The Chief Executive Officer and founder of Linglow Beauty and Cosmetics, Linda Ofori, has shared the inspiring story of how she transitioned from a difficult childhood and years of hardship to building a successful Ghanaian skincare and beauty business.
Speaking in an interview with Abena Ghana on the Journey TV programme on Adom TV and Abena Ghana’s social media platforms, Linda Ofori recounted how her journey into the beauty industry began almost by accident.
According to her, she started her entrepreneurial journey about 10 years ago through her business, Linda’s Collection Boutique.
She explained that during her time at the boutique, a woman known as Mama Felicia Asamoah, who is now deceased, visited her and became interested in the type of cream she used because of her skin.
“I asked her who prepared the cream for her, and she told me she made it herself,” Linda recalled.
She said Mama Felicia subsequently asked her to prepare some of the cream for her. After using the product, Mama Felicia encouraged her to consider going into the beauty and skincare business.
Linda said she later recorded a video while preparing the Linglow Beauty Lotion and shared it online. To her surprise, she began receiving calls and enquiries from people who wanted to purchase the product.
That development, she said, marked the beginning of what would eventually become Linglow Beauty and Cosmetics, a Ghanaian skincare and beauty brand that now operates in both the retail and wholesale markets.
‘Be truthful and focus on quality’
Reflecting on what it takes to succeed in business, Linda Ofori urged entrepreneurs, particularly those entering the beauty industry, to prioritise honesty, originality and quality.
“If you want to be successful in business, be truthful and also bear in mind that you will be using the product yourself, so you must do it well with originality and quality,” she said.
She noted that her approach to business has been influenced by the need to ensure that products associated with her brand meet the standards she would personally expect as a consumer.
From hardship to entrepreneurship
Linda also opened up about the difficult circumstances she experienced while growing up in Dunkwa-on-Offin.
Born to a single mother, she said she was introduced to trading and other forms of business at an early age because her mother involved her in efforts to support the family.
According to her, those early experiences gave her practical knowledge about business and survival.
After completing Junior High School, Linda said she hoped to continue to Senior High School but her family could not afford the cost.
She subsequently turned to galamsey as a means of surviving and supporting herself and her family.
Despite the difficulties she experienced, Linda said she does not regret going through those challenging periods because they helped shape her character, business mindset and determination.
She later moved from Dunkwa-on-Offin to Kumasi in search of better opportunities, where she said she also encountered significant challenges, including struggling to find accommodation.
‘It has been grace’
Linda Ofori attributed her success largely to God, hard work and the way she treats people.
She said she currently employs a number of workers and makes a conscious effort to involve them in discussions about the future and growth of the business.
“I have a lot of workers, but I have allowed God to lead me. I am humble towards my workers and I engage my workers a lot on the way forward in growing the business. It has been grace,” she said.
Beyond the cosmetics business, Linda disclosed that she has also ventured into real estate development.
She further revealed that she is currently divorced but remains focused on her personal development and business ambitions.
‘You don’t need a lot of money to start’
Linda Ofori encouraged young people aspiring to become entrepreneurs not to wait until they have large amounts of money before starting a business.
According to her, people can begin with whatever little resources they have and gradually build their businesses.
“My advice to upcoming ones is that they don’t need more money to start a business. With a little or small amount, they can start a business,” she said.
She also urged young entrepreneurs to remain focused and avoid allowing negativity to distract them from their goals.
For Linda, the hardships she experienced earlier in life have become a source of motivation rather than a limitation.
She said her experiences have strengthened her determination to succeed and remain focused on building her businesses.
Today, through Linglow Beauty and Cosmetics, Linda Ofori has turned an opportunity that emerged from her boutique days into a growing beauty enterprise, while also expanding her interests into real estate development.
