Today we’d like to introduce you to Dorien Toku.
Dorien, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always had a passion for entrepreneurship since I was young because my father owned his own businesses and I saw the power in “being your own boss”. However, coming from a traditional African family I was “encouraged” to go into the medical field. I earned a Bachelors degree in Science and a Masters degree in Healthcare Administration and decided I had zero interest in the medical field, lol. Tapping into my personal interest of fashion I maintained a successful career in retail fashion. As I climbed the ladder I realized that given the knowledge and experience I gained, I knew becoming an entrepreneur was possible!
I was then hit with a huge problem, I had NO idea what I wanted to do. I tapped into what people constantly asked me about which was my skin. I thought “I can’t lie about using any products” so I stuck to the truth which was the use of an African exfoliating body sponge that I have used since the age of 3. Hence the birth of Säpo Body Sponge LLC. launching in the worst year of the century 2020 lol. Needless to say 2021 was the year that sparked true business celebrating over 10K orders in a little over a year!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hell no it hasn’t been a smooth road lol, I’ve fallen so many times I can’t even count. The thought of being an entrepreneur is one thing the actual steps to take to become one is the challenge. I struggled with so much that I didn’t anticipate from filing proper paperwork, getting manufacturers, customs forms, trademarks to finding accountants, lawyers, assistants and more. Each obstacle was a learning curve but my saving grace was having the best support group! From family, friends and mentors each person was vital to helping me overcome these obstacles.
As you know, we’re big fans of Säpo Body Sponge. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our product is probably the most needed but under utilized tool in everyone’s shower. The Säpo body sponge line is made of 100% nylon and with proper care (wash, rinse and hang to dry) it will not breed bacteria. Many of the sponges currently sold in store breed lots of bacteria and should be thrown away every 30 days. Säpo will last for several months. Helping to alleviate and buff away at the 500 million skin cells humans shed a day Säpo leaves the skin feeling smooth and supple. We have also partnered with a recycling company that accepts all old sponges to repurpose for other things.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk to me is a part of business so yes I would consider myself a risk taker. I took a risk when I decided to bet on myself and leap into entrepreneurship. I would say that my biggest risk was using all my savings to launch my business. Not an ideal situation but funding for small businesses is not as easily accessible for all people. It may sound crazy but Risk-Taking is a gamble that needs to be strategically made.
Pricing:
- 15.00 per sponge
Contact Info:
- Website: sapobodysponge.com
- Instagram: sapobodysponge
- Facebook: sapobodysponge
Image Credits
Modest Media LLC
