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Chika Acholonu’s Ruby & Pink celebrates @ 10

-Launches Oud Majestic

On Sunday, March 13, 2016, Mrs. Chika Acholonu, elegant woman behind Ruby & Pink staged a two-in-one event to mark 10 years of her fashion house. She also launched her line of Oud Majestic brand at her new outlet in Lekki, Lagos.

ENCOMIUM Weekly had an interview with her about her 10 years in business. We also took her on her new baby, Oud Majestic.

 

Congratulations on the 10th anniversary of Ruby & Pink.

Thank you.

How does it feel?

It feels good. Looking back at what you have invested your time and money, seeing it flourish gives you happiness and the urge to move further.

What has kept the business for 10 years?

Resilience and passion. It is very hard to do business in Nigeria. It is very easy to fall off your line, that is why it is important to pursue what you enjoy doing. If not, it will not work.

Will you say the exchange rate is affecting you in anyway?

Alero, Chika Acholonu and Mercedes Richards
Alero, Chika Acholonu and Mercedes Richards
Yes, everybody is complaining about it but I just feel, if you have passion for what you are doing, you will have a way around it. I am worried about it, but it wouldn’t make me stop my business.

What brand do you stock at Ruby & Pink?

We are not exclusive to any brand. We stock clothes, accessories, leather goods, etc. We have the branding aspect too. We do corporate gifts, luxury hampers and other gift items.

You are also launching your range of Oud Majestic, can you tell us about it?

Oud Majestic is my brand. We offer Arabian perfumes, exotic oils and exotic scents. We will soon introduce Arabian air fresheners.

It sounds like a niche market here in Nigeria?

It is not a niche market, really. When I started, it was on a smaller scale. Eventually, people opened up to it. The fragrances are lovely. They last long. Some last two days. It depends on how you use it. It depends on how often you use it too. It stays longer and stronger too.

The fragrances are lovely because they last long. Anytime you go into any room, you will get comments about what you are wearing.

Around the world, Oud Majestic has caught up with so many people. All designers now have Oud Majestic line. Before, it used to be an Arabian or Islamic thing but, it’s no more, it has been westernized. We are also launching our online platform. Clients don’t have to come here to buy, they can go on our online platform to place orders as well.

Considering the exchange rate, one would have thought you shouldn’t open now.

It seems like it is a luxury thing. It has always been my passion. I love Arabian perfumes. I started using it six years ago. I cannot use any other perfume that doesn’t have the Oud scent. I have introduced it to a lot of people.  Whenever I travel, if I get up to 20 bottles, people will buy and still want more.  I am very excited about the venture, that is why I decided to go into it on a large scale.

What other brands do you stock at Oud Majestic?

We have partnered five perfume companies in the United Arab Emirates. They have a wide range of products, perfumes, oil and deodorants. We have most of their lines here. Most people don’t have to travel to Dubai again. We have all of them stocked here.

We are in talks with some other companies as well. We plan to open our outlets at the airport and busy hotels. We want to market them as gift items for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. It can be used as souvenir too. Clients can personalize them. At Oud Majestic, we have something for everyone. Most of the perfumes are unisex. Children also have their range as well. You can find something for everyone.

How price friendly are they?

We have low range, mid range and high range. There is something for everyone. We have oil as low as N2,000, N4,000, N10,000 and so on. The very expensive ones are so tiny. They can be up to $1,000. The deodorants are cheap. The air fresheners are cheap. It is not something specific for the upper class alone.

You look so stylish, what does style mean to you?

I like nice things. I have always been in the fashion business. Ruby & Pink. We have always had exclusive fashion and accessories. I like nice things generally. I like statement jewelry. I like understated elegance.

  • SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN
Encomium

Written by Encomium

A media, tech and events company.

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