The Clever Girls Know Podcast

346: From Corporate to Full-Time Entrepreneur: How Zainab Made The Leap

Oct 22, 2024

Zainab Aliyu, CEO & Creative Director of AABOUX, shares her inspiring transition from a corporate finance career to launching a luxury leather goods brand. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of financial planning and self-care. Zainab highlights the value of supportive networks and mentorship, while also providing practical tips for navigating the fashion industry. Her journey serves as a powerful motivator for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to follow their passions.

01:05:00

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Episode guests

Zainab Aliyu

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Zainab's transition from corporate to entrepreneurship was sparked by a desire for greater meaning and artistic expression in her life.

The challenges of starting a business include establishing work-life boundaries and finding a reliable team for quality production.

Effective financial planning and a supportive network are crucial for managing the pressures of entrepreneurship and achieving work-life balance.

Deep dives

Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

The journey from a secure corporate job to full-time entrepreneurship often begins with a moment of introspection and desire for more meaning in life. For Zainab, a pivotal moment occurred while reflecting on her past and what she wanted her legacy to be, urging her to break free from the confines of her corporate career. Inspired by her artistic roots and the handcrafted leather goods she discovered in Nigeria, she founded Abu, a luxury leather brand aiming to challenge stereotypes about African-made products. This leap to entrepreneurship was fueled by her realization that she could combine her passion for fashion with her professional skills while creating something unique that resonates with consumers.

Intro

4min

From Corporate to Creative: A Journey into Fashion Entrepreneurship

30min

Navigating Business Challenges: The Importance of Self-Care and Resilience

2min

Embracing Change and the Power of Support Networks

3min

Building a Supportive Business Network

9min

Navigating Trade Shows and Entrepreneurship

9min

Balancing Act: Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

9min

On this episode, Zainab Aliyu shares how she transition from corporate to full-time entrepreneur running her own luxury leather goods business.

Zainab is the CEO & Creative Director of AABOUX, a stylish luxurious leather brand founded in 2017. AABOUX creates limited edition and quality statement pieces using their signature stitch-less technique; from exquisitely and ethically sourced leathers by third-generation skilled artisans in Lagos, Nigeria. Zainab sits on three boards as a Non Executive Director.

She is also a Creative, a Finance Professional and a UK qualified Fellow of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA) with over 16 years of experience in the extractive sector (mainly in the oil and gas sector, across five continents, and recently in mining).

She qualified at Deloitte UK where she spent four years serving clients in the energy industry and in Risk and Assurance. Prior to to that, she worked at KPMG Nigeria in Business Advisory, Philipps, Kobbs & Co as an Accountant. Post Deloitte she worked at Baker Hughes UK engaging in Internal Audit, Risk and compliance projects and an Indigenous oil and gas company in Project Accounting as a Financial Controller.

She is passionate about philanthropy and is involved in several causes aimed at education, healthcare, children, women, internally displaced persons and mental health matters. Zainab enjoys travelling, art, reading, fashion, photography and current affairs.

WHAT ZAINAB DISCUSSED:

Her journey from corporate life to full-time entrepreneurship and the pivotal moment that made her realize it was time to leave the corporate world.
Some of the biggest challenges she faced in making the transition.
How she prepared herself financially and mentally for this big leap.
The key skills and experiences from her corporate job that have helped her in her entrepreneurial journey.
The importance of building a support network when transitioning to entrepreneurship.

AND SO MUCH MORE

HOW TO KEEP UP WITH ZAINAB: