La Mode : Who is Wale Jana? Give us brief about your background?
Wale: My name is a Wale Aladejana, a social media evangelist and Master Perfumer for Sapphire Scents. I am the 7th of 9 children born to a business man dad turned politician. I attended Kings College Lagos and the International School Ibadan and got my B.sc from Bowen University Osun State.
La Mode : What gave birth to your business idea?
Wale : I was at a place where I needed to do something to take care of my family and that’s how I discovered my gift; I realised I could create and sell perfumes that could make money and that’s how Sapphire Scents was born.
La Mode : What will you attribute your success to?
Wale : The grace of God, helpers of destiny and discovering my gift which is my nose.
La Mode : What are your goals in life?
Wale : To provide socio economic solutions to people’s needs through Sapphire Scents by empowering people financially as distributors or investors.
La Mode : What is unique about your brand?
Wale: It is made from the rarest essential oils which are Oud, frankincense and myrrh
La Mode : Did you at any time considered giving up? If yes, tell us about it.
Wale: I never thought about it but there were times when I faced challenges like the time we wanted to improve our packaging but God saw us through.
La Mode : What motivates you?
Wale : The bible is my number one inspiration. I take God’s word literally I believe everything the bible says.
La Mode : What do you enjoy about being an entrepreneur?
Wale : Having your own time, making your own choices and just being the master of your fate.
La Mode : How do you balance business and family?
Wale : Sapphire Scents is a family business. For instance my wife is my General Manager but once we are not at work we spend a lot of quality time together.
La Mode : What will be your advice for a starter?
Wale: Place value on your gifts. Its okay for others to look down on what God gave you but never look down on your own gifts