The First-Class Founder: Building a Brand While Studying Law

In the world of student entrepreneurship, we often hear about the “glamour” of running a business. But if you talk to Ifeoluwa Afolabi, known to her community as Tanto, she will tell you a different story. It is a story of 8:00 AM law lectures, disciplined gym sessions, and the silent resilience required to build a brand in an environment where “business” is not even officially allowed on campus.

Ifeoluwa is not just a law student; she is a first-class student who has mastered the art of extreme organization. Today, we dive into her world to see how she turned a ₦30,000 loan into The Tanto Scents, a perfume brand that is as much about personality as it is about fragrance.

The Roots of Independence

Ifeoluwa did not wake up one day and decide to be an entrepreneur; she was raised for it. Growing up, she watched her older sister take on cleaning jobs and worked right alongside her.

“We did not grow up with the mindset of depending entirely on our parents,” she says. By the time she was 16 and living in Lagos, earning her own income was already a habit. So, when she gained admission into Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), the drive to create her own path was already in her DNA.

From a Roommate’s Suggestion to a ₦30,000 Start

The spark for The Tanto Scents did not come from a boardroom, but from a dorm room. Obsessed with fragrances herself, it was her roommate, Christy, who suggested she turn that passion into a business.

Despite the encouragement, Ifeoluwa did not rush. She went home, prayed, and asked for guidance. Then, with a ₦30,000 loan from a friend and zero mentors, she began. She spent her early days in deep research, learning through trial and error.

“I learned everything on my own,” she reflects. “There were days I got things wrong, but I realized that if you are willing to do the research, you can build something meaningful even without a direct guide.”

The “Stealth” Business Model

Running a business at ABUAD comes with a unique challenge: business activities are not technically allowed on campus. While others might see this as a dead end, Ifeoluwa saw it as a logistics puzzle.

She does not “run” a store in school. Instead, she takes orders digitally and directs students to pick up their fragrances from logistics points. It is a lean, efficient system that allows her to maintain her first-class CGPA while staying responsive to customers.

The Law Student’s Discipline: The “Opal” Strategy

How does a law student stay on top of a demanding syllabus while responding to customer inquiries? For Ifeoluwa, it’s about structure and tech. She uses an app called Opal to block social media during study hours, ensuring that when she is in class, she is fully there.

“Consistency and structure have saved me,” she explains. “When it’s time for academics, I focus fully on school. When it’s time for business, I focus on business.”

This discipline has paid off. Beyond her grades, her business now supports her financially, giving her the independence to pay for services like laundry that save her time. “For me, it is not about luxury; it is about understanding the value of time management.”

The Emotional Weight of Growth

It has not all been sweet scents and success. Ifeoluwa is honest about the “intimidating” atmosphere of meeting bigger vendors and the private pain of financial losses she never shared publicly.

“I have experienced painful financial losses. There were moments I would go back to my room and cry privately, then come out the next day smiling and continuing my work. Quitting was never an option.”

A Message to the “Quiet” Creator

When asked what she would say to other students who are scared to start, Ifeoluwa’s advice is simple: Just start.

“You do not need to begin perfectly. My packaging was basic compared to what it is now. Growth happens with consistency. Most importantly, keep God at the center. My faith has carried me through every stage where I had no direction.