Why Start-Ups Must Pay Themselves Well – Christina Tegbe
Christina Tegbe, founder of the African-inspired skincare brand 54 Thrones, has urged entrepreneurs to pay themselves fairly as their businesses begin to generate sustainable revenue.
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that while speaking at a Masterclass during the GTCO Fashion Weekend in Lagos, Tegbe addressed a common dilemma among start-up founders—whether to reinvest all profits back into the business or take personal income.
“At the very beginning, you’ll be overworked and may not even have the revenue to pay yourself or anyone else,” she said. “But as you grow, you must take care of yourself. Pay yourself to nurture your creativity and lead effectively. A healthy founder builds a healthy company.”
Tegbe explained that compensating founders adequately helps sustain motivation and prevents burnout. “Once you are at the level of making revenues, pay yourself,” she advised.
Reflecting on the origins of her company, she said the name 54 Thrones pays homage to the 54 nations of Africa, from which the brand sources its natural ingredients. “The name was born out of my travels across the continent. I wanted something that sparked curiosity and connected deeply with Africa’s identity,” she noted.
Sharing her entrepreneurial journey, Tegbe likened her leap into business to “jumping out of a plane and building the parachute on the way down.” She, however, cautioned against impulsive decisions: “I don’t necessarily suggest quitting your job as I did. Understand the problem your brand intends to solve and truly know your customers—where they shop, the influencers they follow, and their pain points. That insight will guide your marketing and growth strategy.”
The GTCO Fashion Weekend, now in its eighth edition, is organised by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) under the leadership of Segun Agbaje. The annual two-day event serves as a platform to promote creativity, enterprise, and innovation while connecting Nigerian entrepreneurs to global opportunities.
This year’s theme, “Fashion Is Freedom,” underscores fashion’s power as a tool for self-expression, identity, and economic empowerment across Africa’s creative industries.
