Olbali’s founder, Courtney Adeleye, is proving to be a mover and shaker in the health & beauty retail space. From small beginnings, she’s proving anything is possible with drive and desire. With her company, the entrepreneur is launching new products and brands that offer everyday solutions. From hair care to coffee, Adeleye probably has a product for you. The business-savvy beauty mogul sat down with us to chat about humble beginnings that started at her kitchen table to her success today.
I love the idea behind your company. Tell me about your background and how the company came to be.
My journey began in the field of science, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This background fostered my love for all things scientific and led to my first venture in haircare. My goal was to develop products capable of transforming hair into its healthiest state – full, long, and vibrant. The success of these products, which allowed users to achieve their hair goals, led me to sell my haircare company. However, I knew my scientific expertise could be further utilized to benefit consumers seeking healthier product options.
This realization inspired me to create a range of health, wellness, and feminine hygiene products. I focused on innovation and exceptional performance, addressing a gap in the market for high-quality, health-conscious products. Despite this success, I felt something was missing. I frequently found myself offering business advice to many who approached me, individuals eager for opportunities but finding none. Recognizing this need, I decided to consolidate all my brands under one umbrella, Olbali, and introduced an income-generating aspect to the business.
Olbali transformed into a social selling company, allowing me to continue my passion for creating innovative products, mentoring budding entrepreneurs, and offering financial opportunities. This model enables me to contribute on multiple fronts – driving product innovation, fostering entrepreneurial growth, and creating avenues for financial success. It’s a harmonious blend of my scientific background, business acumen, and desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives.
You founded health & wellness powerhouse Olbali, among other brands. What sets Olbali products apart from others in this space?
We are at the forefront of health, wellness, and beauty as a brand founded by a dynamic husband and wife team – we are a physician and a registered nurse. This venture was not just built, but rooted in science, with every product crafted purposefully. Our philosophy is clear: we only create products when we know we can enhance them. This approach is what truly sets Olbali apart in a crowded market.
As creators and users of our own products, we integrate a rich blend of vitamins, nutrients, superfoods, and time-honored healthful ingredients. This commitment ensures that our offerings are not just top-quality, but also the best available in the market.
Beyond the products themselves, our understanding of and connection to the community and consumers we serve is what truly differentiates us. Having walked in the shoes of those we aim to help, we can deeply relate to the need for income, especially in today’s world. As serial entrepreneurs, we understand the significance of multiple income streams. This understanding and our relatability infuse a unique perspective into our business model, resonating with our consumers on a deeper level. Olbali is more than just a brand; it’s a community, a lifestyle, and a testament to the power of relatable, science-backed entrepreneurship.
I love the story of how you literally started the company at your kitchen table, experimenting on creating a haircare solution for yourself. Did you ever think you’d launch the business you have today?
When I first embarked on my professional journey, the idea of owning a social selling company was far from my mind. This experience has taught me the importance of embracing change, a powerful reminder that life’s path is often a mystery, unfolding in ways we can’t initially foresee. Our passions, when nurtured, have the potential to evolve and expand beyond our wildest dreams.
Remaining open-minded has always been a guiding principle for me, coupled with a readiness to tackle new challenges. I believe in the adage that ‘old keys don’t open new doors.’ This mindset has been instrumental in my growth and the evolution of my business endeavors. Now, I find myself at the helm of a thriving enterprise, leading thousands, predominantly women, towards a brighter and more empowered future.
My journey underscores the idea that greatness is not a fixed point but a continuous process of growth and adaptation. It’s about being receptive to new opportunities and courageous enough to step into uncharted territories. This path has not only been about business development but also about personal transformation and empowering others to realize their potential. It’s a testament to the fact that our greatest achievements often lie just beyond the realms of our initial vision.
You have such a vast catalog of products for so many different health & wellness/beauty solutions. Walk me through how the creation of these products comes about.
The development of our diverse range of health, wellness, and beauty products is deeply rooted in a common thread: they are all designed with the same consumer in mind, a consumer who, in many ways, reflects my own needs and preferences. Each time I conceptualize a new product, I start by asking myself two critical questions: Can this product be improved, and am I the one who can elevate it? This approach has been pivotal in ensuring consistent success across various product categories.
My focus always remains steadfast on quality and catering to the needs of our specific consumer base. I don’t just create products; I craft solutions that I, as a consumer, would seek out and use. This personal connection to the products not only drives their authenticity but also ensures that they resonate with our customers. It’s this blend of personal investment and a deep understanding of our consumer’s needs that allows us to innovate and expand our catalog successfully, maintaining a high standard with every new launch.
Is there one product that is a top seller?
One standout product in our lineup is the “So Much Better” Relief Cream, which has risen to become a top seller. This isn’t just a product people want; it’s something they need. Dealing with discomfort is a deeply personal and often misunderstood challenge, as only those experiencing it can truly comprehend its impact.
What makes the “So Much Better” Relief Cream so significant is its effectiveness – consumers have reported feeling relief within minutes of application. This level of immediate impact is what sets it apart and makes it more than just a product; it’s a solution to a common and often distressing problem. The ability to offer such a powerful and effective remedy not only changes the game for individuals seeking relief but also significantly bolsters our business, positioning us as providers of truly impactful health solutions.
How did that then launch into the other brands?
The success and philosophy behind our flagship product naturally paved the way for the expansion into our other brands. At our core, we are a solution-focused company in the realms of health, wellness, and beauty. Our guiding principle is straightforward: if there’s an opportunity to enhance a product, we seize it; if there’s a problem to be solved, we tackle it head-on. This ethos drives our diversification.
Given that our expertise lies in health, wellness, and beauty, it’s almost a given that we would explore and create products in these areas. The success of our initial offerings showed us the potential and need for high-quality, effective solutions in these markets. Each new product and brand under our umbrella is a reflection of this commitment to problem-solving and quality. It’s about continually asking, “How can we make this better?” and then putting in the work to make it happen. This approach has not only led to the creation of diverse products but also to the establishment of trusted brands that consumers rely on for their health and beauty needs.
Your business role model is more than just about being a business. Giving back is a big part of your mission. I’ve read about just some of the ways you give back. Can you tell readers why this is so important to the foundation of what you do? And what do you hope to instill in others in sharing this mission?
Giving back is not just a part of our business model; it’s at the heart of everything we do at our company. I firmly believe that our purpose on this earth is to help each other. Embracing this philosophy can significantly contribute to making the world a better place. My hope is that by demonstrating this commitment, we can inspire others to recognize their potential to make a positive impact in the world.
When we are fortunate enough to possess talents or resources, I believe it’s not just an opportunity but a responsibility to share these gifts with others. Our business is a platform for change, an instrument for good. It’s about showing that success is not measured merely in profits and growth, but in the positive influence we have on the lives of others and the community at large.
By integrating giving back into the core of our business, we hope to set an example and encourage others, whether individuals or other businesses, to follow suit. It’s about sending a message that while business is important, humanity and compassion should always take precedence. In sharing our mission, we aim to instill a sense of responsibility and kindness in others, fostering a community that values and actively participates in making a difference.
What career advice would you give your younger self? Or a young girl with a mindsight and drive like yourself?
If I could offer career advice to my younger self, or to any young person with a similar mindset and drive, it would be this: Embrace the entire journey, both the highs and the lows. Understand that the challenges you face will shape you into the person you’re destined to become. Remember, being down at any point doesn’t mean you’re destined to stay there. Both the good and the bad experiences are life’s lessons, guiding you along your path.
Give your best every single day. And on the days when things don’t go as planned, if you’re fortunate enough to see another day, that’s your opportunity to do better. Cherish each day and don’t take life too seriously. It’s a journey, and getting too caught up in the seriousness of it all can make you miss its most beautiful moments. Life is a tapestry of experiences, and each one, whether joyous or challenging, contributes to the rich, complex person you are evolving into.
Remember, you can be whoever you want to be, and if ever you wish to change paths, you have the freedom to do so. Don’t let anyone dictate who you should be or what you should pursue. Most people view the world through their own lens and limitations. You don’t need anyone’s validation for your dreams and ambitions. If you’re blessed with a vision, that is the only validation you need. Trust in your capabilities and unique perspective, and paint your life and career with your own colors, guided by your vision and drive.
