Monday, December 8, 2025

The Rise of a Northern Woman Building a Legacy Through Fragrance & Faith

 


Zubaida Adamu Ibrahim’s story begins in Bauchi, Nigeria, where she was born into an Islamic home grounded in discipline, faith, and education. Her childhood shaped her with values that would one day guide her academic pursuits and her entrepreneurial rise. From a young age, she developed a sharp eye for beauty, detail, and quality—traits that would later become the signature of her brand.


As she grew, her love for knowledge deepened. She pursued higher education with dedication, eventually embarking on a PhD in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development. Her academic interests reflect her commitment to improving rural livelihoods, empowering communities, and building stronger agricultural systems. For Zubaida, education is a calling, not just a career path. Her long-term dream is to return to the university as a lecturer—a dream supported by the experience she gained during her two-year tenure at Bauchi State University, Gadau. Although she stepped back for personal reasons, the academic world remains close to her heart, and she intends to resume her teaching journey when the time aligns with her destiny.


Nine years ago, a different kind of passion began to take shape. What started as a simple love for fragrances—mixing, layering, understanding notes and compositions—slowly grew into something bigger. Zubaida nurtured this passion with curiosity and intention until it matured into Zubees Collectibles, a brand now known for its authenticity, quality, and personal touch. The name “Zubees” stems from the affectionate nickname many people use for her, while “Collectibles” reflects the early vision of offering carefully selected items curated with precision and care.


From the beginning, she approached the business with the mindset of a researcher. Her academic discipline became a powerful tool—helping her analyze trends, study customer preferences, and pay attention to details that others might overlook. This fusion of knowledge and creativity shaped the brand into something distinct. Every fragrance, every product, every curated piece is chosen with deliberation and a commitment to excellence.


At the core of Zubees Collectibles lies a value that defines both the brand and the woman behind it: loyalty. Zubaida believes loyalty is not just a principle, but a lifestyle. She remains loyal to quality by choosing products that she personally trusts. She is loyal to her customers, offering honesty, consistency, and sincerity in every interaction. And she is loyal to her vision—building slowly, intentionally, and with integrity, never chasing trends or compromising standards for quick gains.


Her journey, however, has not been without obstacles. Navigating entrepreneurship, managing responsibilities, and balancing academics have all tested her resilience. Yet she continued to grow with patience, faith, and determination. One of the defining moments for both her and the brand was the opening of her shop. For her, it was more than a physical space—it was a symbol of achievement, a reflection of years of work, and a celebration of the unwavering support from customers, family, and her community. Most importantly, it marked a stage where the dream became real, visible, and undeniable.


Zubaida often attributes her strength and motivation to her mother, a woman who has supported her through every challenge and celebrated every victory, no matter how small. Her mother’s encouragement and prayers have been a foundation throughout her journey, giving her the confidence to expand her vision and remain grounded in gratitude.


While Zubees Collectibles remains at the center of her entrepreneurial life, Zubaida’s dreams extend beyond the world of fragrances and curated items. She hopes to diversify into agriculture—a field connected to her academic path and her desire to make meaningful impact. Yet she remains humble and open, declaring that she follows Allah’s plans above her own. Whatever direction life takes her, she embraces it with a heart full of gratitude.


Her unique approach to building a loyal community is rooted in faith and sincerity. She believes that prayers guide her work and attract the right customers. Rather than relying on complicated strategies, she focuses on being authentic, honest, and consistent—qualities that naturally build trust and attract a committed following.


For those watching her journey and hoping to create something of their own, Zubaida offers simple yet powerful advice: stay true to your vision, honor your standards, and prioritize quality over quantity. Trends fade, shortcuts fail, but authenticity keeps a brand alive.


Today, the story of Zubees Collectibles is more than a business narrative—it is a testament to passion, faith, resilience, and the beauty of following a path with intention. Zubaida continues to nurture the brand with devotion, shaping it into something meaningful, memorable, and true to her identity. And as she grows, her story inspires others to believe in their own journey, trust their process, and build with purpose.

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