SURULERE, Lagos – What started as a way to stay productive during the COVID-19 lockdown has grown into a flourishing hairstyling business. Disu Omolara Hassanat, the founder of Hairbybillsz, has spent six years turning her passion for hairstyling into a brand offering bridal hair, revamping, braided wigs, hair bundles, and hairstyling tools.
In a recent interview with our correspondent, Omolara shared her journey, the obstacles she faced, and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Her venture into the beauty industry began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when everyone was on lockdown. “When COVID-19 started and everyone was on lockdown, I decided to use that period to learn a skill instead of staying idle,” she said. She trained under Hairbyseraphic, gaining the expertise that would later form the foundation for Hairbybillsz.
Over the years, Hairbybillsz has expanded its services to meet diverse client needs. The brand now provides hairstyling, hair revamping, bridal hair, and the sale of wigs, braided wigs, hair bundles, and hairstyling tools. Through creativity, dedication, and consistent quality, Omolara has gradually built a reputation among clients seeking professional and stylish hairstyling.
Despite her progress, Omolara said the journey has not been without challenges. “The main challenges were visibility, convincing clients to believe and trust the brand, and the cost of materials,” she explained. Rising competition and limited awareness in the early stages also made it difficult to grow quickly.
To overcome these challenges, Omolara implemented a business strategy focused on convenience and affordability. “Convenience: delivering faster and offering superior convenience in the purchasing process. Pricing strategy: offering high quality at a reasonable price,” she said. Her approach has helped attract more clients and retain their loyalty, ensuring Hairbybillsz stands out in Surulere’s competitive beauty industry.
Beyond the operational side of her business, Omolara is passionate about motivating other young entrepreneurs. “Start early, it’s never too late to start a business. Brand yourself and create awareness, follow your skills, be your own motivation. Get a mentor, never give up,” she advised. Her words reflect her belief in persistence, planning, and continuous self-improvement.
Omolara also leverages social media to showcase her work and connect with clients. Hairbybillsz can be found on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook (@hairbybillsz), where she engages her growing audience and highlights the quality and variety of her services.
Her story highlights the determination and resilience required to succeed in Nigeria’s beauty sector. By combining talent, hard work, and smart business strategies, Omolara has turned a temporary activity during a lockdown into a sustainable and respected brand in Surulere.
For young entrepreneurs, her journey offers inspiration: with patience, skill, and strategic thinking, it is possible to transform passion into a thriving business that provides both income and independence.
