Meet Búsola | Founder & Owner of Itoju Ara

We had the good fortune of connecting with Búsola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Búsola, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Back in undergrad, I had an entrepreneurship class my last year. I already knew entrepreneurship was in my future, so I created the business plan for Itoju Ara during that period. Fast forward to year later during the pandemic, I decided to take the bold step and bring that plan into fruition. From there I researched did test and trials for about a year and some change, and officially launched Itoju Ara in the March of 2021.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Itoju Ara is a clean skincare and self-care awareness brand. We focus on the health of the skin rather than simply appearance, to enhance the health and longevity of our skin. Starting the brand was challenging. I did everything from research to formulation, creating the website, and taking product/brand pictures. Having said that, the process is definitely not easy. I’ve had major setbacks and losses. Nevertheless, I’m super excited that we’re reaching our third year of business in a couple of months. What I’ve learned is that as a business owner, it can get easy to be overwhelmed and stressed. Being well mentally, spiritually, and emotionally along this journey was important to me and is what has helped me keep going. Sometimes when you’ve lost your creativity and drive in your business, take a step back and re-strategize rather than keep on going. Businesses in their earlier stages have a bit more wiggle room to rebrand, restructure, or simply go back to the drawing board and start over. It’s okay to make changes.

If there is something I would tell the world about Itoju Ara, it’s that it came from a place of self-love. I truly wanted to create something that encouraged people to embrace different forms of self-care, starting with skincare. I am so blessed and overwhelmed with love from the people we have been able to reach and the opportunities I have received as a new business. What sets us apart as a brand is what we promote as a business. Itoju Ara loosely translates to “self-preservation” or “take care of your body/yourself” in Yorùbá. Our focus is to incorporate ingredients into our formulas and promote practices that help take care of our skin and well-being in the long-run. This translates in our formulas, practices, and mission.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would start off our trip with some great food. Some of my favorite restaurants to eat at are Lyla and Pappadeaux. During the week, I enjoy taking morning walks on Turtle Creek Trail. It’s literally the perfect place for yourself, friends, and dogs. There are some cool restaurants along the trail, and it touches a lot of the Dallas area if you’re into exploring. Uptown and downtown are also some great places to try adult arcades and speakeasys. Dallas is home to some amazing spas as well, one my favorites being the one from the Warwick Melrose Hotel. On the weekends, one of my favorite places to go is Sandaga 813 when True Colors is throwing an event; I love afrobeats and they have some amazing DJs on rotation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Picking someone to shoutout was interesting thought. I have people like my family and friends who have helped and championed for me throughout this process, and I am eternally grateful. Sometimes entrepreneurs overlook their efforts and don’t give themselves enough grace and praise, especially when you’re everything for your business. Leading my own path is something I’ve always aspired to be because my dad created his. The creative control and freedom you have allows you to explore other aspects of your life, and he has inspired so much of that in me. Although he’s not here to physically witness how that has manifested in my life, I’d like to think he’d be proud.

Website: www.itojuara.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itojuara

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/itojuara/