Bellafricana published in africa visionary creatives, African Brands in the UK

Accessories by Oreofe at TALES 2025

 

 

Meet Oreofe Ola, the creative spirit behind Accessories by Oreofe. A young author, speaker, and motivational designer, Oreofe turns everyday fashion into a daily dose of inspiration. Now at TALES 2025, she brings her unique accessories to celebrate heritage, confidence, and self-belief.

Fashion with a Purpose

This isn’t just about bags or jewelry. Accessories by Oreofe is about wearing reminders of your potential. Each piece is infused with uplifting messages and thoughtful design—so every time you fasten a piece, you’re also affirming value, strength, and purpose.

Oreofe’s journey blends creativity with mentorship—she has hosted motivational events, spoken to young girls about confidence, and even self-published a journal workbook titled My Dream Companion, aimed at helping young women chase their dreams unafraid.


From Storytelling to Style

Oreofe approaches design like a story

teller, with every accessory carrying a message. She sees fashion as a vessel for empowerment, reminding wearers that they were created for greatness. Her designs blend youthful energy with intentional quotes, creating pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.

Though still growing, the brand channels a strong-purpose-driven voice, especially felt in the spaces she supports. Oreofe’s commitment to community shines through each handmade item.

What to Expect at TALES 2025

As part of TALES 2025 (The African Lifestyle Experience) in London, Accessories by Oreofe brings her signature blend of design and purpose to a curated global stage. You can expect:

  • Unique pieces that merge aesthetic appeal with affirming messages
  • A conversational style, h
  • ear Oreofe share her story, the brand’s mission, and her vision
  • Accessories made for daily wear that also uplift the spirit

Why Experienc

e Oreofe at TALES

Oreofe’s work stands out because it isn’t simply decorative—it’s transformative. Each item reflects her passion for empowering young women, offering fashion that speaks to your journey.

At TALES, you’ll have a chance to connect with Oreofe directly, feel the intention behind each accessory, and maybe leave with a wearable affirmation in your hand.

“My brand is focused on combining inspirational quotes with everyday fashion wear to daily remind yo

ung girls that they were created for greatness.” Oreofe’s message is clear, and simple: fashion can be a tool for transformation, not just adornment.

 

Step Into Purposeful Style

If you’re at TALES 2025, don’t miss Accessories by Oreofe. It’s more than a showcase, it’s an invitation to wear intentional beauty and carry a message everywhere you go.

Come experience the energy, the meaning, and the design.

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Bellafricana published in africa visionary creatives, African Brands in the UK, African Creatives & Entrepreneurs

Outspok’n Clothiers at TALES 2025

An intimate look into the mind behind a label that believes fashion is more than what you wear, it’s who you are.Outspok’n Clothiers at TALES 2025

 

 

The Brand Stitching Culture, Confidence & Character into Modern African Fashion

Meet Adesola Balogun, not just a designer, but a mentor, author, podcaster, and visionary. The founder of Outspok’n Clothiers isn’t here to play it safe. His work is for those who are ready to be seen.

 

 

And at TALES 2025, Outspok’n is not just showing clothes. It’s showing character. It’s about boldness without noise, culture without cliché, and tailoring that tells stories.

 

 

 

Born from Expression, Rooted in Purpose

Before the brand, there was a young man with a talent for making clothes that made people feel like more of themselves.

What began as a side hustle at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, making shirts and kaftans for classmates, grew into something deeper. Adesola wasn’t just dressing people. He was helping them show up in confidence, in colour, and in full identity.

“I’ve always believed that clothes can give people a better image of themselves,” he shares.
“Not in a fake way, but in a way that reflects who they are, and who they’re becoming.”

Outspok’n was born out of that belief. A label that invites people to wear their values, not just their style.

 

 

 

 

Tailoring That Speaks Without Shouting

Outspok’n Clothiers at TALES 2025

 

 

There’s a balance to Adesola’s designs. A quiet intensity. Clean lines meet rich African textiles. Timeless cuts are elevated by textures like aso-oke and cotton. It’s not fashion for fashion’s sake. It’s intentional. Purpose-driven. Deeply expressive.

Take a moment with any piece from the Erè-Ayọ collection, a line inspired by joy, celebration, and African pride. Or look at the Osei capsule, honouring the role and strength of African fatherhood. Then there’s Skyline, a more architectural collection that mirrors the silhouette of cityscapes, urban, tall, and structured.

These aren’t just garments. They’re statements about family, identity, faith, and showing up fully in every room.

“Our fashion doesn’t scream, but it definitely doesn’t shrink.”

Outspok’n Clothiers at TALES 2025Outspok’n Clothiers at TALES 2025

 

 

The Outspok’n Philosophy: Be Loud in Presence, Not in Noise

Adesola’s personal life and leadership style echo through the brand. He’s a strong advocate of emotional intelligence in business. His team operates on intentional mentorship, weekly check-ins, and community building.

He hosts a podcast (Coffee & Beans) where he unpacks the journey of entrepreneurship. He writes books. He mentors. But through it all, fashion remains the heartbeat.

For Adesola, it’s simple: “Outspok’n is ministry. This is how I serve.”

 

 

Outspok’n Clothiers at TALES 2025

 

 

TALES 2025: A Global Stage for a Bold African Brand

Now showcasing at TALES 2025, Outspok’n takes its rightful place among the continent’s finest creators in London’s vibrant West End.

This isn’t just another pop-up. TALES (The African Lifestyle Experience) is where craft, culture, and community come alive. And Outspok’n stands tall in the mix.

If you’re in London, this is your chance to experience the textures up close. Feel the fabrics. Try on the structure. Speak with Adesola. Hear the story straight from the man who made it.

What to Expect at TALES 2025

Location: Luxury Promise Showroom, 28 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0DB

Dates: July 25 – August 3, 2025

Entry: Free with registration

 

 

At the Outspok’n Clothiers showcase, you’ll:
  • Shop exclusive pieces, including the latest from the Skyline and Erè-Ayọ collections
  • Discover how Adesola fuses culture with craftsmanship
  • Connect with the man behind the message
  • Be inspired by a brand that puts character at the centre of style

 

In a World Full of Noise, Be Outspok’n

There are brands that follow trends, and then there are those that chart their own path. Outspok’n Clothiers is doing the latter, with clarity, confidence, and a quiet kind of courage that speaks volumes.

So if you’re looking for fashion that means something, fashion that says who you are before you do, make sure you meet Outspok’n at TALES 2025.

Come see it. Come feel it. Come wear your story.

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Bellafricana published in africa visionary creatives, cultural showcase in the UK, tales 2025

Bukky Asehinde Featured on FashionEVO

Reimagining African Creativity for a Global Stage with TALES 2025

 

At Bellafricana, we’ve always believed in the power of African creativity and in the vision of the changemakers who champion it. That’s why we’re so proud to see our very own founder, Bukky Asehinde, recently spotlighted by FashionEVO in a beautifully written feature titled

“TALES 2025: Bukky Asehinde on Reimagining African Creativity for a Global Stage”
In the piece, Bukky shares the inspiration behind TALES (The African Lifestyle Experience), now in its third edition, and how it has grown from a small idea into a bold cultural movement.

From Local Marketplaces to Global Platforms

What began as a mission to help African creative entrepreneurs become more visible and profitable has now evolved into a world-class showcase. TALES 2025 is set to take place in London’s prestigious West End, hosted at the Luxury Promise Corner Showroom, a powerful symbol of just how far African brands have come.

In the article, Bukky talks about what makes this edition of TALES so special:

“We’re not just exporting African products, we’re sharing African stories, culture, resilience, and creativity. TALES is about connecting global audiences to the heart of Africa through lifestyle.”

And she means it. This year’s edition brings together over 70 handpicked African brands across fashion, beauty, home, wellness, and art, all curated to tell deeper stories about identity, heritage, and excellence.

More Than a Showcase, It’s a Movement

FashionEVO captured the soul of TALES 2025: it’s not just a pop-up. It’s a celebration. A call to action. A bridge between continents.

Backed by the City of Westminster and supported by incredible partners and creatives, TALES 2025 is proof that African excellence belongs not on the sidelines, but centre stage.

“Bukky Asehinde is making sure African creatives are not just seen — they’re spotlighted, celebrated, and sustained.” — FashionEVO

The Bigger Picture: Empowering the African Creative Economy

Beyond the lights and displays, Bukky’s work is grounded in impact. Through Bellafricana, she has helped thousands of African creatives access tools, visibility, and platforms that empower them to grow sustainable businesses.

TALES is an extension of that mission, giving brands not just a place to sell, but a place to connect, be discovered, and build a legacy.

From storytelling fireside chats to community-building workshops and cultural activations, this year’s edition of TALES is designed to be immersive, unforgettable, and unapologetically African.

A Global Invitation

TALES 2025 is more than a milestone; it’s a moment. And if you’re reading this, consider this your official invitation to be part of it.

📍 TALES 2025
July 25–August 3, 2025
Luxury Promise Corner Showroom, London W1G 0DB
Admission: Free (Register at tales.bellafricana.co.uk)

In Bukky’s Words…

We’ll end with one of our favourite quotes from the FashionEVO piece:

“The world is ready. It’s time to reimagine how African creativity is seen — not as emerging, but as essential.”

 

And we couldn’t agree more.

🔗 Read the full FashionEVO feature here:

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Bellafricana published in africa visionary creatives, African Creatives & Entrepreneurs, african healing skincare, Arts & Crafts

When Life Gives You Lockdown, Make Candles: The Sweet Story Behind Essence by RJ

From Personal Experiment to Wellness Brand

The story of Essence by RJ is one that beautifully captures how personal struggles can birth something that brings healing not just to one person, but to many. Founded by Orume Oghenejode, Essence by RJ began during the unexpected stillness of the COVID-19 lockdown. Struggling with anxiety and unable to access her regular supply of candles, diffusers, and room sprays, Orume found herself turning to essential oils to create calming scents for her personal space.

What started as a deeply personal experiment soon caught the attention of friends and family. The positive feedback was consistent and encouraging, pushing Orume to explore the possibility of building something bigger. With gentle nudging from her mother, who was already active in the wellness space, Essence by RJ was officially born—a brand dedicated to bringing tranquillity and calm to others through the power of scent.

The Heart of the Brand: Wellness Through Fragrance

At its core, Essence by RJ is more than just a home fragrance company; it’s a wellness experience. The brand’s products are thoughtfully designed to create calming spaces that support self-care, ease anxiety, and offer moments of peace amidst the busyness of life.

With every carefully curated blend, Essence by RJ helps individuals create a sanctuary in their own homes, allowing fragrance to serve not just as a pleasant aroma but as a therapeutic tool for emotional balance and well-being.

Products & Services: More Than Just Candles

Essence by RJ offers a wide variety of products that span both home fragrance and personal wellness:

  • Home Fragrance Collection:
    Diffusers, Room Sprays, Candles, Pillow Mists, Wax Melts.

  • Beauty & Wellness Collection:
    Massage Oils, Massage Candles, Pheromones, Body Oils, Glow Oils, and Body Butters.

But beyond personal use, the brand also extends its services into custom and corporate offerings:

  • Personalised scent experiences

  • Bespoke fragrance curation for hotels, spas, offices, and businesses

  • Retail, wholesale, and private label services

  • Corporate gifting solutions

Through these services, Essence by RJ creates memorable sensory experiences for both individuals and businesses, making wellness and self-care accessible on a larger scale.

What Sets Essence by RJ Apart?

While many brands create scented products, Essence by RJ distinguishes itself through its intentional approach to scent as therapy. For Orume, fragrance is not just about making a space smell nice; it’s about creating emotional harmony. Each product is carefully crafted to soothe, uplift, and ground its user.

Moreover, the brand’s flexibility in offering bespoke scent solutions allows businesses, hotels, and spas to customise the atmosphere they offer to their clients, making wellness an immersive and tailored experience.

The Vision Ahead

As Essence by RJ continues to grow, the vision is clear: to bring peace, balance, and calm to more lives. Whether it’s through individual products or large-scale collaborations, the brand remains committed to its mission of using scent as a tool for daily well-being and mindful living.

In a world that often moves too fast, Essence by RJ stands as a gentle reminder that wellness can be as simple as breathing in a scent that grounds you.

 

 

Creating Your Own Essence

Whether you’re looking to transform your living space into a calming sanctuary, support your daily self-care routine, or create a signature scent experience for your business, Essence by RJ offers that perfect blend of quality, care, and genuine understanding of what it means to need a little peace in your day.

Because sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is light a candle, take a deep breath, and remember that even in the most challenging times, there are simple ways to create beauty and calm.

 

Find Your Essence:

Because everyone deserves a space that smells like peace.

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Bellafricana published in africa visionary creatives, African Creatives & Entrepreneurs, handmade footwear

From Market Stalls to Global Runways: The BLAQ ESSENCE Revolution

dupe gani

In a world where fast fashion dominates and mass-produced footwear floods the market, one Lagos-based brand is boldly rewriting the narrative, one step at a time. BLAQ ESSENCE isn’t just selling shoes; it’s building confidence, preserving African craftsmanship, and empowering individuals to express their authentic style through handcrafted excellence.

What began as a childhood fascination beside a grandmother’s market stall has blossomed into a premium footwear brand trusted across Nigeria. With deep roots in tradition, innovation, and local artistry, BLAQ ESSENCE is leading the charge in transforming how African-made luxury is crafted, worn, and celebrated.

The Story Behind BLAQ ESSENCE

dupe gani

BLAQ ESSENCE is redefining footwear with a range of handcrafted leather shoes and accessories designed to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style. Founded in Lagos, the brand specialises in premium leather footwear solutions, from bold platform sandals to sophisticated everyday pieces that celebrate African heritage while meeting modern fashion demands. Each product is expertly crafted by skilled local artisans, offering a luxury alternative that solves sizing problems, ensures durability, and delivers timeless elegance.

BLAQ ESSENCE was founded by Dupe Gani S. with a clear mission: to create handcrafted footwear that empowers individuals to embrace bold, Afro-centric style without compromising on quality or comfort. Motivated by her grandmother’s legacy as a shoe seller and her own journey through entrepreneurial challenges, Dupe began her footwear journey after her clothing brand faced difficulties.

“My grandmother was a shoe seller! Growing up with her, she would travel to Abidjan to buy rubber shoes and distribute them to the market women,” Dupe recalls. “I fell in love with the cuteness of footwear and their designs and colours. The love for footwear sprang from there.”

After trying different businesses and facing failures, Dupe found her calling when native wear clients began asking her to pair their outfits with handmade shoes. What started as research during her travels became a full commitment to footwear design immediately after COVID-19. By 2021, BLAQ ESSENCE was born, and as Dupe puts it, “It has been amazing ever since!”

From Childhood Dreams to a Lagos Footwear Powerhouse

 

In 2021, BLAQ ESSENCE embarked on a mission to redefine handcrafted footwear in Nigeria. What began with memories of a grandmother’s shoe business has blossomed into one of Lagos’s most distinctive premium footwear brands. Rooted in heritage, resilience, and authentic African creativity, BLAQ ESSENCE has become a beacon for those seeking to express their style through quality craftsmanship.

What Makes BLAQ ESSENCE Unique?

BLAQ ESSENCE is unique because it is one of the few Lagos-based brands that doesn’t compromise on premium materials while celebrating bold, Afro-centric design. Each piece is intentionally crafted to solve sizing problems and create timeless designs that stand the test of time.

The BLAQ ESSENCE Philosophy: Empowerment Through Craftsmanship

BLAQ ESSENCE is more than just a footwear brand; it’s a celebration of African creativity. Their philosophy centres on empowering individuals to embrace bold, authentic style through handcrafted excellence. With the tagline “From Lagos, With Love,” BLAQ ESSENCE turns its local roots into a global strength, proudly celebrating African creativity in a world-class way.

Product Excellence: Tradition Meets Innovation

Crafted in Lagos, BLAQ ESSENCE’s product line is a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. Their offerings cater to various style needs, including

  • Platform Sandals & Statement Pieces: Bold, Afro-centric designs that blend African-inspired flair with modern silhouettes.
  • Premium Leather Shoes: Crafted with genuine leather, calf padding, and durable soles for luxurious, long-lasting comfort.
  • Men’s & Women’s Collections: Versatile pieces designed for both genders, positioning the brand between luxury and everyday wear.

Each product is meticulously crafted by skilled local artisans to address specific concerns, from sizing problems to durability, while connecting every piece to Lagos’s vibrant culture and craftsmanship heritage.

 

Beyond Products: Cultural Preservation and Community Impact

Understanding that fashion is a form of cultural expression, BLAQ ESSENCE extends its impact through supporting local artisans and preserving traditional craftsmanship techniques. Each pair creates employment opportunities within the Lagos community while ensuring that traditional skills are passed down and celebrated.

The Vision Moving Forward

As BLAQ ESSENCE continues to grow, its vision remains clear: to be at the forefront of African luxury craftsmanship on the global stage. With plans to expand their design range and reach, BLAQ ESSENCE is poised to make an even more significant impact in the fashion industry, proving that African-made luxury can compete with the world’s best.

Join the BLAQ ESSENCE Movement

Experience the BLAQ ESSENCE difference and become part of a community that celebrates authentic African style through premium craftsmanship.

Connect with BLAQ ESSENCE:

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