But here’s exactly what I did, step by step, right here in Lagos.

1. I Found a Trusted Supplier First

Before I posted anything online, I went supplier hunting.

I asked questions. I compared prices. I checked reviews. I started small.

If you’re in Lagos, you already know there are fragrance oil vendors around Trade Fair, Balogun, and even Instagram vendors claiming “original oil.” Don’t rush. Test samples first.

That ₦100k will disappear fast if you buy fake or watered-down oils.

2. I Started Creating Content Before I Had Plenty Stock

This changed everything.

I didn’t wait until I had 50 bottles. I started with what I had.

I recorded:

-Unboxing videos

-“Smell review” clips

-Day-in-my-life packing orders

-Scent recommendations for date nights in Lekki or owambe in Surulere

Perfume is emotional. If people can imagine how they’ll smell, they’ll buy.

3. I Opened Business Pages Immediately

I created:

-Instagram page

-TikTok page

-WhatsApp Business account

WhatsApp Business is important. Add:

-Catalog

-Automated greeting

-Clear pricing

-Location details (very important in Lagos)

Make it easy for someone in Yaba, Ikorodu, or Festac to order without stress.

4. I Used Discounts to Enter the Market

Nobody knows you yet.

So I did:

-“First 20 customers get ₦1,000 off”

-Bundle deals

-Free delivery within my area for 48 hours

In Lagos, people love a good deal. Let them try you once. If your scent is good, they’ll come back.

5. I Was Honest About What I Was Selling

This is where many perfume vendors get it wrong.

If it’s:

-Inspired perfume

-Oil-based

-Long-lasting but not designer original

State it clearly.

Lagos customers are smart. If you lie once, they won’t return.

6. I Used Canva for My Branding

I didn’t hire a designer.

I used Canva to:

-Create my logo

-Design price lists

-Make Instagram highlight covers

-Design thank-you cards

Clean branding makes your ₦7k perfume look like ₦25k.

7. I Invested in Affordable but Fine Packaging

Packaging matters.

I looked for:

-Simple but classy bottles

-Neat labels

-Branded nylon bags

-Small perfume boxes

You don’t need luxury glass to start. Just make sure it looks neat enough for gifting.

In Lagos, presentation sells almost as much as the scent.

-Fragrance oils

-Bottles and packaging

-Branding materials

-Delivery runs

-Small promo budget