You know that thing they say about how you have to spend money to make money? Well, these four women took it seriously, except they spent the money on themselves. And no, we’re not talking about the “treat yourself” kind of spending that leaves you broke with a wardrobe full of clothes you’ll wear once. We’re talking strategic, intentional investments that completely changed their trajectories.
From upgrading their wardrobes with quality Nigeria brands to investing in skills that made them unignorable, these women bet on themselves and won. Their stories prove that sometimes the best business investment you can make is in the one staring back at you in the mirror.
“I changed my wardrobe and got a job that paid me over a million Naira monthly” — Adina*, 29
What she invested in: Professional wardrobe + public speaking course
The result: Dream job at fintech startup
I was tired of looking like someone’s little sister at industry events. I’d show up in jeans and ankara tops while everyone else looked like they had their life together. So I did something crazy, I spent ₦500k on a proper wardrobe. Mostly pieces from Orange Culture, Lisa Folawiyo, and Maki Oh. My friends thought I had lost my mind.
Three months later, I was at a tech conference in Lagos, actually feeling rather confident in my blazer, and I ended up sitting next to the CTO of a company I’d been dying to work for. We got talking, and because I looked the part and had just completed a public speaking course on Udemy, I could actually hold the conversation without my usual imposter syndrome kicking in.
I got a call from the company two weeks later. They said that they remembered me from the conference. Not just what I said, but how I carried myself. That ₦500k wardrobe change plus an Udemy course that was less than ₦100k got me a job that paid me over a million Naira monthly. Do the math. The point is your presentation matters just as much as what you know. When you look like you belong in the room, people start treating you like it.
“My follower count went from 800 to 15,000, within six months of implementing LinkedIn strategies” — Ada*, 32
What she invested in: Professional photography + LinkedIn coaching
The result: Brand partnerships worth millions
I used to have a LinkedIn profile with a grainy photo I took in 2016 and a bio that said ‘Marketing Professional’. My friend, who’s a bit younger than I am, had mentioned that I was leaving a ton of cash on the table, with the kind of presentation that I had on LinkedIn. This was also during a tough period in my life, where I was looking for a new job. I was ready to do anything that could help me get a good one.
My friend connected me to a photographer and LinkedIn coach. At first, I was skeptical because of the kind of amount I needed to pay for these services. I spent ₦120k on the photoshoot, including my outfit and ₦50k for a month of LinkedIn coaching. The coach taught me how to tell stories, instead of just posting about my day.
Within six months, my follower count went from 800 to 15,000. Then the brand deals started coming. First, it was ₦500k for a campaign, then ₦2 million, and it continued to rise as my follower count increased. I’m now a full time content creator and brand strategist. I made my investment in myself back in my first brand deal. Everything after that has been profit. Invest in your online presence, make it look like a place people want to do business.
“I went from barely surviving to sending money home, saving and investing” — Folake*, 27
What she invested in: Coding Bootcamp + Wardrobe upgrade
The result: Six-figure salary as a remote developer
I was working in customer service where I was making ₦150k monthly and watching tech bros on Twitter talk about their investment portfolio, salaries and crypto net worth. If they could do it, I certainly could. So I saved part of my salary for six months to join a coding bootcamp. I didn’t stop there.
I noticed that all the successful developers I followed never looked like they were struggling. Even in their casual posts, they always looked clean, put-together and portrayed this quiet affluence that I loved. I took it as my cue to invest half of my salary for 2 months straight in good jeans, solid tees and one blazer. This really worked out for me.
When I started interviewing, I would show up on Zoom looking professional but approachable. Nigerian companies were offering ₦300-₦400k. Then a US company offered me $4000 monthly for remote work. I went from barely surviving to sending money home and still having more than enough to save and invest. Skills will get you in the door, but confidence in yourself and your looks is so important.
“High-paying clients reached out to me on LinkedIn once I redesigned my website” — Ozzie*, 30
What she invested in: Website redesign + Professional styling
The result: Retainer clients paying in dollars monthly
I was a struggling freelance graphic designer, charging ₦30k per logo and begging for clients on Twitter. At the time, my portfolio website looked like a 2010 Blogger template and my profile picture was a selfie I had taken with my iPhone. I decided to invest money that I didn’t have in a professional website redesign and I went for a photoshoot too. I wore my best outfits and had my hair done.
I was scared at first, there were so many negative what ifs in my mind. Once my images were ready, I changed my profile pictures, across all my socials and on my website. My website also looked great, I honestly had started to look like a brand that one could trust with their business. The transformation was quick. Men filled my DMs on Twitter. Even though I was uninterested at the time, I used the opportunity to pitch myself.
High-paying clients also started reaching out on LinkedIn. More than two people mentioned that they had reached out because my portfolio looked promising and professional. Within a year, I had signed two retainer clients at $5000 monthly. I’m fully booked and busy. In the world of freelance, your presentation is a huge part of your product. Look expensive and charge like it.
We told you that these women understood the assignment. They didn’t just invest money, they invested strategically. They understood that in a world where opportunities move fast, you need to look like you’re worth the bet. Whether it’s a sharp blazer that makes you feel invincible, a professional photoshoot that transforms your LinkedIn or a course that helps you upskill, these investments all have one thing in common, they signal to the world that you’re serious.
So if you’ve been sitting on that money, wondering if you should play it safe or invest in yourself, this is your sign. Go for it!
Next Read: Leah Katung-Babatunde Is Redefining What It Means to Be a Woman in Media
