By Chiagoziem Abosi
In Lagos, the cost of living is high and the hustle is higher. But for many young women, especially those aged 23 to 35, side hustles have become more than just a way to survive — they’re the first steps toward building real, thriving businesses. From selling wigs to managing social media pages, these women are redefining what it means to be a Lagos girl with a plan.
Let’s take a look at how some of them are turning part-time gigs into full-time wins — and inspiring a new generation of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
From Wig Sales to a Wig Studio: Mary’s Story
Mary started out as a corporate girlie working 9 to 5 at a bank in Ikoyi. But in 2020, when the pandemic hit and salary delays became frequent, she picked up a side hustle — selling human hair wigs on Instagram.
“I would take photos on my break and chat with customers during lunch,” she said. “I was using my salary to fund it. I didn’t sleep much those first few months.”
Today, Mary owns a wig studio in Yaba and employs two staff. What started as a hustle for extra cash is now a full-time job with repeat clients, referrals, and even bridal packages.
Perfume Oils and Pure Grit: Ada’s Transition
Ada, a former receptionist in Ikeja, discovered the power of digital marketing through a YouTube video. She used her weekends to experiment with making perfume oils and promoted her products through TikTok trends and WhatsApp status updates.
“The day I made ₦60,000 in one weekend, I knew I had something,” she recalled.
Ada now runs her own online store, selling perfumes, diffusers, and body mists. Her story reflects how Lagos women are tapping into small business opportunities with big potential — especially in lifestyle and beauty niches.
Digital Skills as a Game Changer
Beyond selling physical products, many Lagos women are making waves with digital skills. One popular route? Social media management.
Sarah, a Mass Comm graduate, took a free online course in digital marketing and offered her services to small brands on Twitter and Instagram. With time, she built a portfolio and now works with two major fashion brands in Nigeria as a freelance content creator.
“I didn’t wait for someone to give me the job. I built a job for myself,” she said.
These Women Are Not Just Hustling — They’re Building Empires
The rise of female-led businesses in Lagos is not just inspiring — it’s a reflection of what’s possible when creativity meets grit. Whether it’s perfumes, wigs, fashion, or content creation, these side hustles are creating financial freedom and a sense of purpose for young Nigerian women.
Tell us your story: Did you start out with a side hustle that turned into something bigger? What skills or products helped you make the leap? Drop a comment below or tag us on social media — let’s inspire the next wave of women in business.
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