EMMIE ACHE WANTS EVERYONE TO ENJOY LUXURIOUS SELF-CARE DAYS WITH HER CALMING CANDLES AND ROBES
Emmie Ache is the founder of "Osikani," a brand specialising in beautifully scented candles and soft, cozy robes. Her products are meant to engage your senses and help you feel luxurious during your mindful, self-care days. The candles & robes are listed on our website. We will learn more about how she was inspired to start "Osikani" and her advice as a business owner.
1. What inspired you to start the business?
Well, it was truly a lot of little things in my life that collectively came together and created what you experience as Osikani.
The modern concept of wealth and luxury really pushed the principles of Mindfulness in staying present and enjoying the now. I wanted to see more mindfully created products which are ordinarily part of our everyday lives - forgotten about but could hold so much meaning in one's journey through life. I had an idea of a wearable affirmation robe and the idea just blossomed.
2. How will you say your journey as a black business owner has been so far?
I have to say there has been an exponential learning curve and honestly, I’ve loved every low and high. The experiences reaffirm that the support of your community is needed at every stage of this entrepreneurial journey; but also, I enjoy the vision of Osikani so it makes it easy to focus on the bigger picture and dedicate my attention to building a community of my own.
3. What are some of the challenges you've faced as a business owner?
Well, I’m sure no business owner hasn’t been given the “starting a business is hard” speech, the “you’re not going to make money for at least 5 years”, “there will so many low days and little high days” etc but I have to say, marketing in a saturated marketplace is a challenge - everyone is making candles, everyone is selling loungewear - or so I thought. There is a reason why we just sell robes and candles; Osikani seeks to enhance moments and allow you to enjoy your present moment much more when you put on our robes and light our candles. I take comfort that we appeal to 3 out of 5 senses (we are working on the other 2). From the quality material of our robes (touch), the unique scent formulations of our soy wax candle (smell) and the beautifully designed robes and special candle vessels (sight), we’re definitely doing our own thing. Osikani is truly a lifestyle and an experience. It’s a token of the good life we wish for everyone.
4. How important do you think scented candles & aromatherapy are?
I think scent is generally important in the day to day of our lives; but to Osikani, it’s extremely important to elevate your surroundings. That’s why we have a focus on creating premium, relatable and even aspirational moments in the form of candles. Our candles aim to transport you and take you on a journey through fragrance whilst easing stress, anxiety, lifting moods and boosting feelings of relaxation.
5. What does success mean to your brand?
You know what - I know that Osikani is a success when there is total customer satisfaction - from purchase to communication after sales and receiving private testimonials on how ‘boujee and luxurious’ they feel during their self care days or even the “rich Aunty” vibe their home has when the scent of their candle fills the room - I’m always filled with a incredible amount of joy that they have invested in their wellbeing through our brand.
6. What is an important lesson you want people to learn about being a business owner?
Throughout my life I’ve had so many random business ideas or even hustles, dare I say, and I never acted on them but then got a little bit sour when I saw someone doing the exact thing I thought of. Don’t sit there and think “that was my idea” - now it’s the best time to go for it! The moment or the idea will pass you by and move on to someone who can execute it, just give it a go.
7. What was your mission at the start of your business?
The main mission of this business was to have a brand that created/designed products that fit in the mind of our customers - evidenced through our affirmations in our robes. The principles of Mindfulness running through our DNA and my Ghanaian heritage have been the driving force in enhancing the lives of our customers and somewhat guiding them to be at peace, take a look around their lives and look at all the wealth, from friends to family, to having a roof over their heads to even getting a chance when they rise from their sleep to get another chance to live life on their own terms - to live mindfully.
8. What is the most important thing to you as a business owner and why?
There are a few important things to me as a business owner, one of them is to always remember my why, the pain points that birthed Osikani and the utter determination and passion of making this happen. Also my curiosity to life and being playful with my approach towards problem solving is what keeps me going and exploring the ‘What if’s’. These things will continually keep me humble - no one has all the answers and being curious and asking questions helps pave a clearer and more knowledgable path which in turn become growth.
