The Early Years: A Natural-Born Saleswoman
Let’s rewind a bit. So, imagine a young girl, barely out of primary school, bargaining with customers at her mom’s foodstuff stall in one of the busiest markets in Warri. Yep, that was me, Mabel!
Even back then, I was talkative and had a knack for selling anything [I once convinced a woman to buy three bags of rice when she only needed one! Lol].
Growing Up Entrepreneurial
My mom, a true businesswoman, was my inspiration. I’d watch her interact with customers, always learning, always observing. When business got tough, I’d chip in with my “brilliant” ideas [hey, I was a kid!]. Mom probably thought I was just being talkative as usual, but I think she saw a spark in me. Even she won’t deny that.
But you see, my dad [God rest his soul] wasn’t exactly thrilled with me going in the direction of sales. He wanted me to be a doctor. Thing is, I couldn’t help it. The thrill of the sale, the satisfaction of connecting with people, the sheer joy of making a deal – it was in my blood. I’d always sneak some of my mom’s goods and set up my own mini market in the neighborhood. People actually bought stuff! I even had my own little sales pitch that I used for every customer that came around, and guess what? It actually worked!
Fast forward to today, and I’m still at it, but now I’m selling something even more exciting – don’t worry, we’ll get to that. Keep reading…
Building My Own Empire: Makeup, Meals, and More
Before even stepping foot in a university lecture hall, I’d launched my own makeup studio. Now, here’s the tricky part: my parents hated the idea of me wearing makeup. So, imagine me, a fresh-faced teenager, teaching other women how to contour and highlight. It was a challenge, but it really did fuel my creativity. I had to sell them on my skills, not my appearance. And boy, did it work! [I even had one lady pay a whopping 60k Naira just to learn from me!]. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: you don’t need to be the product to sell it. You need passion, confidence, and a dash of creativity. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
You don’t need to be the product to sell it.
Oh well, my business was booming, so much so that I seriously considered skipping university altogether. After all, who needs a degree when you’re already a business mogul right?
Wrong! My parents weren’t having it. So, off to university I went.
Life at Uni: Where the Hustle Never Stops
Despite my entrepreneurial ventures, I did eventually make it to university. My dad’s dream of me becoming a doctor didn’t quite pan out [sorry, Dad! I had a phobia of blood], but I did get into the Health Education department. People always told me I had a way with words, and I figured I could use my communication skills to promote healthy living.
University life, however, had its own set of adventures. Living off-campus, I discovered a hidden talent for cooking. My friends would practically line up outside my door whenever they smelled something delicious. It didn’t take long for me to realize I had another business opportunity on my hands.
Soon, I was running a mini food empire from my dorm room, catering to hungry students. I even had a team of student employees helping me out! [Looking back, I’m not sure how I balanced it all with my studies… but hey, that’s the beauty of passion, right?]
But I wasn’t done yet. Decorations, fashion, you name it – if there was a way to make a Naira, I was all over it.
Post Degree… What’s Next?
After graduation, my journey took an unexpected turn. A delayed NYSC posting meant I had some extra time on my hands so I continued honing my sales skills. I sold everything from thrift clothes to foodstuff. I even rejoined my mom at her stall to help with her business. People would literally seek me out, asking my mom, “Where’s that daughter of yours? That girl has sweet mouth o!” Eventually, I landed a formal sales role at a clothing line, where I consistently outsold everyone else. [My boss was both impressed and slightly terrified, I think.]
I even had a brief but exciting stint with the Nivea sales team. They wanted to hire me full-time, but alas, NYSC was calling!
Health Education… and a Change of Scenery
Now, you might be wondering, where does health education fit into all of this? Well, as I’d mentioned earlier, my dad always wanted me to be a doctor. Even with my phobia of blood, I tried. But oh well, medicine wasn’t in the cards for me, which was why I pivoted to Health Education in the university.
The one-year national youth service rolled by pretty quickly and I landed a job as a health educator at the General Hospital, Ekpan, Delta State. It was an amazing experience. I loved connecting with patients, educating them about their health, and seeing the positive impact I could make. But life dealt with me in a not so good way, and I needed a change of environment.
Lucky for me, I connected with an old friend that lived in Lagos, we had a wholesome conversation, and before you know, I was in Lagos, and from one network to another, I found my way to Limestone. Pretty awesome, isn’t it?
The Limestone Chapter
Starting as a sales intern, it was a bit of a culture shock at first – The tech world was so new to me. The structured, fast-paced environment was a far cry from the hospital corridors. But I embraced every challenge, soaking up knowledge like a sponge, peppering my colleagues with questions. I was determined to learn, grow and prove my worth.
Today, I’m proud to be Limestone’s Sales Executive. And while the path here didn’t come easy, it all makes sense now. My passion for communication, my drive to solve problems, and my desire to make a real impact – it all comes together at Limestone.
Limestone’s mission to transform community living has deeply built a root in me over the years. Plus, the company’s structure and culture are unlike anything I’d experienced before – organized, supportive, and filled with incredibly talented people. I can assure you that we’re not just selling a product here; we’re building a movement. We’re empowering communities, fostering connections, and making life in Nigerian estates safer, easier, and more enjoyable. And that’s something I’m truly proud of.
The Sales Queen’s Confessions
- Q: What excites you most about sales?
- A: For me it’s all about those “aha!” moments. When I see a customer’s eyes light up because they finally understand how Limestone can solve their problems. That has got to be the best feeling in the world. And not to mention building relationships and seeing your customers happy using the product. (Oh, and yes, closing deals and hitting targets is pretty awesome too!)
- Q: What’s a memorable moment from your time at Limestone so far?
- A: Witnessing my own growth within the company. From intern to sales executive, woah! It’s been an incredible journey. And of course, the little things, like the CEO calling me “Governor General” on my birthday, that made me feel really special. (Don’t tell him I told you that!)
- Q: What are you likely to be caught doing in your spare time?
- A: Well, let’s just say I’m a TikTok addict. But when I need a break from the digital world, you’ll find me at the beach, feeling the sand between my toes and the sun on my face. Or maybe I’ll be painting or drawing – I love getting creative!
- Q: If you could meet one person in history, who would it be and why?
- A: Leonardo da Vinci. That man was the GOAT. He legit inspires me to believe that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Think about this: “Mabel, jack of all trades, master of
noneALL.” Has a really nice ring to it, doesn’t it?
- Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
- A: Even though I’m originally from Edo state, I’m a Warri girl, born and bred! People are always surprised when they find out because I don’t fit the stereotype. I’m a prim and proper lady. (And yes, I’m the only female child in my family. Surprise!)
Closing Thoughts: The Journey Continues
My journey at Limestone is just beginning, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. Coming from where I come from, to navigating Proptech, it’s been a wild ride, but one thing’s for sure: I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be right now.
A Message from Limestone
Mabel’s story is an inspiration to us all. It’s a reminder that passion, determination, and willingness to learn can take you anywhere. We’re proud to have her on our team, and we’re excited to see what she accomplishes next.
If you’re looking for a company that values your skills, fosters your growth, and allows you to make a real impact, Limestone is the place for you.
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