The Founder of The Delta Beauties, Esther Tebu Fagbenle, popularly called Madam Olu, is a selfless entrepreneur, who is not resting on her laurels. At 28, she has already carved a neat niche for herself with the creation of The Delta Beauties on Instagram, a platform that has helped thousands of young millennial women on fashion, small and medium scale businesses to gain online presence, visibility and make sales. In this interview with Rebecca Ejifoma she shares her plans on how she is changing the narrative using social media.
Tell us about yourself
My Name is Mrs. Esther Tebu Fagbenle aka Madam Olu Delta State Beauty, founder of The Delta Beauties.
I was born on 1st April, 1992. I am a twin and mother of one. I am from Delta State.
I’m an online community leader, blogger, brand influencer and brand ambassador to numerous brands online. I also manage and grow social media platforms like Instagram for businesses.
I have helped thousands of small and medium scale businesses on Instagram to gain online presence, visibility and make sales.
I have built social media platforms for the young millennial mostly women called The Delta Beauties on Instagram. This is a platform Centered on Fashion, Business and Instagram growth, this online platform helps the young millennial to build their online audience through different fashion challenges I host, shoutouts, followers spree, games and blog topics (known as beauties series).
I also have different online communities for businesses and individuals
Where did you grow up and what was your family life like?
Although born in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, I grew up in Warri, Delta State.
I am the last child from a polygamous home of 10 children.
Growing up was not easy. As the last child, I really didn’t get the attention I needed as a young girl because my father was taking care of so many children including adopted children and my mum was focused on her business – (chuckles).
I was always alone. So, I learnt to hustle for myself. I started doing business at a very tender age. I had a boutique at the age of 18. I also did lots of menial jobs to keep body and soul together.
How and when did you start The Delta Beauties?
The Delta Beauties started on August 8, 2015 at the lowest time of my life. I had an accident. I was suffering from chronic depression and on the verge of throwing in the towel.
Scrolling through Instagram that day I saw some beautiful ladies from Delta State and I decided to create an Instagram page to troll them out of envy. I named it the Delta State beauties. When I posted the first picture, the response I got changed the whole dynamics of the page and altered my perspective.
I got positive responses from people. That propelled me into doing more and using the platform for a better purpose.
It started with zero followers. Right now, we have 164,000 real followers.
I started showcasing more fashionistas via different fashion challenge I come up with. Most of these ladies are small business owners, hence, I was promoting their businesses whilst supporting them.
You have done a great job projecting Nigerian women, what inspires you to do more?
The positive feedback, the daily calls, and appreciation messages I get from people both Deltans and non Deltans, watching lots of small businesses experience exponential growth via my platform (thedeltabeauties) spur me to do more.
What do you enjoy most in your line of work?
I enjoy the fun I’m having with my followers, and the connection I’ve built with people and brands. My brand recognition, positive feedback and daily growth.
What do you consider your greatest strengths?
My greatest strength is creativity, consistency, patience and versatility.
What are your other interests?
My other interests are managing and growing social media – Instagram business pages.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
My accomplishment is the recognition and growth I’ve gotten so far from the Delta Beauties platform.
Interestingly, beautiful relationships and marriages are being formed off the platform. Brands I’m working with are getting new clients via the platform , and being a role model to people through the platform.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself reaching and connecting millions of people and brands, and becoming a recognised voice championing women empowerment programmes.
I also see myself working with international brands in the beauty and fashion industry.
What advice do you have for other women who want to toe your path?
They should be consistent with whatever they are doing, think long term, think out of the box, be patient and fix their eyes on the target.
