Instagram story viewer> @dr_maureen> Posts

Maureen Austin

@dr_maureen

1.9K

followers

1267

following

Building Nigeria’s biggest thrift brand. Living the life of a Lagos workaholic. Business • Lifestyle • Growth Follow me on this journey 🤎💛❤️

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

🚨 IT’S OFFICIAL! 🚨

Something big is coming! ThriftByISell is turning 6, and we’re celebrating with one of our biggest sales ever.

🗓 August 1st – 8th
🏷 Up to 50% Off

This is your sign not to miss out! #okrikabags #thriftbyisell #baglovershop #thriftstoreinikeja anniversarysale taken in Allen Avenue Ikeja by @dr_maureen

295

25

3 months ago

Copying someone else’s China budget can be misleading because what worked for one person may not work for you. Even where your accommodation is located matters; Staying far from the markets you need to visit could mean spending more on transportation and losing valuable time.

Build your budget around YOUR trip, know where your money will go, and identify where you can adjust without compromising what matters most.

Do you have questions about budgeting for a China trip? Drop them in the comments. Tell us what confuses you or what you need clarity on. We’ll respond and help you prepare better.
#thriftbyisell #okrikabags #cantonfair2026 #chinaimportation #chinapreorder taken in Allen Avenue Ikeja by @dr_maureen

15

2

8 hours ago

PLANNING A TRIP TO CHINA? START HERE⬇️

Before you book that flight, take a moment to answer these questions:

1. Why do I want to go to China?
2. What is the one thing I must achieve?
3. How many days do I realistically need?
4. Which city or areas are relevant to my goal?
5. How much can I spend on the trip itself?
6. How much money do I need to set aside for business?
7. What am I confused or worried about?

That last question matters more than you think. It helps you identify what you need to research before travelling, whether it’s your visa, language, transportation or finding the right products.

Don’t keep everything in your head. Write it down, work through your questions and prepare before you go.

Save this checklist for when you’re planning your China trip.

Still have questions holding you back from taking that trip? Drop it in the comment section 👇, I will be glad to answer you.

#thriftbyisell #okrikabags #cantonfair2026 #chinaimportation #chinapreorder taken in Allen Avenue Ikeja by @dr_maureen

22

0

a day ago

THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE MY FIRST TRIP TO CHINA.

If China is on your business bucket list, save this post.

MY BIGGEST LESSON?
Experience will always be one of the best teachers. No amount of research can completely replace it, but proper preparation can save you from making expensive mistakes.

Here are a few lessons I learned.

1. IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES

I wish I had researched immigration requirements better. From Nigeria to China, be prepared to answer questions about your trip. Have your documents ready and complete any required arrival forms ahead of landing.

2. PLANNING FOR LONG LAYOVERS

My layover was about 20 hours! I wish I had researched where to rest, eat, and how to make that waiting period more comfortable.

3. PACKING SMARTLY

People will tell you everything is available in China, but don’t fall completely for that advice. You might not have time to shop for personal essentials. Pack what you need and consider shipping some belongings back with your cargo.

4. TRANSPORTATION

I wish I had researched affordable ways to get from the airport to my hotel. Trains, buses, or arranging airport pickup beforehand could save you money and stress.

5. MONEY AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE

On my first trip, I converted all my money to dollars. I later realized there were other options worth exploring. Research payment methods and exchange rates before traveling to avoid unnecessary conversion costs.

6. FOOD AND PROVISIONS

If you’re a picky eater, pack provisions like you’re going to boarding school! You might struggle with the food initially, and familiar snacks can make your stay more comfortable.

7. WEATHER AND SEASONS

Research the weather in the cities you’re visiting. China is huge, and packing for the wrong season can cost you extra money.

8. HAVE A MENTOR ON SPEED DIAL

I cannot overemphasize this! Have someone who has traveled to China before and understands how things work. Someone you can call when you’re confused or stranded. Check comment section for continuation…

#thriftbyisell #cantonfair2026 #chinaimportation #dayinthecity taken in Allen Avenue Ikeja by @dr_maureen

11

10

4 days ago

Years of living together. Years of watching each other grow, struggle, fall, rise and become.

If only these walls could talk, they would tell stories of our tears, our laughter, our silent battles, our little beginnings and the victories we once only prayed for.

You have seen me at my lowest and celebrated me at my highest. You have witnessed the pain, the disappointments, the sacrifices, the sleepless nights and the milestones. Through it all, you have been more than a brother. You have been my friend, my support system and one of the most consistent people in my life.

But somewhere between all those years of growing together, I watched you grow too.

I watched the boy I knew become a man. A man with dreams, ambition, courage and a mind of his own. Watching you build your own business and gradually create a life for yourself has given me a different kind of joy. The kind that comes with knowing that someone you love is becoming everything you hoped they would be.

And now, as much as a part of me wishes I could keep you close forever, I know it’s time for you to fly.

It’s time to explore the world, make your own mistakes, win your own battles, build your own legacy and discover just how much greatness you carry inside you.

We have shared a home for so many years, but what we have built goes far beyond living under the same roof. We have built a lifetime of memories, friendship and love.

I hope life is kind to you. I hope your dreams take you to places beyond your imagination. I hope you never lose your good heart, and I pray that everything you put your hands to prospers.

And on the days when life gets difficult, I hope you always remember how far you’ve come and how much you are capable of.

I am so proud of the man you have become, but even more excited about the man you are still becoming.

Happy birthday, my brother. @xerxes_grey

We’ve done life together for so many years. Now it’s time for you to spread your wings and show the world what you’re made of.

No matter how far life takes us, you will always have a home in mine.

Fly, my boy. Fly high. The world is waiting for you. taken in Abuja, Nigeria by @dr_maureen

49

15

4 days ago

If you’re going to China mainly for business, you need to plan your trip around the business you want to do.

Where you stay should be convenient for the markets or suppliers you want to visit, your days should have some structure, and you should have an idea of the products you want to source before you arrive.

But if you’re going mainly to explore and get familiar with China, that’s different. You can afford to be more flexible with your plans.

The mistake is planning your trip like you’re going on holiday, but expecting to come back with serious business results.

So, ask yourself this: If I return from China without doing any sightseeing but achieve the main reason I went, will I still feel the trip was worth it?

Be honest with yourself, because your answer will help you understand the kind of trip you should be planning.

Now that we’ve talked about your purpose, let’s get into the question I know many of you have been waiting for; How much does it actually cost to travel to China?

Comment “China” if you would like to join our Preorder group.

#thriftbyisell #okrikabags #cantonfair2026 #chinaimport #chinapreorder taken in Allen Avenue Ikeja by @dr_maureen

19

3

5 days ago

To everyone who walks into our stores, shop with us, and leave with a Thrift By ISELL shopping bag, THANK YOU! Your support means everything to us, and we never take it for granted. 🫶🏽🤗❤️

#thriftbyisell #okrikabags #customerappreciationsale #customerserviceweek #thriftbyiselllekki taken in Allen Avenue Ikeja by @dr_maureen

11

2

6 days ago

How much money do you actually need to travel to China?

There’s no one-size-fits-all amount; It depends on your purpose, your budget, and what you’re going to China to do.

In Part 4 of our China series, I’ll be breaking down what you need to consider before deciding how much to take along.
Don’t just budget for the flight. Plan for the full trip!

#thriftbyisell #chinasourcing #cantonfair2026 #okrikabags #ikejashopping taken in Allen Avenue Ikeja by @dr_maureen

31

0

7 days ago

So, what are you actually going to China for?

It sounds like a simple question, but your answer can determine where you go, what you buy, how you plan your trip, and how much you’ll spend.

In Part 3 of our China series, I’ll be breaking down the different reasons for going to China and why you need to be clear about your purpose before you book that flight. Know what you’re going for, then plan plan accordingly.
#thriftbyisell #chinaimportation #chinapreorder #cantonfair2026 #okrikabags

Comment “China” in the comment section if you’re interested to join our PREORDER group. taken in Allen Avenue Ikeja by @dr_maureen

19

0

9 days ago

This was during our 6th anniversary publicity in August. I entered the market with my team, camera and full confidence. People were staring, some were wondering what was going on, and some probably thought, Who send this woman?

But one thing six years in business has taught me is that you cannot be too shy to promote what you’re praying will grow.

I’ve had to learn to talk about my business loudly, show up when it feels awkward, try ideas that may look somehow, and sometimes become the marketer, content creator and walking billboard myself .

Behind all the funny clips is a woman who genuinely wants to see what she has built become bigger than she ever imagined.

So yes, I’ll enter the market again.
I’ll shout about my business again.
I’ll do the “embarrassing” things again.

Because nobody will market your dream with the same fire as you.

6 years down. We’re just getting started.

And if you’re just discovering my page, welcome I’m Maureen Ehitale Amiolemen, the woman behind Thrift by iSELL. I’m building this dream one day, one bold move and one Step at a time.

Follow the journey. You might just witness something big. taken in Allen Avenue Ikeja by @dr_maureen

41

4

11 days ago

So, you’ve answered the 5 important questions… what next?

There are still a few things you need to figure out before travelling to China; including the type of trip you’re going for, do you want to go before or after Canton Fair and how to plan your trip around your actual goal.

Because going to China without a proper plan can easily turn into an expensive learning experience.

Part 2B is here to help you plan smarter. Save this for when you’re ready to go!

Comment “China” if you’ll like to join our PREORDER group.
#okrikabags #chinasourcing #cantonfair2026 #chinapreorder #okrikabags taken in Allen Avenue Ikeja by @dr_maureen

14

0

11 days ago

Thinking of travelling to China to buy? Don’t book that flight just yet.

Before you go, you need to know WHEN you’re ready, WHY you’re going, WHAT exactly you want to achieve, and the essential apps you’ll need.

In Part 2 of our China series, I’ll be breaking down the things you need to have figured out before you even get on that plane.
Save this you’ll need it when it’s your turn.
Comment “China” if you’ll like to join our PRE-ORDER group.

#thriftbyisell #chinasourcing #chinabusiness #cantonfair2026 #chinapreorder taken in Allen Avenue Ikeja by @dr_maureen

24

0

11 days ago