Meet Sam Ikhuoria
Sam joined the RDSBL Business Incubator with his business, The Shapes UK. By applying the skills acquired during the programme, he is now developing NPareil, a health-centric fragrance venture at the intersection of wellbeing and bio-innovation. He is exploring new ways to modernise the fragrance experience, prioritising transparency and consumer health.
As an early stage entrepreneur, I wanted to be part of a supportive network and community of professionals and peers who understand the startup journey. The incubator offered ongoing guidance, learning opportunities and the chance to strengthen my business acumen, confidence and resilience.”
He joined the Business Incubator Programme to improve his business skills and get expert startup insights from the clinics and workshops, which he has since applied these lessons into his venture.
Beyond the live sessions, Sam found that the cohort community also incredibly beneficial. In fact, the networking event UEL University Square Stratford is where he mentioned he made some wonderful connections.
His cohort as well created a peer WhatsApp group to further share information, give support, and connect.
At the programme’s conclusion, Sam was selected to pitch, and through that experience, he gained firsthand expertise from the judges. He shared that he can take these insights forward in the business.
Over the past six months, Sam has connected with an experienced business coach to support him in the early stages of development and validation.
Moreover, when looking at his successes thus far, he has awards and accolades including receiving a grant from an early stage pitch competition, being featured in Enterprise Nation, StartUp Ambition 2026, and building his growing customer waitlist.
One piece of advice Ikhuoria would give to a fellow founder:
Building resilience is just as important as having a strong business idea. Business comes with constant challenges and being able to adapt and push through setbacks is crucial for long term growth (a note to myself, too).”
Follow Sam’s journey at:
Instagram @n.pareil
TikTok @n.pareil