Starting a business from scratch can be an intimidating prospect, especially in a competitive industry like paint manufacturing.
However, Barakat Adesina, the visionary founder of Glizt Paints, turned her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) experience into the foundation of a thriving enterprise. Her journey is a powerful testament to the impact of determination, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
At just 25 years old, Barakat began her entrepreneurial journey with the knowledge she gained during her NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training. With a small sum saved from her NYSC allowance, she took a bold step by registering her company, Glizt Paints, with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
“I remember starting out in a single room in my father’s house, with just a hand mixer and a mixing drum,” Barakat recalls. “It was a humble beginning, but I was determined to make it work.” This determination became the driving force behind her early efforts.
Barakat’s late mother played a crucial role in those formative years, offering both practical support and emotional encouragement. She was not just a mother but also a dedicated partner in Barakat’s burgeoning business. Together, they worked tirelessly, often late into the night, driven by a shared vision of what Glizt Paints could become.
“My mum was my rock, my first marketer, and my biggest supporter,” Barakat reflects. “We would produce together, sometimes working till the early hours of the morning. Her belief in me kept me going.”
This bond between mother and daughter became the backbone of Glizt Paints’ early success.
Through persistence and a relentless commitment to quality, Glizt Paints has grown significantly over the years. Today, the company boasts two stores in Ibadan and Lagos, as well as a network of distributors across several Nigerian cities.
Additionally, Glizt Paints is a proud member of the Paint Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, underscoring the brand’s commitment to industry standards and professionalism.
“I always believed that with hard work and dedication, Glizt Paints would stand out,” Barakat says with pride. “Our success today is a result of years of persistence, learning, and staying true to our values.”
Barakat’s journey is also marked by a commitment to giving back to her community. She is currently working on launching an academy designed to train aspiring entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills needed to start and grow their businesses.
Her story is a source of inspiration for many young Nigerians who aspire to turn their passions into successful enterprises.
