Oluwatoyin Omange: If you mess up? Start again

Oluwatoyin Omange

Have you ever reached rock bottom and started to question everything? Then the light bulb moment comes, and aha! You find the answers to the ranging questions. Oluwatoyin Omange, CEO of TeAmo, a fast-growing food production company, once felt like this. From a life-threatening experience with food poisoning, she ventured into producing flavoured and healthy food spices. She had her big break and now she is not just a household name when it comes to the food industry; she is a solution provider.

In a chat with Omote Ro Dhe, Oluwatoyin shares words of wisdom, shedding light on her entrepreneurial journey, some of her achievements, her philosophy, her challenges and how she overcame and more. She wrapped up with a word of advice to females. Read excerpts below:

Can you share the inspiration behind TeAmo Foods? What motivated you to venture into the food industry?

The inspiration behind TeAmo Foods came from a deep period of self-reflection and a desire to build something truly impactful. My entrepreneurial journey began immediately after I finished secondary school in 2003, and over the years, I explored various businesses simultaneously. However, by 2023, I started questioning my achievements. I didn’t feel I had reached the level of success I envisioned, and for the first time, I considered myself a failure.

That same year, I participated in a program for women across different industries. Listening to their experiences and observing their growth made me reflect on what I was missing. Many of these women had traction, consistency, focus, and financial success, while a few, like me, were still figuring things out—even those who started long after I did.

Through self-analysis and a deep SWOT assessment, I realized my biggest challenge was FOCUS. I had been spreading myself too thin over the years, trying to do too many things at once. I made a conscious and intentional decision to correct my past mistakes and build something with clarity, strategy, and discipline.

In between retraining myself, I also wanted to solve a real problem one that I had personally experienced too many times: food poisoning from unsafe spices. A particular incident stood out—after eating suya, I fell ill and traced it back to the spices used. When I traveled to Abuja, I conducted deeper research, speaking to various spice sellers. To my surprise, many admitted to mixing their spices with white Maggi, artificial additives, and even sugar.

That was my turning point. I wanted to create something different and healthier spices that were free from MSG and artificial additives. That commitment led to TeAmo Foods, a brand dedicated to producing high-quality, naturally processed spices that are not just flavorful but also safe and beneficial for health.

With this new mindset, I created a structured plan for TeAmo Foods and committed to executing it without distractions. Since then, the growth and traction have been remarkable. I also invested in retraining myself, gaining new knowledge, and adopting smarter business strategies, all of which have positioned TeAmo Foods for success in both local and international markets.

What are some of the key barriers women entrepreneurs face in the food industry, and how can they be addressed?

Having value without the right support, financially or otherwise all is totally frustrating.

Access to Finance – Starting and scaling a food business is capital-intensive. Many women struggle with funding beyond just registering their business. The solution? More grants, low-interest loans, and financial literacy training to help women become investment-ready.

Access to Market – Reaching customers is tough, especially with the challenges of direct sourcing and social media algorithms limiting visibility. The fix? Better distribution networks, digital tools like Amazon and Shopify, and strategic partnerships to increase product reach.

The Right Support System – Many women entrepreneurs struggle alone, lacking mentorship and networks. The solution? Stronger business communities, government/private programs with real training, and more collaborations over competition.

With funding, market access, and strong support, women in the food industry can build thriving brands that stand the test of time.

You were selected for the Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitchathon out of 35,000 applicants. What did that experience teach you about women’s entrepreneurship in Africa?

Being selected for the Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitchathon out of 35,000 applicants was a huge moment for me. It reinforced a few key lessons about women’s entrepreneurship in Africa:

Collaboration & Networking Matter – The power of community and support cannot be underestimated. Connecting with other women entrepreneurs opened my eyes to new opportunities, ideas, and partnerships.

Focus Pays Off – This was my fifth time applying, and finally getting in showed me that staying committed to a goal always pays off.

Resilience is Key – The experience reminded me that entrepreneurship is a long game, and never giving up is what makes the difference.

Show Up Every Day – No matter the challenges, consistency is everything. Every effort, every application, every step forward counts.

This journey reaffirmed my belief that women in Africa have the drive and potential to build amazing businesses, and with the right support, we can truly thrive.

You obtained FDA approval in the US and NAFDAC approval in Nigeria within just three months—an impressive feat! What was your approach to achieving this milestone?

Getting FDA approval in the US and NAFDAC approval in Nigeria within just three months was a deliberate and intense process for me.

I started with deep research on the hurdles that cause delays and gave myself a strict 3-month timeline to get it done. I prayed, made the right connections, and got introduced to someone who guided me on what was required.

Rather than waiting passively, I took a hands-on approach—visiting the offices, learning their processes, and identifying possible delays so I could avoid mistakes. I quickly realized that just knowing someone isn't enough; approvals depend on proper documentation, accuracy, and persistence.

I was consistent in following up, making corrections on time, and checking updates on NAPAMS (NAFDAC’s portal). Whenever I sensed a roadblock, I went straight to the office, asked the right questions, and ensured I got solutions.

NAFDAC also has customer-friendly support, so I made use of emails and status

checks to track my progress. My 100% focus and persistence helped me navigate the process smoothly and hit my target timeline.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received when starting your entrepreneurial journey?

One piece of advice I wish I had received earlier is the power of focus—building on one thing at a time and mastering it.

When I started, I had 13 products because I wanted to test the market. But through research, customer feedback, and real-time sales data, I streamlined it down to five. Some people still ask me why five, and my response is simple: focus is key.

As we grow and understand customer behavior and buying patterns, we might even scale down further. It’s not about having 100 products at once—it’s about having at least one product that truly sells and scaling from there.

How can aspiring entrepreneurs and food enthusiasts connect with you or learn from your journey?

Aspiring entrepreneurs and food enthusiasts can connect with me through my podcast, "Twenty Years of Failure," where I share my journey, lessons learned, and insights on entrepreneurship. You can listen to it on YouTube:

🎙 Watch here: Twenty Years of Failure Podcast

I’ll also be sharing updates and new episodes, so stay tuned! Feel free to reach out via the contact details available on the podcast page.

On the flip side, what would you never spend your money on?

I would never spend my money on things that don’t bring value or contribute to my growth—whether personally or in business.

For example, I avoid trendy but unnecessary expenses that don’t align with my goals. I wouldn’t spend on luxury items just for the sake of appearances when that money could be invested in my business or personal development.

I also stay away from get-rich-quick schemes or investments that don’t have a clear structure. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Lastly, I wouldn’t waste money on marketing without a strategy. Just running ads without clear targeting, a proper sales funnel, or an understanding of my audience is basically throwing money away.

Success is relative. What does it mean to you? Who are some women who are your yardstick of being successful?

Success, to me, is about consistency and gaining traction. It’s that feeling of making progress—no matter how small. Every milestone, every step forward, is a win. I celebrate each one, knowing that success isn’t a final destination but a journey of continuous growth.

When it comes to role models, I could name renowned women, but honestly, the women around me inspire me the most. They show up daily, push through challenges, and keep striving despite the odds. They may not be millionaires, but their resilience, dedication, and small victories are proof that success isn’t just about wealth—it’s about perseverance and impact.

Of course, I also learn from influential women who have built great legacies, but seeing real women in my circle securing contracts, growing businesses, and staying consistent motivates me in a way that’s deeply personal. That’s my yardstick for success—showing up, pushing forward, and never settling.

What advice do you have for younger girls pursuing purpose?

My advice? Stay focused. Choose a business that truly aligns with the impact you want to make. Build a structured plan—don’t rush. Take it step by step, from your logo to your colours they matter more than you think.

Follow your plan, but be patient and consistent because the journey won’t be straightforward. From day one, have a legal team so you don’t make costly mistakes. If something seems too good to be true or makes you constantly seek multiple opinions just to feel sure, RUN. Protect your peace and don’t let anything steal your joy.

If you mess up? Start again. Keep searching for training programs, Google opportunities, and APPLY. Use ChatGPT to help refine your ideas. Can’t figure something out? Go on YouTube and learn.

And most importantly—PRAY. Everything else will fall into place.