How do you sell bread then build one of Nigeria’s most powerful marketing empires? In this episode of Idea to Empire, Bola Yinka-Obebe sits with Tiwalola Olanubi, the visionary behind Dotts Media House, Trendupp Africa, and Zarafet Loaves.Discover the untold story of a student influencer who cracked the code to digital marketing success. Tiwalola shares how he built multiple brands across media, food, and tech — and what it really takes to stay ahead in Nigeria’s fast-paced business scene.From bootstrapping to billboards, this conversation is a masterclass in innovation, influence, and building an empire from the ground up.🔔 Subscribe for more African business stories📩 Join our Whatsapp channel: https://forms.gle/bXajXY4pBVLe6kkx8📲 Follow @bolayinkaobebe on all platforms🤝 For partnerships: [email protected]:00 Introduction to Tiwalola Olanubi's Journey01:09 Early Life and Education02:26 Becoming a Campus Influencer03:49 The Blackberry Ambassador Experience12:19 Starting Dotts Media House24:34 Challenges and Growth30:54 Expanding Beyond Influencer Marketing33:29 Transition to a Full Digital Marketing Agency34:21 Becoming an Advertising Agency34:56 Launching Trend Up: A Home for Influencers36:34 Trend Up Awards: Recognizing Influencer Achievements38:57 The Journey of Influencers and Content Creators52:24 The Financial Potential of Influencer Marketing57:57 Diversifying Beyond Media: Food and Real Estate Ventures01:06:16 Expanding into the Francophone Region01:09:05 Addressing Problems and Solutions01:09:30 Breaking Free from Labels01:10:07 Mantra for Success: Know Thyself01:10:58 Diversifying Business Ventures01:11:44 The Importance of Association01:12:50 Balancing Diversification and Focus01:14:41 Reviewing and Pausing Business Operations01:17:14 The Role of Profit in Business01:17:52 Rapid Fire Questions01:18:24 Embracing AI in Business01:19:35 Business Philosophy and Nigerian Slang01:25:06 Partnerships and Working with a Spouse01:39:21 Sacrifice and Mental Resilience01:41:26 Reflecting on Business Decisions01:44:12 Final Thoughts and Philosophy

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