A walk through a trade show in Turkey led to a Nigerian fragrance company with retail in Abuja and an Amazon US channel.

Saria Cosmetics began on an exhibition floor in Istanbul, Turkey. Dr. Udodi Cornelius was in Turkey for a conference organised by World Cooperation International (WCI) when he spent time exploring the pavilions at the Istanbul Convention Center. What followed was the discovery of Turkish-sourced fragrances, the establishment of a Nigerian operating company, anchor retail in Abuja, and an Amazon US sales channel.

The Origin Story: An Exhibition Floor in Istanbul

According to Dr. Cornelius, a lot of the Turkish companies advertising their products were producing with the backing of the government, and they were open and willing to partner with African countries. However, they wanted their African partners to have companies with labels of their own. That is how Saria Cosmetics Limited was born.

On his return to Nigeria, Dr. Cornelius registered Saria Cosmetics Limited with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a limited liability company. He paid for a container of goods that was then in transit.

While his goods were still on their way to Nigeria, he started pre-marketing and made efforts to build partnerships for the new company.

Vision: A Fragrance Brand With Global Reach

Saria Cosmetics is not restricted to Nigerian stores. Dr. Cornelius says the company has partnered with Amazon Stores USA, which sells its products in other countries. He also confirms that it ships its products around the world. South Africa, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and companies in Europe are some of its biggest customers. He adds that the company has expanded its reach into other countries like the UAE, France, and America.

According to Dr. Cornelius, a research and development department sits behind the products. The team works on new formulations and innovations daily, with the goal of keeping formulations to international export standards.

A Full Fragrance Portfolio: Own Brand and Curated Names

Saria’s own fragrances are manufactured by its Turkish partners in Turkey and then shipped to Nigeria. Dr. Cornelius confirms that Saria also sources perfumes and body sprays from all over the world.

Saria doesn’t market only its own products. It also markets other brands, including Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, and Christian Dior perfumes, among many others. Its range includes:

In Nigeria, Saria Cosmetics sells at Next Cash and Carry in Jabi, Abuja. According to Dr. Cornelius, it is the biggest single-roof supermarket in Nigeria. A high-volume store like this does two things at once: it puts the product in front of existing foot traffic, and it gives a new brand credibility with newer buyers.

What’s Next for Saria Cosmetics

Saria is also looking into bringing cosmetics, especially soaps and creams, into its line of products. Dr. Cornelius says negotiations and talks are underway between Saria and Thai companies that make them.

According to Dr. Cornelius, Saria Cosmetics will continue to expand its reach through partnerships both in Nigeria and beyond.

Takeaways for Founders

Contact Saria Cosmetics

Founder: Dr. Udodi Cornelius
Company: Saria Cosmetics Limited
Location: Plot 436, Cadastral Zone, Yakubu Street, Abuja.
Plot E3, Niger Bridge Head Approach, Asaba-Onitsha Express Road, Anambra

 Email: udodiodilinye@gmail.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +2348039201119, +2348100601378, 08071040060
Website: https://www.sariaperfume.com
Products: Fragrances, body sprays, and body mists; own-brand and curated international brands

Retailers, distributors, and partners interested in Saria Cosmetics can reach out directly.