Nigerian media personality and entrepreneur Toke Makinwa has revealed that her handbag and makeup businesses failed, sharing some of the challenges she encountered while trying to build both ventures. She disclosed during an appearance on Master of Craft, a YouTube series presented by Pawnshop by Bluradish.

Speaking about her experience, Makinwa acknowledged that the businesses did not turn out as she had expected. She explained that entrepreneurs must be prepared to make mistakes, assess what went wrong, and continue learning from the experience.

“I failed,” she said, reflecting on the outcome of the businesses. She also pointed to the importance of examining the details of a product, including its coloring, stitching, and overall design, when trying to understand why it may not meet customers’ expectations.

Makinwa's comments come after several years of activity in the fashion and beauty industries. In 2017, she launched Baby Girl For Life, a handbag collection under her Toke Makinwa Luxury brand. The collection included the TM Tote, designed by Estanola Oyelese and produced using crocodile hide by Muji Lagos.

She later expanded into beauty with the 2018 launch of Glow by TM, a skincare line. Her other beauty ventures included TM Beauty, which offered makeup products such as lipstick, eyelashes and eyeliner. In May 2024, she also introduced a fragrance collection featuring three scents: Vogue, Dive and Intense.

During the conversation, Makinwa indicated that she is working towards bringing her makeup brand back. She also spoke about plans for another handbag collection, with a stronger focus on product quality, durability and craftsmanship.

“I want to get so good that they purchase it regardless of knowing who owns it or not,” she said, explaining the standard she wants her products to meet.

Her remarks offer a look at the business setbacks behind her work as an entrepreneur, as she considers another to build her fashion and beauty brands.