[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] Ideally this is the right place to reach out to a designer, because you have determined who you are and the document or notes you have put together (from step 1 and 2) can be used to guide the professional in their creation of branding and communication materials. [/dropcap]
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[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]Kola nut is native to West Africa though it has found its way to so many other countries. In many West African cultures, it is chewed and it is believed to restore vitality and ease hunger pangs. Kola nuts are an important part of the traditional spiritual practice of many cultures and religion in West Africa, particularly Nigeria. [/dropcap]Continue reading
[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] DODO Design Agency partners with Bellafricana, a brand with a strong message, to create an equally powerful image. Last week, we shared a lesson in the branding process. The first step that was mentioned was for you to ensure you do your research. We are now so close to revealing the new Bellafricana brand, but before then here is the second step to take into consideration. [/dropcap]
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[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] If you haven’t heard of Sacfruits, a Healthy snacks and fruit processing company in Nigeria, then you are really missing out. Sacfruits produces dried fruits, it’s that simple. Just as the name implies, fruits that have been dried. I don’t know about you, but as much as I love eating fruits, I am never able to save some from spoiling. Instead of watching her fruits get spoilt in the kitchen, the founder of SacFruits, Mrs Afie Braimoh-Giwa was inspired to birth SACFruits. [/dropcap]
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[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] Qeturahs Tropika Summer Pop Up is coming up on the 29th and 30th of July 2017 and we are going to be live, experiencing a variety of creative quality made in Nigeria brands. The offline market place promises to be a whole lot of fun. It exists for these quality brands to showcase their innovative products, make sales, network and engage. [/dropcap]Continue reading
[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] A behind the scenes look at the branding process and why it’s important for business (A 3-part series). A few months ago, a business owner called me. She wasn’t making any sales. She had a great business that met a growing need amongst Nigerians, how to eat and live healthy. Her business made and sold healthy 100% organic meals, snacks, drinks and even cosmetic products, and her passion for people living their best life was so inspiring. However, her identity, packaging and website were all hindering her from making sales. Many people, she complained, had point blank told her that with her packaging, no one would take her seriously. [/dropcap]
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Ethnikologie CEO, founder of the African arts and craft store has a lot to inspire us with. Have you always had a passion to do something but always take a step back thinking maybe it’s not the best path for you?
You need to meet the founder of Ethnikologie, Titiloye Ashamu who’s passion has led to the creation of her amazing business in arts and crafts.
Let’s meet her now and take a note or two from her. Come on!
My name is Titiloye Ashamu. I am the Creative Director of Ethnikologie (NIG) LTD.
I source for African handicraft gift and home products and implement new designs.
I have always had a passion and keen interest in arts and craft. Prior to opening Ethnikologie, I provided customs made arts and craft pieces for my clients. However, it was one of my friends that encouraged me to start Ethnikologie. Her mum had a similar shop, in Nairobi, and they both convinced me to follow my dreams.
The idea for Ethnikologie came from my friend’s mother’s NGO and visiting various handicraft shows. Being a creative person who is always open to fresh ideas, I am inspired by everything around me. Most inspiring are things that make me think deeply.
I have crafted a number of things but the most memorable one, will have to be a mini clay pot. I was amazed when someone offered to buy it as a gift!
Designing could take from a day to weeks. It depends on what you are designing. On the average, I would say about a week.
Artisans producing quality products, finance and Nigerian customs
Storage and decorative baskets.
The African culture represents beauty and vibrant colors. I love to be surrounded real authentic handmade pieces, that beautifies the home and express abundance.
Be a channel of trade between local artisans and the global marketplace. We are also looking at training sessions with artisans, on how to produce global quality standard and reduce errors.
That I am an easy going person
Start with something that really excites you and don’t be discouraged when things don’t turn out right on your first try. Be flexible because you have the opportunity to learn and change things.
My advice to youths, interested in starting their own company is to research and understand the industry. Draw your inspiration from creative people who are transparent about their creative process.
Thanks a lot Titiloye for your beautiful response. We are always proud to see people growing a business passionately.
We hope to join you in your journey as a successful business owner.
Here’s a LINK to Ethnikologie’s page as a verified lister on Bellafricana 
[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] The 7th edition of The Bridge Leadership Foundation Annual Career Day, the largest event focusing on the development of young people will take place on the 15th of July by 8am at the Calabar International Convention Centre, Calabar, Cross River State.
More than 2,800 participants from different states in Nigeria will gather for the Career Day. Youths, employed and unemployed, business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, government officials, as well as policy makers will meet at the one-day event which is aimed at inspiring action and promoting the existing innovation and creativity in products ‘Made In Nigeria’. [/dropcap]
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Blingshiki redefines African fashion by introducing Rhinestones to substitute traditional embroidery in fabric adornment. Blingshiki is a quality fashion brand that is Inspired from Danshiki. Every design you buy is a custom order and each piece is unique in its own way characterised by beautiful rhinestone detail. Without a doubt, once you put on your blingshiki, you tend to feel and look like a boss.
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I haven’t met this talented lady just yet but after speaking to her, I can already tell you how cool she is. A creative mind with a company that promotes African designs and culture in our everyday lifestyle called African Things. A graduate of the University of Nottingham with a BEng (Hons) in Product Design and Manufacture. Her name is Tosin Lawal. Let’s meet her.
I, Tosin Lawson, am a graduate of the University of Nottingham with a BEng (Hons) in Product Design and Manufacture. Coming up with new designs, whether it’s a new logo or a new product is what I live for. Every time I am out with friends or family, I am constantly observing my surroundings and getting new inspiration for new designs and solutions especially to empower Africans. My aim is to produce creative designs that contribute to make the world an easier and more enjoyable place. With my background in Product design I am able to be more creative and find new ways to improve the current designs that we have available; see some of my product designs on tossysibi.wix.com/tlawson-designs.
The reason I started African Things was to promote African designs and culture in everyday lifestyle. After schooling abroad and seeing how foreigners saw Africans; as poor and backward, I was very inspired when I returned home and saw that Nigerian fashion design especially in the area of accessories was beginning to boom. But I felt I could push the business further to international standards and include lifestyle items such as plates, household furniture and home accessories.
We take our inspiration from “Africa of the old”. Our African culture is rich in tradition, colour and excitement, but due to westernisation young people are rapidly losing touch with Africa, especially in their lifestyles. We want to modernize Africa, specifically the way the western world sees us. With African Things customers can feel connect with their roots by using our products such as backpacks, jewellery and more in their everyday lives without feeling embarrassed to say it’s African.
A pair of Ankara earrings, I remember I took an Ankara making class and one of the first things I made was an Ankara earring. I was so proud of how they came out; they were neat and looked professionally done. Wore them none stop for a week.
Quality control and logistics are the major challenges for African Things. Production in Nigeria has not been up to international standards but we are looking in to international production companies to outsource production and hopefully in a few years to develop a relationship where those companies may establish partner factories in Nigeria. In doing so they would also bring their skills and experiences to the youth of the country.
Backpacks
African heritage is at the root of our designs. The whole aim of African Things is to promote the African culture not just Nigeria’s culture. We have taken inspiration from Ghana, South African Even Kenya. We hope to someday sell across Africa and have our products unite the countries in Africa.
My most important goal is to be happy and make a positive impact in the world. To know that my life made a difference to somebody’s life is my ultimate goal.
I love movies and the beach.
Stay positive; don’t just make excuses make solutions.
This was one of the first bags I ever designed. I was so proud of how it came out in the end. It was the stepping stone to future things. It was a mono-strap bag that could also carry a laptop.
Dela Bag
The name ‘Dela bag’ was inspired by Nelson Mandela as it was finally produced around the time he died. The Dela bag was the bag that made people finally take me seriously. It was amazingly well done and looked expensive even though it did not ever cost more than N10,000. Right now it even cost N7,000. This bag taught me so much about business and myself and continues to motivate me to push the limits of my creativity.
Here goes another Nigerian talent doing great things. Well done Tosin, I am so excited to meet vibrant artisans like you that have a vision and are chasing that vision. I pray by Gods grace you will be successful in all your doings. Can’t wait to open your shop on Bellafricana marketplace.
Thanks Tosin for participating in Bellafricana’s Exclusive Interviews!
Wish you the very best in your business and look forward to partnering with you soon.
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