Don’t Paint Alone; The Art of Assembling the Right Talent
by Victoria Ejimofor, Darden MBA '25
"Entrepreneurship isn't a solo art show, it's a construction site. You bring the vision, but without the right crew, all you have is an empty blueprint."
When I launched Evichanted, my beauty brand in Lagos, I initially thought creating an exceptional product/service was like painting a beautiful canvas; all I needed was the right colors, brushes, and my own creative instincts. But I soon discovered that creating a lasting brand isn’t about painting alone, it’s more like building a house. You can have the perfect blueprint, but without skilled carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and decorators, your dream home stays just a dream.
It quickly became clear: having a great idea matters, but building the right team matters even more. When starting out, it can feel overwhelming to determine exactly what roles you need. As an entrepreneur, you learn fast that your success hinges largely on who you choose to surround yourself with. Getting that part right isn't just helpful, it's essential.
At Darden, I've learned the value of beginning with introspection, knowing yourself deeply helps pinpoint exactly what complementary strengths you require. Are you strong in strategic thinking but weak in execution? Are your marketing skills sharp, but your financial acumen limited? Being brutally honest about your skillset helps identify who you need first.
In the earliest days, Evichanted was just me, fueled by passion, creativity, and a deep knowledge of beauty and branding. However, reality soon kicked in: I knew makeup, beauty trends, marketing, and aesthetics inside out, but logistics, finance, and operations? Not my forte. Like a painter suddenly faced with architectural drawings, I realized I couldn't and shouldn’t do everything alone.
My first major lesson in team building came through hiring our very first lash technician. At the time, we had just scaled into a bigger space, and semi-permanent lash extensions were booming. I urgently needed someone skilled and reliable to expand our services. Frustrated with unsuccessful online postings, I reached out to a fellow entrepreneur who ran a popular nail and hair salon nearby.
“Do you know anyone good?” I asked, hoping for some magic recommendation. She immediately mentioned a young woman named Kemi, who had recently trained in lash extensions and had impressed her clients with both her skill and attitude.
I trusted the referral and invited Kemi for a conversation. That conversation was pivotal. Kemi wasn’t just technically skilled; she also aligned deeply with our brand values of authenticity and excellence. She cared genuinely about her work and had an intuitive understanding of customer care. Hiring her was like fitting in a crucial puzzle piece.
That experience became my blueprint for future hiring. Here's what I’ve learned about building a strong startup team
1. Your network is your foundation.
Relationships build businesses. Personal referrals from people whose judgment I trusted consistently brought me team members who didn’t just show up for the paycheck but stayed because they genuinely believed in what we were building. I leaned heavily on personal and professional networks. Some of the strongest team members I recruited came through trusted recommendations from my entrepreneurial circle, individuals who came highly recommended because they weren't just skilled, they were reliable.
2. Shared values are the bricks and mortar.
Skills can be developed, but values can rarely be changed. Kemi taught me to prioritize passion, attitude, and values first. Employees who resonate with your core values bring stability and strength to your team, especially through tough times. I focused on shared values, not just skills. Evichanted was about authenticity, excellence, and resilience from day one. Being clear on these values helped me attract people who genuinely believed in our mission, creating a team that was cohesive and committed from the start.
3. Retention is the ongoing renovation.
A beautiful house requires consistent care, just like a strong team needs nurturing. I prioritized retention from the beginning. It wasn’t enough to attract talent; I needed to keep them. I created a work environment where people felt genuinely appreciated, encouraged open communication, and provided opportunities for growth. People stayed because they wanted to, and that made our company stronger. Employees who feel valued don't just stay they grow alongside your business.
4. Adaptability is your architectural flexibility.
Startups are unpredictable, plans change, markets shift, and unexpected challenges arise much like changing plans mid-construction. I prioritized adaptability when hiring. My best hires were those who adapted quickly and thrived in uncertainty. They didn't just survive changes; they actively helped drive solutions and innovation.
Now, having completed my MBA at Darden, these lessons resonate even more.
"At Darden, case studies and founder panels reinforced what Evichanted taught me: hiring isn’t just about skills, it’s about cultural fit.”
I’ve come to appreciate that entrepreneurship, much like building a house, requires careful consideration of each member of the team. Just as you wouldn’t build your dream home by randomly placing bricks and timber, you shouldn’t assemble your team without intentional thought and care. Each member must fit precisely, reinforcing your vision, complementing your strengths, and fortifying your collective journey.
Ultimately, a startup’s greatest asset isn't merely the founder’s vision, product, or market position; it's the talented team that transforms blueprints into reality. Just as every stunning home is a reflection of its builders, every successful business reflects the strength and quality of its people.
Starting a business isn't like painting a masterpiece alone, it’s about assembling the right crew. Because great businesses aren’t painted; they’re constructed.
So, who's on your crew?
Victoria Ejimofor is a recent graduate of UVA Darden School of Business (MBA’25) and Batten Entrepreneurship Scholar. Batten Scholars are chosen for their entrepreneurial spirit, strong leadership skills, and a drive to innovate, as well as a deep commitment to career and learning goals that align with the entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology focus areas of the Batten Institute.
The Batten Institute @ UVA Darden Substack is a space to share bold ideas and ask critical questions about what drives drives us forward. Our Batten community is broad and deep and our community members – faculty, staff, alumni and students – are invited to share their stories, ideas, and reflections on topics of interest to founders, innovators, and leaders everywhere.