Meet The Founders Archives - Page 2 of 4

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders May 4, 2022

Meet The Founder of Aso Ibile Mi [Exclusive Interview]

Let’s meet the hardworking female creative entrepreneur who is in the business of creating Afrocentric Pre-eminent ready to wear outfits for women of all class.

Please introduce yourself and your background:

My name is Abiru Islamiyat Adewunmi, I am the Fashion Creative Director behind AIM AFROCENTRIC CLOTHINGS otherwise known as AŞO ÌBÍLĘ MÌ. I studied Computer Science at the Polytechnic of Ife while at the same time did a diploma course in Fashion Designing, as well as a few months solid course in Textile Art design & Shirt Customization with Harpeez’art Clothings in Ile Ife, Osun State. I have been in the business of Adire textile design since 2013 but properly started making a living out of it in the year 2021.

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

I worked for several years as a Data Analyst with a Leading Telecommunication Company in Nigeria. While working as a white collar jobber and also working from home due to the Covid19 Pandemic, I started running my business of Creating Afrocentric Pre-eminent Ready to Wear Outfits for women of all Class, modern heritage clothing locally made out of Indigenous Handmade Fabrics such as Adire & Aso Oke.

This is a business I had attempted to build a few times earlier but failed due to lack of consistency, Cash flow and lack of total commitment to the business. I resigned from my 8 to 5 Job after 9 months in my business so as to input more effort to grow, learn, preserve and promote the African Cultural Heritage across the globe, which is the main goal of this brand.

How did you come about the brand name and what does it mean?

My brand name AŞO ÌBÍLĘ MÌ meaning “My heritage clothing” in English was the first thing that came to mind as soon as I started drawing a business plan. The term was drawn from the Vision of the brand, which is to preserve and promote the African Cultural Heritage. The Heritage we are trying to promote by making sure we create more awareness of out Locally-made clothing home and abroad. The aim which is to put our Heritage on the Global Mark.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into

Unique innovation and outstanding creativity of using basically Handmade Fabrics to create extraordinary pieces is a core model that set this business apart. African Traditionally made Fabrics are very underrated, it has become a necessity to awaken it and push it forward for the whole wide world to see its beauty. A lot of people now appreciate these African clothing that they could pay a million just to get these clothing readily made for them.

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

The inspirations for my products are gotten from Arts and ages stories about heroines and Olden days clothing. Day to day inspirations are gotten from everyday lifestyle and evolving modern tastes of modern women.

Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?

One of the first products we designed was Aje Kimono, a Long Jacket made with a combination of Aso Oke and an Adire fabric that has a pattern of Cowry (Cowry traditionally insinuate wealth). The fabric has since been changed because of the inconsistency in it’s color, we were unable to perfect our dye combination for the specific fabric.

It was our best selling from the Launch date of the business and has been the selling heavily ever since (this might be due to its very different look that set it apart from other random Kimonos in the market).

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

The main challenge faced day to day in my business is the fact that Handmade Fabrics, especially Adire are now been massively replicated by other countries and sold back to our people at a very cheap rate. This is very bad for my business because some person out of ignorant might feel that my products are too expensive compare to the printed clothing sold to them at cheaper rate. The Government should do better in this aspect please, for how long do we import the items we can produce on our own? Sadly, the fabrics used in producing even the original handmade Indigenous clothing we use are also imported, making it difficult for a low class citizen to afford.

Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?

My only regret since I started this business is that I did not start on time. I mean, I had a solid 8years experience before I started making money out of it. If I started a long time ago, my business would have grown farther than where it is now.

What is your most popular product?

My most popular product is ‘Aje Kimono’ set, a bestseller back to back for couple of months now.

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?

The Heritage is what I sell. The aim is to take African Heritage global.

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

My main Goal is to preserve and promote the African Cultural Heritage while making an ends meet out of it. My vision is to make sure that in the next 10 years, foreign outfits are 95% eradicated from our Continent and our Locally-made outfits takes place and becomes affordable.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a Fashion Designer, a Textile Art Designer, A Data Analyst and a Fashion Creative Designer. This are rear talents to be processed by just an individual.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this Industry?

I would be a Data analyst.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Look before you leap, stay consistent and be willing to take huge risks

Aso ibile mi attire meet the founder of aso ibile mi

There you have it. An exclusive interview with the Founder of Aso Ibile Mi. To connect with her, you can follow her via:

Instagram: Adirestylesng

WhatsApp: +234 903 388 3764

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders April 29, 2022

Meet the Founder of Dhoney Adire and Crafts Nigeria [Exclusive Interview]

Meet the Founder of Dhoney, Doyinmola Olajoye, Exclusive Interview Bellafricana Member

Meet the young and dynamic creative entrepreneur who wears many hats. Her love for creating reusable Afrocentric pieces had brought her many awards and recognition. She is equally very passionate about Sustainable Development Goals and is invested in sensitizing people about it. There is no limit to the possibilities that awaits her in the business world.

With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Dhoney Adire and Crafts Nigeria for an exclusive interview.

Please introduce yourself and your background:

I was born and raised in Ondo city, Ondo state and attended the foremost Girl’s only Secondary School, St Louis secondary school, Ondo. I had my tertiary education at Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo state and graduated with a degree in Computer Science. Served Nigeria through the NYSC in Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun state in 2019/2020.

I am an experienced, and award-winning fashion model, African culture enthusiast, and advocate of Recycling through African arts and culture. I got nominated at the prestigious ACE Awards for African Creative Entrepreneurs in 2021 as Start up of the year, The Winner of SME100Africa 25under25 Award 2021, Fashion category.

I got nominated for ELOY Award Young Entrepreneur of the year and I was the Winner of the God’s Chamber Business Bootcamp Pitch competition and beneficiary of the grant awarded. My dream is to see a world that embraces African Adire, while curbing the harm throwing out old clothes can cause to humans. #climatechangereport.

As a female visibility advocate and lover of girl-child development, my interest lies in helping young adults (emphasis on girls) to find their feet early in life which was what informed my decision to start the Orange Humanity project, aimed at empowering young girls to improve the quality of their lives, and ultimately birth an economically viable society.

Early 2022, DHONEY Adire and Crafts Nigeria Founded by Doyinmola won the EEFP grant, a flagship project of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) awarded to exceptional, and impact-driven brands through Bellafricana a 360° community for creative entrepreneurs. Her contemporary products, alongside other emerging brands products were showcased on the runway at the Africa Fashion Exhibition Nigeria, that took place at the Ife Grand Resort, Osun state in 2021.

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

Dhoney Adire and Crafts Nigeria is a contemporary Adire textiles and Crafts brand in alignment with the SDG goals 8, 12 and 13. Since inception, we have evolved to be a brand that proffers solution to not only fast fashion and non-quality clothings, but also solution to climate change issues in our planet.

The Start of Dhoney was inspired by the inadequate support gotten when I embarked on a journey to empower young people to become wealth creators, to promote the African culture, become financially secured and ultimately improve the quality of their lives thereby driving economic viability. I proceeded to learn a craft that depicts and promotes the African culture as well as showcases the beauty her. I started the business for profit making and equally be a solution by producing sustainable, durable and quality clothings.

We revamp old, stained, faded clothes to new, lovable and reusable pieces with the indigenous craft; Adire. We also offer masterclasses on Adire making to kids and adults via our programs which includes; Train with Dhoney, Adire Revamp Bootcamp, Kiddies Summer Time with Dhoney, 1:1 Masterclass

How did you come about the brand name and what does it mean?

Dhoney was coined from my name for short, which is Doyin from Doyinmola which means (The addition of Honey to Wealth) OYIN in the Yoruba language means Honey, by replacing Oyin with the English meaning Honey in my name DOYIN, so I have the name DHONEY. The addition of textile and Crafts was intentional. the brand is not envisaged to be the regular Adire Textile brand, but a contemporary and creative crafts brand in Nigeria as her place of birth, however, Dhoney is a GLOBAL brand.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

New contemporary Adire for young, vibrant, culture enthusiasts. From my research, I found out how much harm the careless disposal of old clothes cause and is projected to cause more harm by 2030 if not curbed. Saving our planet, through the production of reusable and loveable clothings from old pieces is the way to go. And we are excited to be promoting the African through our pieces at an affordable cost.

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

I get inspiration for the world around me, through inner witness, the nature, my environment, as well as the old/indigenous/traditional designs.

Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?

‘Eforiro’ Tee was one of the first, I loved the creation personally and the reception it got from people. It is memorable because of processes it took purchasing the raw materials and all. It was an old piece of clothing (what Nigerians know as OK clothes) for practical purpose, turned it into a new piece of clothing, vibrant, beautiful, culture-inclined. The Adire Tshirt design went on to be one of our bestsellers at the time,. Of course, new raw materials were used for producing clients order.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

I cannot point at one challenge right now, I would say perhaps because I see them as a phase, a process, a stepping stairs to another height, I do not necessarily consider them worthy to note. Generally, I would say customers keeps a business running and we are doing our best to attract and sustain our clients while providing quality, affordable, and sustainable products and services.

Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?

No regrets. Absolutely none. I and Dhoney Tribe members who are our clients are enjoying sustainability while engaging in culture promotion, fashion entreprise and proffering quality solution to a need. We enjoy local embrace and are on a journey to global recognition and acceptance

What is your most popular product?

Adire Tshirt in regular sizes as well as our Oversized Tshirt collection are our most popular, sometimes people have the perception that we do not produce or see fabrics and other crafts. We continually sensitize and show people our works.

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?

African is colorful, we produce mostly vibrant and colorful pieces to suit the African skin as well as the world’s complexion

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

A well functional website for local and global transactions with ease. A walk-in store/outlet in major states in Nigeria A DHONEY center known for art, craft, culture, climate change action, empowerment and training center etc. Partnerships with NGO, the government agencies and bodies, organizations to train individuals and group for their advancement and profiting, as well as to push the SDG 8, 12 and 13 goal

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

My journey in the last 7 years has been interconnected, Fashion modelling from age 15, fashion designing, nail artistry, humanitarian empowerment projects, art and craft enterprise without core study relating to arts. I was a science student who hoped to become and Nurse professionally but studied Computer science and here am I in the art and craft industry.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this Industry?

If I haven’t ended up in the creative Industry, perhaps it would still have been Social Entrepreneurship/Social work or something around proffering solution to human needs.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Ask for support when you need it.

Brainstorm with experienced people in same field.

It is equally important that you have a mentor

Plan for the long term, for the scalability and sustainability of your business

To connect with Dhoney Adire and Crafts Nigeria, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: Dhoney

WhatsApp: +234 816 337 7020

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders April 29, 2022

Meet The Founder of Wura’s Secret [Exclusive Interview]

Meet the founder of Wura Secrets Tinuola Adigweme Bellafricana Member

Meet the UK Trained Lawyer whose experience with ‘hair struggles’ while growing up as a child, informed her decision to start a hair care brand.

With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Wura’s Secret for an exclusive interview.

Please Introduce yourself and your background.

My name is Tinuola Adigweme, I am a lawyer and founder of Wura’s Secret – a fast growing beauty brand which formulates hair products using pure, natural ingredients ethically sourced in West Africa and from around the world. My educational qualifications include a Master’s degree in International Commercial Law from University College London (UCL) as well as a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC). I also have a diploma in organic hair care formulation from Formula Botanica. I had previously worked in leading law firms in Nigeria and the UK for about 8 years until I founded – Wura’s Secret.

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

Growing up, there was a notion that natural African hair was not “beautiful.” This led to African women, even as little girls using chemicals & other damaging hair care practices to change their hair to fit into the perceived standard of beauty. On a personal level, as a child I also never really liked my hair because it was very coarse and used to “break” combs. This was until I experienced severe hair breakage during winter whilst studying in the UK. My grandmother’s herbal hair remedies helped nurse my hair back to health and it became even thicker and longer than it was before. I then started to appreciate and fall in love with my hair. (like the saying – you don’t know what you have until it’s gone). I conducted further research in product formulation and healthy hair care practices which led me to start Wura’s Secret – a hair care brand that seeks to change the narrative about the perception of beauty.

At Wura’s Secret we believe that everyone has the right to wear their hair however they choose to and we celebrate our client’s “hair and beauty” choices and want them to feel beautiful and comfortable. Our products are made to suit all hair types and needs. Our product lines have expanded to include Kids, Baby and Men’s lines.

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

The product line is named after my grandmother, whose name is “Wura”. Wura means gold in the Yoruba language and the word “Secret” signifies the secret recipes passed down from generations which we share with the world. The name “Wura” also signifies the popular saying in Yoruba culture “iya ni wura’ meaning “mother is gold”.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

Our niche is beauty/hair care. I knew it was the market to get into because I understood from my personal experience that there was a gap in the market for effective products made with natural ingredients that actually work and do what they say on the label.

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

Inspiration for our products is gotten from nature. We are truly inspired by the powerful natural ingredients that can be found in West Africa and we do our best to highlight these ingredients in our Wura’s Secret products. We listen to our clients; this helps us to create effective products that would meet and even exceed their needs. Our clients are our true inspiration – their advice, feedback, testimonials, etc, have helped us to grow to become an even better, more sustainable brand.

They are at the very core of everything we do. We pride ourselves on the results our clients receive from using our products which can be seen on our Instagram page and website (www.wurassecrethair.com). The true potential of what healthy African hair can be inspires us to keep innovating especially in the areas of product development. Finally, we are inspired by the world around us and everything that is happening in the beauty space globally.

Can you remember one of the first products you made?

Our hair growth oil was one of our earliest products as this was one of the first recipes learned from my grandmother. After seeing the results on my hair, some of my family members and friends also expressed an interest in trying it for themselves. I was encouraged by seeing the results on their hair and this was when I took the plunge to start selling them to actual customers and it proved very effective for them also. Our very 1st picture testimonial from a paying client came from a friend who ordered our growth oils and moisturizers. By then I had also developed the Kids Hair Growth Oil and moisturizers for both lines. She sent pictures of her and her twin girls’ hair growth and it was really phenomenal. She helped to post on her status at the time and the orders came rushing in. It was memorable because I began to understand the true potential of Wura’s Secret and how I could build a strong and viable business.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

One of the key challenges our business has faced in recent times is the rising cost of raw materials and alarming inflation rate. This has led to higher production, labour and transportation costs. However due to recent economic realities one has to ensure that our products are priced competitively. Another challenge we face is the difficulties in trading within Africa especially in the area of logistics and payment infrastructure. We find that it easier to send products and receive payments in countries such as the US, Canada, UK but then we struggle to do same in African countries such as Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, etc. This had led to a situation where we have experienced challenges in ensuring our products can be adequately accessed by Africans in other countries. We have been working on bridging this gap by expanding our distributor chain across Africa.

Lastly, I should mention scaling operations. We have recently acquired a new office in Lekki phase 1 and although that is key for business growth, there are some challenges with a physical customer-facing location such as rising overhead and operation costs, inventory control and management etc.

Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?

I have no regrets whatsoever; I only sometimes wish I had started sooner. The entire process has been a fruitful and rewarding journey.

What is your most popular product?

Definitely our Hair Growth Oils for kids, ladies and babies are our most popular products as well as our Special Formula Hair Growth Oils for ladies and kids. Close second are our hair moisturizers.

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?

The name “Wura” is from our Nigerian (Yoruba) language/heritage. Everything we do at Wura’s Secret – the products, techniques, hairstyles, etc. is to share West Africa’s beauty secrets and ingredients with the world.

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

Short term goals are to expand our distributor chain worldwide as well as our footprint in retail outlets across Nigeria. Longer term, we’re looking to establish retail presence outside Nigeria, specifically in North America and Europe.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I loved playing the piano when I was younger and took it quite seriously. I practiced every day and so I aced all my piano exams and earned several certificates in Piano. I have recently picked it up again and enjoy teaching my children to play.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?

I would have continued my career in law to become a judge.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Always continually seek knowledge, never believe that you know everything. Be willing to learn and remain teachable. You must stand firm in your convictions and know who you are. However also realize your limits/weakness and seek help in improving them. Always believe in your ideas, your strengths and capabilities. At the beginning you may encounter some resistance, keep working on those ideas until they become manifest. Remember that an idea is something that won’t work unless you do.

To connect with Wura’s Secret, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: Wurassecrethair

Whatshapp: +234 703 588 9174

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders April 26, 2022

Meet The Founder of Zeeza Bags [Exclusive Interview]

Meet the founder of Zeeza bags, Mrs Azeezat Sadiq exclusive interview bellafricana member handmade bags

Meet an amazing Public Service Retiree, who ventured into bag making business, just about the time of her retirement. Her story is one that would encourage many aspiring entrepreneurs that it’s never late to start and other retirees looking for what to do with their time after retirement.

With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Zeeza Bags for an exclusive interview.

Please Introduce yourself and your background.

I am Azeezat Modupe Sadiq. A retiree turned entrepreneur.

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

I manage Zeeza bags where we design and manufacture premium bags made from real leather as well as heritage bags made with local materials. I developed interest in bag making after participating in a training with school leavers towards the end of my career in public service.

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

The name of my business “Zeeza bags” is coined from my first name Azeezat.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

My niche is handmade fashion bags. I have realized that the bag a woman carries tells volumes about her personality. I also desire to promote local production and enable import substitution.

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

From the younger generation. I seek them out everywhere.

Can you remember one of the first products you made?

Yes I can. The bag was stitch free and full of gum.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

Labour/ Manpower.

Marketing/ Sales.

Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?

None whatsoever

What is your most popular product?

The Kodigam bag. In three different sizes for the corporate woman.

Adire bag by Zeeza bags bellafricana member exclusive interview

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?

Highly inspired by culture and heritage.

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

To take Zeezabags into Nigerian homes for all who want to be noticed.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I never knew how to use the sewing machine before Zeezabags.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?

I will be in the Food Industry

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Go Digital

To connect with ZeezaBags you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: ZeezaBags

WhatsApp: +234 802 320 3765

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders April 26, 2022

Meet The Founder of Tender Hugs [Exclusive Interview]

Meet the founder of Tender Hugs, Funke Akinlosotu, exclusive interview on Bellafricana

I am excited to introduce to you Funke Akinlosotu, a Nigerian crotchetier who enjoys making handwoven crotchet pieces for babies and toddlers. She confirmed that she was divinely led into this line of business as she has genuine love for children. She is the author of “A handcrafter’s journey” a book that tells about her journey into the craft world.

With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Tender Hugs for an exclusive interview.

Please Introduce yourself and your background.

Oluwafunke Akinlosotu is a Christian, a simple easy-going, ambitious young lady, she’s a graduate of Metallurgical and materials engineering but has a passion for children, she’s the creative director at Tender Hugs Crochet where she makes handmade clothing for children. She is the author of “A handcrafter’s journey” a book that tells about her journey into the craft world.

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

Tender Hugs Crochet Nigeria is a baby styling brand that makes crochet outfits specifically for newborns, infants and toddlers. We style children for their photoshoots, birthdays, naming ceremony etc. I started this craft out of my passion for children despite having being trained as a Metallurgical and Materials Engineer. I remember praying one particular day about the works of my hands and the word ‘crochet’ dropped in my spirit. Instantly, I grabbed my phone to research more, I began to read everything about it. I fell in love with the children wears and immediately I connected the dots- I knew God was leading me into making crochet children wears because of my passion for them and that’s how I started.

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

Tender Hugs Crochet. I wanted something that relates with children, tender kept coming to my mind but it was difficult looking for another word to merge with it but I finally came up with hugs as it perfectly describes children.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

Kids fashion. I knew it’s a good market because everyday children are born and would need to be styled for one occasion or the other.

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

There are free patterns online but most times I buy patterns. I am working on creating few patterns myself.

Can you remember one of the first products you made?

Yes it was for my cousin’s daughter, a cute baby shoe and headband, she used it for her baby dedication.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

Visibility and Awareness

Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?

None whatsoever

What is your most popular product?

No product in particular as our outfits are made to fit customers needs. But I would say baby rompers are most popular.

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?

I would say to quite an extent in the sense that I consider the Nigerian weather when making cloths for children as we use yarns to make them so we ensure the yarns are lighter and comfortable except in cases otherwise stated.

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

To be Nigeria’s first and foremost handmade Children styling brand. To see that every child irrespective of their background deserves all the love, care, protection and guidance needed to fulfill their purpose on earth.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m an introvert but I love to travel to visit new places, try new food. A little adventurous.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?

A Medical doctor, a pediatrician to be precise.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Know your ‘WHY’ before starting, this will help you carve a niche.

Know who your customers are so you can target them.

Also be ready to put in the work.

To connect with Tender Hugs, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: Tenderhugscrochetng

WhatsApp: +234 909 862 0864

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders April 24, 2022

Meet the Founder of Ogicentric [Exclusive Interview]

Meet the founder of Ogicentric, Adejumoke Solomon bellafricana member exclusive interview

She was not a pap lover until she had the one her aunt made many years ago which was a combination of grains. She enjoyed it and thought to herself “what if this turns into a business and packaged properly for the sake of people like her who wouldn’t be caught taking the regular pap”… the rest as they say is history or shall I say led to the birth of Ogicentric. I bet you can’t wait to meet Adejumoke Solomon, the founder of Ogicentric in this exclusive interview.

With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Ogicentric for an exclusive interview.

Please Introduce yourself and your background.

Hi! I’m Adejumoke Solomon, a beautiful mum of three, graduate of Lagos State University, a freelance real estate consultant and an entrepreneur.

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

I produce, package and sell our locally made pudding called pap/ogi/koko/akamu. I was not a pap lover until I had the one my aunt made many years ago which was a combination of grains. I enjoyed it and thought to myself ” what if I turn this into business for the sake of people like me who wouldn’t be caught taking the regular pap”..since then we have been able to create more variants to suit everyone.

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

Well, it’s our desire to meet everyone halfway, a central point where both the young,old and even the aged on special diet can benefit from our range of products hence the name Ogicentric. “Ogi” is pap.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

The desire to see people eat healthy meals that are natural and affordable, also, we do our best to disabuse minds of the nation that pap is for the poor and sickly.

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

I get my inspiration from the needs of people God opens my eyes to, especially adults and the aging on special diet.

Can you remember one of the first products you made?

Ogicentric Big4. The fact that it was warmly accepted.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

Access to funds. We produce in batches and/as ordered due to poor power supply, because we are not 100% tech savvy, we appear inconsistent on our social media platforms as we are also unable to outsource social media personnel due to lack of funds.

Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?

None whatsoever

What is your most popular product?

Ogicentric Big4

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?

100% as all raw materials are locally sourced for

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

Short term goal is to distribute consistently to major stores in Nigeria so our products can reach as many homes as possible and i would like to speak someday at the White House as ogicentric compliments the moimoi that made this milestone.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I’m shy

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?

Media, most likely

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

A lot of people make pap now, different variants and quite interesting ones but something singles you out and that is your target audience. Why are you venturing into this industry? Know your WHY, it keeps you going.

To connect with Ogicentric, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: ogicentric

WhatsApp: +234 803 444 4616

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders April 24, 2022

Meet the Founder of Kisah Lagos [Exclusive Interview]

Meet the founder of Kisah Lagos Akinola Saheed Bellafricana Member Exclusive Interview

In 2020, the moment parties and events were banned during the COVID lockdown in my home town Lagos, Nigeria and I trade in party fabrics (popularly called asoebi), the yearn to make income led to the birth of Kisah Lagos. From selling fabrics to making premium quality shoes with asooke (a Nigerian woven fabric), I bet you can’t wait to meet Akinola Saheed, the founder of Kisah Lagos in this exclusive interview.

With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Kisah Lagos for an exclusive interview.

Please Introduce yourself and your background.

My name is akinola saheed. Newly married businessman.

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

I make shoes from premium quality asooke. The lockdown birthed kisahlagos. Parties and events were banned and I’m into asoebi, man must chop o (meaning money must be made).

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

Originally it was akisah(First 3 letters of my first and last name) but God forbid I use “akisah” as a Yoruba boy that I am. Akisah means rag in Yoruba so that’s a No No… so the A was moved up to be the logo, leaving me with kisah. So we have kisah lagos as a born and bred lagosian 😉

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

There are a lot of shoe brands in Nigeria as a whole, but asooke shoes? Not very saturated, we are not many hence why I’m excited to build the brand. I have designed different unique shoes for the young and old, even children. The fact that I use asooke is already a selling point. Not everyone believes it can be done.

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

Asides my asooke background, I have people around me that mentor me. I also did a leatherwork training. I didn’t just start stitching asooke together. So seeing what can be done with leather, I’m like why not asooke. Just like that the mixing started (asooke fabric and leather).

Can you remember one of the first products you made?

My very first product was a shoe made by Gandyfootwears (mentor). It was just a trial, I supplied the material and she went to work. She delivered, I rocked it and the acceptance was wow! That was the ginger I needed to get started. Just like that I found myself in Mushin, Nigeria learning shoemaking.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

Asooke weavers disappointing, scarcity of thread to weave colours being requested. Of course dispatch trouble, we are still outsourcing that.

Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?

No regrets so far alhamdulilah.

What is your most popular product?

I call it the krisskross, bestseller any time any day

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?

100% as Asooke originates from Nigeria

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

Well we are still online(Instagram/WhatsApp) at the moment, so no walk in store yet. It’s coming in the near future by the grace of God.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I actually sell gele and asooke for asoebi

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?

Most likely a tech guy, I know my way around computers. Studied computer information systems at Babcock university.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Just start, it’s as simple as that.

To connect with Kisah Lagos, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: kisahlagos

WhatsApp: +234 813 799 3229

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders April 19, 2022

Meet the Founder of Artini [Exclusive Interview]

Meet the founder of Artini Omisakin Temitope Bellafricana member spotlight exclusive interview

Have you ever met a female string artist? Yes you heard that right, one who uses strings and nails to make an artwork! I am excited to introduce you to the Founder of Artini (string art), Omisakin Temitope in this exclusive interview.

With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Artini for an exclusive interview.

Please Introduce yourself and your background

My Name is Omisakin Temitope, I’m from Osun state in Nigeria. A graduate of economics.

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

I found out about string art when I was surfing the internet for church stage decor ideas, we needed to come up with something creative and I was a member of the decoration team. And that is how my love for string art started.

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

Coming up with a brand name wasn’t an easy task but at the end of the day we came up with ARTINI which means: A creative piece (craft, literature, filmmaking, etc.) that causes emotion or a new awareness.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

ART and HOME DECOR is our niche and it was pretty easy for us to know our market due to the nature of our products

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

I’m a strong believer of JESUS and I believe my creativity comes from him. So I pray for creativity and inspiration. I also believe he lead me to string art in the first place for the church stage decor. Apart from this I watch tons of YouTube videos and also check out art pages, art blogs and Pinterest.

Can you remember one of the first products you made?

As the JESUS girl that I am, the first string art I made was “GOD” I just felt like it should be the first Art I make even before we did the stage design.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

For challenges I’d say string art is not taught in this part of the world so I was only left with Russian YouTube videos that where often times not translated, calculating geometric patterns and designs where hard at the beginning. Another challenge was sourcing materials, I did a lot of improvisation when I first started out, especially with nails since they weren’t available in Nigeria

Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?

I have faced a number of challenges but no regrets at all.

What is your most popular product?

I have two actually. “The African woman” and “Red hat lady”

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?

To some extent actually, I’ve realised African inspired work are easily accepted and look unique. Like the “African woman for example “

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

For my business I’d say getting a work station that would also serve as a training centre for students and also double as a mini gallery for walk-in clients And to also be a leading and learning art centre in Nigeria. In life generally would be to teach, impact and empower people.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m not sure it would be a surprised but for what it’s worth I’m “Left handed “.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?

I would probably have a business consulting firm.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Whatever mistakes you make, learn to move on from it, you’re only human. Just work on improving yourself and your business so it doesn’t happen again

To connect with Artini, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram:madebyartini

WhatsApp: +234 814 610 4662

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders April 19, 2022

Meet the Founder of Scents Pro [Exclusive Interview]

Meet the founder of Scents Pro Boluwatife Adeife

I am honoured and thrilled to introduce you to the Founder of Scents Pro, Boluwatife Adeife in this exclusive interview.

With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Scents Pro Luxury for an exclusive interview.

Please Introduce yourself and your background.

My name is Boluwatife Adeife. A Nigerian and the creative director and chandler of Scents Pro, an indigenous fragrance company where we create premium quality, hand crafted home and space fragrances in diffusers, scented candles, et al.

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

Scents Pro was birthed from the love for scents generally and how particular I’ve always been about my space and it’s general appearance. I was (still am) a fragrance lover, but when I did my research on home scents I realized at that time, there wasn’t a lot of indigenous brands, accessibility to international brands was a challenge and the quality of these international brands, as regards raw materials for production, was not 100% in most cases.

So Scents Pro Luxury came in, to bridge the gap by providing eco friendly, toxic free and luxurious home scents that’s would bring some level of comfort into homes and spaces.

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

An expert in any field is called a PRO. An expert with Scents, is a Scents Pro.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

Indigenous and Toxic free(eco friendly). These were what seemed to be missing at the time we were going to start. These days, people are more open to buying locally made products and the fact that they are vegan and eco friendly makes it even better as people have become more conscious.

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

I get inspiration from everywhere, from different people and brands.

Can you remember one of the first products you made?

A scented candle. I was over the moon excited even though it was obviously not perfect.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

Running the business in general. It can be overwhelming

Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?

Not at all.

What is your most popular product?

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?

Scents Pro is an indigenous brand. Our products are all 100% locally hand made

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

Short term goal is to evolve and improve generally in every area of the business. Long term goal is to be the leading and most preferred home fragrance brand in the Nigeria and West Africa.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I speak French

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?

Sales and Marketing

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Build your brand at your own pace and not compare with existing brands.

To connect with Scents Pro, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: scentsproluxury

WhatsApp: +234 905 922 1317

MaryBarbara published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders December 10, 2021

Meet the Founder of Yasmin Crafts [Exclusive Interview]

I had the utmost pleasure of meeting this beautiful soul during the ACE Awards 2021, where she won the category for the best home & lifestyle brand. I was beyond awed at her graciousness, humility and positivity that she radiated at every point. Hence why I am honoured and thrilled to meet the Founder of Yasmin Crafts in this exclusive interview.

Hamsatu Aliyu-Afegbua – Founder of Yasmin Crafts

*To know more about the products, simply click on the images*

With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Yasmin Crafts for an exclusive interview.

Please Introduce yourself and your background.

My name is Hamsatu Aliyu-Afegbua and I’m an architect and hand-crafter. By the grace of God, I juggle 2 businesses: Eden Signature Limited, an Architectural and Interior design firm as well as Yasmin Crafts Limited which is my handicrafts business. Both of them are situated in Abuja, Nigeria. I am a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria with an M.Sc in Architecture. I also hold a certificate in Entrepreneurship Management under the EDC, from Lagos Business School.

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

We produce handcrafted products in the form of furniture, home decor and multi-purpose baskets. We use locally available raw materials to create these products. The brand Yasmin Crafts was born to satisfy the need for a custom crafts provider that could give better quality handcrafted products in Abuja.

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

“Yasmin” is my proposed first daughter’s name. The “crafts” I derived from the general term “handicrafts” which is the term used to describe our niche.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

My niche is Handicrafts. Known by some as Arts and Crafts. Living in Abuja for over 2 decades, I came to realise there was no craft maker who could skillfully add on accessories like real leather, fabric, logos, and art on products to enhance them. Most of the attempts to customise crafts, that I saw by the roadside or in the local markets did not turn out looking too good. One day, I decided to buy the basket from the market and then, customise it to my taste. It turned out great and everybody asked me where I bought the customised basket from.

The rest is history. 3 years down the line, here we are 😊. I started out with baskets and decor and within a year into the business, we had begun furniture production.

*The Lidded Laundry hamper with removable liner is available in 5 different colors including natural, you can tuck this hamper away in a corner of your bed or bath room and keep those clothes off the floor.*

*These stunning natural wicker planters are a nice way to add interior plants into your home. They come with bottoms designed to drain water away from the plant pot you intend to place inside the basket. Great for both real and faux plants.*

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

From my imagination and from observing the needs in the market. I sketch ideas down and develop them. I also draw inspiration from nature.

Another source of inspiration is listening to feedback from our customers, especially negative feedback. We take the feedback and examine our way of doing things as a business. We change what we can and fix what we can’t.

I tell my entire team that here at Yasmin Crafts, customer service is not just one department, it is all of us. Working as a team and sharing feedback has helped us grow as a business.

Natural Lani trunk

*Giving gifts are an essential part of life and relationships. The packaging container is what will be seen first, so make it a memorable time for the person who is receiving it. This trunk is a classy woven gift box that you can be proud of placing your luxury gifts in.*

*With the high quality interior lining be ready to wow your recipients and make a great impression. You can’t go wrong with this as your choice of container when it comes to gifting. The best part is, the gift recipient can use the trunk as an extra storage, extra seating to give another gift or even as a decorative piece afterwards!*

Can you remember one of the first products you made?

Yes. It is a 2 tone coiled raffia basket that I made to store my small jewellery pieces in. I was just learning how to weave at the time, and I had to push myself to try and finish it. I’m very proud of that basket.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

Lack of funds to expand our production. Buying large scale woodworking equipment and conducting more research on product development.

Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?

Not at all.

What is your most popular product?

Our Aisha set of 3 multi-purpose baskets is one of our best sellers. This is because they can serve a multitude of purposes like storage, home organisation, home decor and gifting purposes.

Aisha baskets are available in 2 designs: a Plain basket with no fabric lining and our fabric lined baskets.

*Customised Aisha storage baskets. These gorgeously lined baskets can serve a wide variety of purposes. They come in 3 different fabric lining as pictures unless you say otherwise. There is a touch of Ankara to symbolise Africa.*

Top uses among our customers for these baskets include:

Making a set of gift hampers with each basket.
Decluttering table tops.
Storing small items.
Displaying products for sale at a store.
Using them as a tray for serving snacks.
Hanging them as a wall decor basket.
Styling a shelf or console.

These baskets are dry use only, please note.

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?

We spice things up with touches of popular Nigerian cultural items like sewing beadwork on the handles of our baskets. We also make use of African fabrics to customise our baskets, decor and furniture.

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

Short term, we hope to be able to invest in large scale woodworking machinery and power tools that will help scale up production and cater for the time demands of our customers. Handcrafting is a slow process, having the right machinery speeds things up.

In the long run, we hope to expand our sales and grow the naira through large scale exports. Promoting quality African crafts all over the world is another long term goal we hope to achieve through expanding our locations.

For my goal in life, I’ll say I hope to be recorded in the history books as the founder of a premium Nigerian lifestyle brand that created employment for millions of women We currently employ a majority of women in our workforce and we intend to keep it that way.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I do some of the metal and carpentry work at Yasmin Crafts.

*This handy piece of furniture helps you save space. With varying sizes of storage baskets, you can organise and display products or decor items on these ladder shelf. Ladder shelves makes for an eye catching display and are great for small spaces where you need a tall storage option. Available in 3 colors: Dark brown, Black and White.*

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?

I would be in the building profession, which I am already privileged to have been doing long before I founded Yasmin Crafts.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Learn the skill of crafting if you can. Knowing how to make your own products or some of them, is definitely an added advantage.

Take your failures as a part of the success to come. It may take a lot of time, and you will have to be committed and disciplined to be able to launch and sustain a business in hand-crafting.

It has been an absolute pleasure having this exclusive interview and getting to meet the Founder of Yasmin Crafts.

To connect with Yasmin Crafts, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: yasmincrafts

WhatsApp: +234 901 0909 292

Office Address: Suite 15, Okanga plaza, Idris Gidado Street, Wuye, Abuja. (Open Mondays to Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm).

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