Entrepreneur and influencer Laura Ikeji has stirred conversation after speaking candidly about why many celebrity-owned businesses struggle in Nigeria.

In a video shared on Instagram, Laura highlighted the gap between the love celebrities receive and the actual support they get when they venture into business. According to her, fans are quick to consume entertainment, streaming music, watching movies, and following lifestyles online, but often hesitate to buy products from those same celebrities.

She explained that many people assume celebrity businesses are overpriced or positioned as luxury, which discourages patronage even before trying the products. This perception, she said, creates a disconnect between popularity and real sales.

Laura also pointed out that support within the celebrity circle is limited, as public figures rarely patronise each other’s businesses. She added that investor confidence is another challenge, with many investors reluctant to fund celebrity ventures due to fears that money could be mismanaged or spent on luxury lifestyles.

Comparing Nigeria to international markets, she noted that having millions of followers does not always translate into strong sales locally, unlike abroad, where influencers with smaller audiences often sell out products quickly.

She further explained that when people see celebrities living comfortably, flying business class or wearing expensive items, it can make them less willing to support their businesses.

Despite this, Laura encouraged Nigerians to be more intentional about supporting celebrity entrepreneurs. Using chef Hilda Baci as an example, she urged fans to move beyond admiration and actively patronize businesses owned by public figures.