The Morin O. brand has overtime become a household name in the Nigerian leather accessories industry. Speaking with the company’s founder in this exclusive interview, I got to find out about the vision behind this brand, the passion that drives the team, and the impacts of this brand on the society.
keep reading to get in all the juicy details. If you ever though pastors couldn’t run successful businesses, then you’re definitely in for a surprise.
- Please introduce yourself and your background
My Name is Morin Obaweya and I am the creative director of Morin.O a leather accessories design and manufacturing brand inspired by artistic innovation and ethnic designs for the sassy, fashionable and confident individual .Though a pharmacist by profession, I have always been fascinated by the arts. Prior to starting Morin.O, I had run an art gallery. 
- Tell us about your work. How did Morin O. start?
I got the Inspiration to start Morin.O after going for a sponsored training by Vital Voices Entrepreneur’s in handicraft programme and met women from all over Africa creating their own designs in various art forms and after shying away from doing my own line for many years, I summed courage to step out.
- How did you come about the name and what does it mean?
The name is actually my first name and the initials of my surname. It means to me that this is the personal expression of my creativity.
- What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
Our niche is that of the inspired middle to high income fashionable and confident individual wanting to have an accentuation of his or her personal style expression. Nigerians are growing in their appreciation of indigenous creative brands who meet their creative and inspirational needs with a quality offering. 
- Where do you find the inspiration for your products?
From art, nature, people and places.
- Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?
One of the first products we made was our Classic Asake Bag and it was memorable because the acceptance was instant. 
- What are the challenges you face in your business?
Identifying and harnessing the working skill set for the quality of products we deliver, developing an excellent finish approach to work in the skill set and a right work ethic, lack of enabling infrastructure and access to affordable funding.
- Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?
Not at all, I’m passionate about it and the response, perception of our brand has been most satisfying and rewarding.
- What is your most popular product?
The Asake bag in all its variations. 
- To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?
Africa is rich in heritage, design concept, use of colour and expression of dimensions and style, all these are invaluable resources I draw from .
- What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?
To consolidate the brand and spread its acceptance locally and globally, increase its outlets at home and abroad and live out my creativity in all aspects of my life.
- What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am a pharmacist by profession, I am a northerner and an ordained pastor.
- What profession would you be in if you weren’t in the Leather Artistry Industry.
Healthcare
- If you could give one piece of advice to youths who want to start their own business, what would it be?
Do your research and planning extremely well before the start of the business and do only what you are extremely passionate about to stay in the game.
- And finally, please share images of some of your work and tell us a little about each product.
To connect with Morin O. on Instagram, follow @morin.o call 08033043822 or email [email protected]
