In this candid interview, we sit down with the founder of Sugarcane Cosmetics, Stephanie Ikoro, a beauty brand that started during the pandemic and is still thriving five years later.
From scrappy sales tactics to months of no revenue, and from the thrill of her very first ₦50k sale to landing talks with supermarkets, she opens up about the highs and lows of building a brand. She also shares how Shipbubble simplified her logistics so she could focus on growth.
What inspired you to start Sugarcane Cosmetics? What was your first day like?
SC: It was during the pandemic, while I was doing my NYSC. Honestly, my PPA wasn’t engaging. Deep down, I knew I didn’t want the structured 9–5 life. One evening, I stumbled on a beauty ad on YouTube, did some research, and before long, Sugarcane Cosmetics was born.
But it wasn’t smooth. I didn’t make sales for weeks. When I finally did ₦50,000 after a few months, I ran to my dad screaming, “Oh my God, I did this all by myself!” That moment made everything worth it.
They say you have to be “a little unhinged” as a business owner. What’s the boldest thing you’ve done to get a sale?
SC: (laughs) One day, I was in a supermarket in my estate with some products. I pretended to be on a loud call, talking about how amazing my products were. A lady overheard, got curious, and asked about them. I showed her, gave her my Instagram and website… and boom, a sale right there on the spot!
At what point did you feel people started trusting your brand?
SC: When I began posting more reviews. But beyond that, people trust brands when they can attach a face. That’s why I started showing up, going live, creating content, and talking directly to my audience.
Was there a time you almost gave up? What kept you going?
SC: Oh yes. Two or three years ago, I went four months without a single sale. It was heartbreaking. But I kept posting on Instagram… maybe three times a week. What kept me going was that I genuinely loved my products. Using them myself kept me motivated.
When did you realize, “This business fit blow”?
SC: (laughs) Last year. Things started moving once I pushed harder and posted more reviews. Even this year, I can feel it. I’m now in talks with that same supermarket to stock my products. That was when I knew this brand really has potential.
Who were your first real supporters — family, friends, or strangers?
SC: Strangers. I don’t believe in selling to family and friends. Apart from my dad and siblings, nobody knew. It gave me more joy when strangers bought, because that was validation and not just support.
What’s one mistake you’d tell other founders to avoid?
SC: Don’t start with too many products. It overwhelms customers and slows decisions. When I narrowed my range, people bought faster, and I could market better.
How has Shipbubble helped you as a business owner?
SC: Shipbubble is a lifesaver. Before, I would spend hours searching Instagram for dispatch riders and DM-ing them. Now, I just enter pickup and delivery addresses, compare prices and timelines, and choose the best. It’s simple and stress-free.
What’s next for Sugarcane Cosmetics?
SC: I want to take the brand more offline. Beyond supermarkets, I’m looking at more retail stores where people can walk in and buy, not just shop online.
Takeaway: Stephanie’s journey proves that entrepreneurship is equal parts grit, creativity, and resilience. From faking phone calls to land customers to leveraging Shipbubble for logistics, the Sugarcane Cosmetics shows that with persistence, anything is possible.