Thelma Lawson is the latest contestant confirmed for the reality show. She is said to be “here for the money, visibility and a little fun”.
The contestant is a 27-year-old skincare entrepreneur from Port Harcourt who has built an impressive following through her business acumen and authentic life experiences.
A single mother, she created a successful skincare brand when she had lost most of her family in a tsunami.
Thelma’s journey from starting the Bellissimo Store to opening several locations across Nigeria embodies a new crop of daring and independent Nigerian women who won’t let circumstances define their fate. Her story reflects the power of personal resilience in overcoming life’s greatest challenges.
Quick Facts About Thelma Lawson
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thelma Lawson |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1998 |
| State of Origin | Rivers State, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Skincare Entrepreneur & Reality TV Personality |
| Business | CEO & Founder of Bellissimo Store |
| Business Type | Skincare & Fashion Brand |
| Business Locations | Port Harcourt (2020), Lagos (2022) |
| Net Worth | $15,000 USD (2025 estimate) |
| Children | 1 son (2 years old) |
| Marital Status | Single Mother |
| Reality Show | BBNaija Season 10 (July 2025) |
| Instagram Followers | 38,000+ |
| Facebook Followers | 6,500+ |
| Notable Achievement | Opened Lagos store at age 25 while in university |
Early Life and Background
Thelma Lawson’s birthdate is June 29, 1998. She was born in Buguma, Rivers State, Nigeria. She was born and bred in the Niger Delta.
Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawson, raised her in a home that nurtured her confident and outgoing personality, creating the foundation for her future success through strong family bonds.
While attending Methodist Girls High School in Port Harcourt, she started to gather the foundation for her entrepreneurial mindset. Even as a young student, Thelma exhibited the boldness and business sense that she would later showcase in her career.
Her roots in the Niger Delta has shaped her tough character and outspoken nature. The culture of Rivers State and the entrepreneurial spirit common in the area set the great backdrop for Thelma’s future business dealings.
Creating a Skincare Empire with The Bellissimo Store
Thelma is the Founder and CEO of Bellissimo Store which is now the main source of her livelihood. Also a fashion and skincare brand.
The Business Journey
At the age of 25, while still at school, Thelma opened another skincare store in Lagos in 2022. This was following the brand’s Port Harcourt launch with the opening of the first Bellissimo Store.
Her entrepreneurial success mirrors many inspiring stories of dedicated professionals who build their careers from the ground up.
More Read
In her BBNaija introductory video, she claimed her proudest moment was: “When I opened a second skin store in Lagos in 2022. By that time, I was in university and 25 years old. It was a big deal for me.”
Business Challenges and Resilience
Thelma faced challenges on her entrepreneurial journey. A former staff once stole N800,000 from my business. I don’t want to suffer another loss actually BBNaija Season 10 contestant.
The theft was ultimately detected and revealed, underlining the trust concerns of entrepreneurs wearing many hats.
Thelma has shown business resilience and determination to overcome set-backs while maintaining her entrepreneurial spirit. Her ability to bounce back from setbacks demonstrates the same strength found in many touching personal journeys of overcoming adversity.
Collaborative Growth Strategy
Thelma closely collaborates with Kioba Briggs to grow Bellissimo Store’s visibility and outreach. This strategic partnership demonstrates her understanding of the importance of building strong professional relationships in business growth.
Rise to Fame Through BBNaija Season 10
Thelma, who made her entrance into the BBNaija Season 10 house as the tenth housemate in July 2025, has stated: “I’m here to chase my dreams and represent all the women who never give up.”
BBNaija Strategy and Motivation
For Thelma, BBNaija is more than just a game. It’s an opportunity to grow her business, tell her story, and represent bold, independent single mothers across Nigeria. “I’m here for the dosh, the limelight and a little bit of jollity,” she says without any hesitation.
House Personality and Approach
Thelma stated in her visit to Biggie’s house, “I have a son, he will clock 2 very soon. But as for me, I am here to play. I am here to wear my bikini and shake bum bum. I am not here for a relationship even though I’m single.”
Describing herself as a “lovely and lively girl with lots of talk,” Thelma assures her fans that they will witness a lot of drama and entertainment. She loves to stand out of the crowd.
Personal Life: Single Motherhood And Resilience Of Self
Motherhood Journey
Thelma is a single mom of a boy who is 2 years old. She is also proud of the fact that she is. She has shown great skill in balancing many things while raising her kids and building her empire. Her dedication to motherhood echoes the sentiments found in heartfelt tributes to maternal love and sacrifice.
Tragic Loss and Strength
Unfortunately, she lost her mother just before giving birth to her son in 2023. In her opening BBNaija video, she stated, “The lowest point of my life was when I lost my mum. My son was born on 17 August 2023. I was waiting for my mum at the hospital. However, she had complications from a surgery she did four days earlier. She didn’t make it. I found out later that night.”
While she was going through one of the most transformative times of her life, preparing to become a mother herself, this tragedy unfolded. The depth of this loss shows how precious family connections truly are in shaping our lives.
Approach to Relationships
BBNaija housemate takes it easy on love mostly because she’s a single mother and has been emotionally damaged in the past. While appearing in her Big Brother Naija introductory video, She said, “I’m single. The last two relationships I had drained me mentally and emotionally. I’m a single mom and I am slightly scared to welcome the wrong person. So as a person, I am more laid back on any sort of relationship. But yes, I am open for one; as long as it is a safe space where I can grow.”
Her cautious approach to new relationships reflects the importance of building genuine romantic connections based on trust and emotional safety.
Current Career and 2025 Projects
Digital Influence and Content Creation
Thelma’s work now spans fashion, beauty, and digital media. She has also been recognized as a digital influencer and has been nominated as Port Harcourt’s Lifestyle Influencer of the Year.
Entertainment Ventures
Besides being an entrepreneur, Thelma is also an entertainer. She is a member of Rebus Entertainment, where she helps host and promote events. In her introductory video, she explained that she is part of entertainment group Rebus Entertainment. She further added, “I got involved with Rebus Entertainment not for modelling but for shows and event hosting. I am not at the senior level yet so I do not participate much. I only advertise our shows since I have a lot of friends.”
BBNaija Platform Utilization
By participating in BBNaija, who are prominent stars like Mercy Eke and Laycon, a popular reality TV show in Nigeria, she is doing herself and her brand a marketing favour. This strategic move follows the path of many successful entertainment personalities who leverage reality television for business growth.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Representation and Inspiration
Her commitment to representing women who persevere through challenges resonates with her audience, making her a relatable and inspiring figure. Thelma’s story speaks to countless young women navigating entrepreneurship and motherhood in Nigeria.
Industry Recognition
From opening her second skincare store in Lagos at age 25, to being nominated for Port Harcourt’s ‘Lifestyle Influencer of the Year’, she’s a woman who knows how to bounce back stronger every time.
Personal Brand and Philosophy
As she boldly states: “I’m a blend of brains and beauty, business and boldness. I’ve lived through storms and still walk like it’s sunny. I’m fun, fearless, and focused — and if you don’t know my name yet, you definitely will.”
Thelma Lawson is a Nigerian entrepreneur, content creator, and Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate. She is the CEO and Founder of Bellissimo Store, a successful skincare and fashion brand.
Thelma is 27 years old as of July 2025, having been born on June 29, 1998.
She is from Rivers State, Nigeria, specifically from Buguma town.
Yes, Thelma is a single mother and has a 2-year-old son.
She is the CEO and Founder of Bellissimo Store, an online fashion and skincare brand with multiple locations in Port Harcourt and Lagos.
Thelma’s estimated net worth is $15,000 USD as of 2025, primarily derived from her successful skincare business.
Yes, Thelma is active on Instagram with over 38,000 followers and Facebook with over 6,500 followers.
Tragically, Thelma lost her mother in August 2023, just before giving birth to her son. Her mother had complications from surgery.
The Bottom Line: An Emerging Personality to Watch
Modern Nigerian women who refuse to be defined by situations have demonstrated themselves by Thelma Lawson.
At the age of 27, the Rivers State-born skincare consultant and businesswoman has a thriving brand and several stores, and she’s ready to walk into the BBNaija house to take her empire to the next level.
Her transformation from being a university student to a multi-location business owner, her ability to rise up after a personal tragedy and become a single mother, makes this person a great pick for a reality TV.
Not only that, but her story is inspirational for many and so is her journey. With BBNaija Season 10 being platform where she’ll ‘chase dreams and represent women that never give up’, Thelma Lawson is a sure rising star and her influence will spill out beyond the house.
