eliminated the risk of stocking up on products without demand. If starting fresh, I would use the same strategy to validate my ideas before investing too much money upfront. This approach ensures that the business stays cash-flow positive and reduces financial strain.

Mastering Business and Financial Management

Poor money management was one of the reasons my first business crashed. This time, I would create a solid business plan, track every expense, and reinvest profits wisely. Understanding pricing strategies, cost management, and financial planning is crucial for long-term success.

Expanding My Brand and Career Simultaneously

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that diversification is powerful. I wouldn’t box myself into one thing. I would balance entrepreneurship with personal branding and a tech career in product marketing. The skills I’ve gained as a content creator and product marketer have opened doors for me. I would focus on building authority in my industry while simultaneously growing my business.

Final Thoughts

If I had to start over today, I would do things differently—not because I regret my past but because I’ve learned valuable lessons. I now know that business success isn’t just about hard work; it’s about making the right strategic moves. My foundation would be choosing a profitable product, mastering marketing, surrounding myself with the right people, and managing finances wisely.

With God’s help, I’ve come a long way, and if I were to start again, I know I would rise even faster, stronger, and wiser.

Oluwasemiloore, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Ariyo Oluwasemiloore, an entrepreneur, content creator, and product marketing manager. My business journey began in 2018 at Obafemi Awolowo University, where I started selling clothes with a friend. However, after facing setbacks in 2020, I momentarily stepped away from business. When COVID hit, I discovered importation training and not only applied it but also began teaching others. My first step into creating value beyond just selling products.

Determined to make business work this time, I struggled for two years due to underpricing my products. Stuck and seeking direction, I prayed and realized the importance of profitability. In January 2022, I launched a pre-order model for ANTI-blue light glasses, marking a turning point in my journey. That success led me to master marketing, advertising, and branding, eventually evolving into a content creator and later transitioning into product marketing within the tech industry.

Today, I help individuals and businesses navigate marketing, branding, and profitable business strategies. What sets me apart is my firsthand experience of resilience, learning from failures, and leveraging smart strategies for growth. I am most proud of my ability to adapt, create impact, and share knowledge with others. My brand is built on authenticity, strategic growth, and faith-driven perseverance. My mission is to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals to build profitable, sustainable businesses while embracing the power of digital marketing and content creation.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best way I attract new clients is through Instagram by consistently running ads and offering amazing deals to my customers.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met my business partner for Paasrange, a tech startup, while studying Product Management at Altschool. Since then, it has been an exciting journey of growth and progress.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://trendfh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oluwasemiloore__?igsh=MTk2ZHJ1Zm5jMTN6cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrhttps://www.instagram.com/oluwasemiloore__?igsh=MTk2ZHJ1Zm5jMTN6cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr