Tiwalade Afolabi: Building TIZO, a Drink Brand for Students

A nice drink during a hangout or party often comes at a high price for many students. They are often reduced to carbonated drinks even when the occasion demands otherwise. That is the problem that became a business idea for Tiwalade Afolabi, a recent graduate of the University of Lagos.

Tiwalade is the founder of TIZO, a brand that makes sparkling mocktails and cocktails in colourful, portable pouches. What started as a simple skill he learned from his aunty has now grown into a business serving students and event guests.

From Learning in the Kitchen to Building TIZO for students

Tiwalade says his journey started at home. His aunty taught him how to mix drinks and encouraged him to believe in her creativity.

“She didn’t just teach me, she believed in me,” he says.

After learning, he started making drinks for friends. Their positive feedback pushed him to take it more seriously.

According to Tiwalade, he noticed a gap on campus. Many students wanted refreshing drinks for parties, hangouts, or stressful days, but their options felt limited. Bars and lounges were expensive. Soft drinks felt too basic. He wanted to create something affordable, attractive, and enjoyable without making students spend too much money

That idea became the foundation of TIZO.

Tiwalade’s Challenges and the Turning Point

Like many student entrepreneurs, balancing school and business was not easy. There were days he attended lectures in the morning and still had drink orders or events to supply later in the day.

Funding was also a challenge, as buying syrups, pouches, and materials costs money. To manage this, he started small, reinvested profits, and stayed consistent even when sales slowed.

One moment changed his mindset completely. After tasting his drinks, a course mate asked him to cater for a wedding. He accepted the opportunity.

Seeing people enjoy TIZO at such an important event made him realise the business had become more than just a small side hustle.

Lessons From the Journey

Tiwalade says entrepreneurship has taught him to start before feeling fully ready and to stay consistent. He believes students should stop waiting for perfect conditions and simply begin with what they have.

Having graduated, Tiwalade is fully committed to growing TIZO drinks. He also work as graduate trainee in a business consulting firm. He says that helps him learn how the corporate world works and helps him gain valuable skills he needs as a business owner.

For him, growth comes from learning, adjusting, and showing up even when things are not perfect.