Bellafricana Member Archives

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders September 15, 2022

Meet The Founder of Lilifeys Fashion and Lifestyle

Ever since she was a little girl she fell in love with fashion. Her curiosity and love turned into a passion and she made her own dreams come through by starting her business Lilifeys Fashion and Lifestyle.

Let’s meet another Bellafricana member, the founder of LILIFEY’S FASHION AND LIFESTYLE;

Please introduce yourself and your background

My name Ifeyinwa Brendan-Ndukwu, the Founder, Creative Director/CEO of LILIFEYS FASHION AND LIFESTYLE. I am from Imo State but married to BRENDAN-NDUKWU from Anambra State. I am a graduate of English Language/Literature but presently into Fashion.

Meet The Founder of Lilifeys Fashion and Lifestyle

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

My Brand name LILIFEYS’ is a combination of my second name LILIAN and my first name, IFEYINWA. LILIFEYS is a reflection on what fashion means to me… Stylish, Trendy, Comfortable and Affordable. Coincidentally that’s what most women cherish.

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

As a young girl I love dresses and my curiosity into how dresses are led to my fascination and passion for dressmaking. By observation and divine ordination I started making dresses by myself with just needle and thread. My dresses gradually developed into beautiful dresses that attracted people’s attention and they started ordering dresses from me.

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

My niche is ‘Comfortable women wear’. I believe that a woman should be comfortable and happy in her clothes and not struggle or sustain body injuries while wearing a dress.

Also Read: Meet The Founder of Miel Clothing [Exclusive Interview]

Where do you get the inspiration for your products

My inspiration are mostly divinely ordained… I receive inspirations for most of my designs in my dreams. I am also highly inspired by nature around me such as the sky, vegetations and the woman’s body shapes.

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

The products I made as a young girl were for my Baby dolls but as an adult I remember making this lovely sleeveless, boat neckline with a gathered low waistline maxi dress with Nichem wax, sewn with needle and dress. I made this dress while I was still an undergraduate in the university.

What made this dress memorable was that it fit me so well that it attracted a lot of attention. People started noticing my sewing and my style of dressmaking. In fact my Late Mum had to buy a Hand Sewing machine to help facilitate my sewing because according to her…”why are you suffering yourself my dear daughter sewing dresses with needle and thread?”

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

Some of the challenges I face in my business is high cost of production resulting from epileptic supply of electricity and high cost of powering generators. Not having enough local textiles industries for consistent design print production. Relying on importation of fabrics makes the prices of the materials exorbitant as well as non available of some materials over time. Another challenge I face is lack of expertise of the Labour. Most times when they are trained instead of staying back to work they leave. This results in low production capacity some times.

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

No no, I don’t have any regrets venturing into this line of business. Fashion Designs and Dressmaking are like oxygen for me. This is one vocation I carry out effortlessly!

What is your most popular product?

Circle pants.

Meet the founder of Lilifeys fashion and lifestyle, exclusive interview of bellafricana member

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

To a large extent, my African heritage has a lot of influence on my work. I used a lot of handwoven and hand-dyed fabrics for my clothes.

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

My short term goal is to consistently meet the needs of my local customers satisfactorily. My long term goal is to export my products internationally to Europe, America, Canada, and South Korea.

What would people be surprised to learn about you

People would be surprised to know that I was a Secondary school English Language and English Phonetics Teacher .

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

Food vendor/ Caterer

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

The advise I would give to anyone starting out in the Fashion industry is to have a good knowledge of the art of Fashion designs and dressmaking so as not to be caught on the level of mediocrity. To succeed in this industry ‘good is not enough when best is possible!’

To connect and meet the founder of Lilifeys Fashion and Lifestyle, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: lilifeys_fashion1

Whatsapp: +2349064774851

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

Meet The Founder of Miel Clothing

She started her brand because she needed extra money, but along the line, she grew to love the business due to her desire and love for styling people, mixing colors and basically expressing her creativity without restrain.

Let’s meet another Bellafricana member, the founder of Miel Clothing;

Please introduce yourself and your background

My name is Olatunde Oyinkansola, textile designer and creative director of Miel Clothing. I’m from Ijebu ode, Ogun state but based in Ilesha, Osun state .

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

During my NYSC, I needed a side hustle aside my 9-5 job. I actually started Miel Clothing because I needed extra money, but along the line, I grew to love the business due to my desire and love for styling people, mixing colors and basically expression my creativity without constraint. Miel Clothing is a fashion brand that produces indigenous African prints popularly known as Adire or batik or Tie & Dye in the Yoruba language. We’re a textile design industry that produces handmade African prints. We make different types of outfits and ready to wear ranging from t-shirt, sweat shirt, hoodie, two piece and fabrics. We produce in large quantities for Aso Ebi and fashion brands while also train people both online and offline on the art and creativity of Adire.

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

My niche is Afrocentric fashion brand. At first I started for money but I fell in love with art, nature and African culture. I didn’t know it was the niche to get into at first because Adire is versatile; but inspired by my passion for Afrocentric culture and art, I ventured into it in order to blend the indigenous culture and western culture to birth a unique piece of art never seen before.

Also Read: Meet The Founder of Zone A Creations [Exclusive Interview]

Where do you get the inspiration for your products

I get inspirations from nature, tv shows, colors, co textile designers, after which I redesign it to suit my brand niche.

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

The first product I made was “the sunshine tee”; which was inspired by Johnny Drille’s song “shine”. The shirt was memorable because prior to its design, I was going through depression and somehow, I found someone who brought me out of it. The tee shirt has two colors, black and yellow. The black represents my darkest time while the yellow represents a light that came into my darkness; the person that brought me out of my depression. It was also one of my best sellers after it was designed and released

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

My biggest challenge would be a target audience for my brand; getting the right audience who need my products. Another challenge would also be funding and getting a team to help.

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

Yes, there were times I regretted venturing into this line of business due to lack of funding and inability to capture a new audience; as it felt like I was advertising to the same sets of people when I wanted to reach out to new people.

What is your most popular product?

At the moment, I would say tye dye hoodies and sweatshirt.

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

My brand is focused on blending indigenous culture and western culture, there African heritage plays an important role as we’re trying to portray the beauty of Africa and the African culture to the western world in a fashionable way

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

My goal is to have my fabrics and products displayed in fashion houses locally and internationally, as well as worn by models during a fashion runway show in one of the biggest fashion shows globally. I’d also love to impact people by teaching the act of Adire and batik making both in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Another goal is to expand my business, have a team and reach a larger audience..

What would people be surprised to learn about you

That my brand isn’t focused on profit but on impact; promoting the values and sustainability of African prints.

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

A teacher due to my passion for impacting positive values on people, especially children.

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

My number one advise for anyone would be patience. Don’t rush because adire making requires a patient person who can wait for the outcome to be beautiful, for the colors to mix and for designs to come out well. Growing the business may also take time but if you’re consistent in promoting your brand, you will definitely succeed.

Meet the founder of Miel Clothing, Bellafricana Member

To connect with the founder Miel Clothing, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: Mielclothing_

Whatsapp: 08142938063

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

Meet the Founder of Olivs Botanical [Exclusive Interview]

Meet the member of Olivs Botanical Bellafricana Exclusive Interview of Bellafricana Member

She used to buy a lot of candles from a store when she was a teenager and told herself that one day she will own her brand. With no idea of how to get started, yet relentlessly she kept saying it and working towards it.

Fast forward to today, she now owns one of the fast growing luxury home fragrance brands in Nigeria.

She is the founder of Olivs Botanical. Let’s meet her

Please introduce yourself and your background

My name is Olivia Edwards and I am the founder of Olivs Botanicals

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

Olivs Botanical is a self-love and selfless brand, which was birth out of the need to raise funds to touch the lives of the motherless home babies, the old people’s home, the widows, the girl child and the mental health care. 10% of our proceeds goes into this project.

It gives us joy and fulfillment to be to give back to the society by putting smile, laughter in the faces of people and by showing love /kindness. With this passion in our hearts, we started our company, by setting our intentions and focusing on our visions, values and mission. As a Natural Botanical Ayurveda Brand, we pride ourselves in bringing the best internationally made products to our clients.

Also Read: Meet The Founder of Aso Ibile Mi [Exclusive Interview]

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

The brand Oliv Botanical was birth out of my Intuition. Olivs means peace and friendship, botanical had to do with natural conscious clean skincare

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

We have our niche in the Home and Living category. We focus on making diffusers and scent candles. Our brand touches all categories in our collections. Most clients will fine something to buy from our collections. We made it in such a way, to create something for everyone in our brand collections

Where do you get the inspiration for your products

I use to buy a lot of candles from a store when I was a teenager and I told myself that one day I will own my brand. I didn’t really know how it was going to happen , but I kept saying it and working towards it.

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

Yes, i made a candle and some natural bar soaps What made it memorable, it was a gift for my mum

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

The major challenge is lack of funding. More so, sourcing from middle men and the high cost of machines used for production are reoccurring setbacks.

Another one is getting the right companies for printing and packing.

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

Not at all, am passionate about our brand and how far we have come, truly grateful

What is your most popular product?

Honestly I really can’t pick one, but from the top of head diffusers, candles and our natural bar soaps

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

I could say that there is about 50% reflection of my African heritage on my brands and product.

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

My short term goal is to complete the branding collections for Olivs botanical. Our long term goal is to touch as many lives as we can possibly touch, as we continue to give back to the society. We also desire to build a brand that is suitable and eco friendly, that will stand the taste of time.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am a very shy person

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

I will still choose this profession any time any may be a care giver.

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

It’s important that you have a mentor someone. who have got experiences to guide you. I have had my fair share of experiences and have learnt through it to get to where I am today as a brand. Finally, Love your journey, be patient with the process and make sure your passionate about the business you do

Meet the founder of Olivs Botanical, exclusive interview on Bellafricana, Bellafricana member

To connect with the founder of Olivs Botanical, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: Olivsbotanical

Whatsapp: 09022236994

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

Meet the Founder of Kunbi’s Music [Exclusive Interview]

Meet the founder of Kunbi Music exclusive interview on Bellafricana

She left her career in IT consulting and delved into an early years music education franchise in the UK in order to have better control of her time to raise her children. She is currently the founder of Kunbi’s music, Let’s meet her.

Please introduce yourself and your background

My name is Kunbi Osinoiki, a music educator passionate about positively transforming lives, young and old, by providing structured and enjoyable music learning experiences. I am married to Sola Osinoiki and we have three grown up children.

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

My first degree was in Economics from the University of Manchester, followed by an MBA from the University of Liverpool but I started learning to play the piano when I was five years old. I was able to draw on my musical background to launch a career in music education many years later when I started having children. I decided to leave my career in IT consulting and buy into an Early Years music education franchise in the UK in order to have better control of my schedule so I could pick up my young son from school. I eventually sold my UK business and set up Kunbi’s Music Company in Nigeria 12 years later. Today we provide music education services to individuals, groups and schools both within and outside Nigeria. In the last few months, I also set up the SME Tech Coach, where I help coach CEOs of small businesses on how to transform their operations through the judicious use of tech.

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

To be honest, the brand name came about because I was unable to register any of my preferred names with the corporate affairs commission and Kunbi’s Music Company was the only combination that passed the search stage!

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

My niche is the provision of creative, systematic and progressive music learning opportunities for all ages. It is a market to go to because too many people quit music lessons because they find them boring and uninspiring. My purpose is to make the journey so fulfilling that quitting is never an option!

Also read: Meet The Founder of Zeeza Bags [Exclusive Interview]

Where do you get the inspiration for your products

I get inspiration from a global community of music studio owners that I am part of. I see and learn from their innovation and mistakes every single day and I am inspired to enrich lives through music like they do.

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

Our very first service was our Boogie Babies classes – music and movement for early years. It was very memorable because when we first started, we had just a small space to work from – a small office attached to my mum’s store. And we often had just one child and their parent in attendance. It’s very difficult to create an atmosphere with such a tiny group. But we persevered. And here we are today.

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

Our biggest challenges are logistics, power and internet connectivity. Getting to appointments within a short window can be a big challenge and sometimes erratic power and internet connectivity can affect our operations.

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

Not at all, it’s been challenging but a great learning experience.

What is your most popular product?

Piano lessons are by far the most popular. We teach other instruments and well but the demand for piano far outweighs the others.

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

I draw on it a whole lot. Culture gives meaning and expression to music and we always try to include traditional and modern Nigerian songs in our learners repertoire.

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

My short term goal is to double our clientele by the end of this year. My long term goal is to open music education hubs across the continent.

What would people be surprised to learn about you

My age. People think I am much younger than I am. Maybe due to my stature and smooth skin. I turned 50 this year.

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

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

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

Be methodical, be honest with your clients about what music learning entails, be creative and remain curious.

To connect with the founder of Kunbi’s Music you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: Kunbismusiccompany

Whatsapp: 08034898474

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders July 15, 2022

Exclusive Interview with Aderonke, Founder of Mimiremi Textiles

Exclusive interview with Aderonke Jaiyeola, founder of Mimiremi Textiles on Bellafricana

She had worked in the fashion industry for 7 years before re-focusing on textile design and became the founder of Mimiremi Textiles. Her long term goal is to build a digital pattern gallery with thousands of African designs that can be used on different surfaces.

She is the founder of Mimiremi Textiles. Let’s meet her

Please introduce yourself and your background

My name is Aderonke Jaiyeola, I am presently based in Lagos, Nigeria. I grew up in a family of Fine artists, my dad is a graphics designer and painter while my mum is a graphics designer with specialization in Calligraphy. I have always been surrounded by creatives and it greatly influenced my decision to become an artists too. I enjoy watching the sunrise and sunset daily, I enjoy reading and researching on healthy foods and recipe.

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

Presently, I am the head of Design Team and founder of Mimiremi Textiles, where we transform plain fabrics into beautiful work of art using eco-friendly ink and rhinestones. All our fabrics are designed and hand printed by skilled women I have trained over the years. I studied Fine Arts at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria and specialized in Textile Design.

I worked in the fashion industry for 7 years before re-focusing on textile design and print. While still working in the fashion industry, I got a brief to design a collection of fabrics for a top fashion brand in Lagos, Nigeria. Excitedly I took up the challenge even though we were not taught how to create seamless patterns with corel draw, illustrator and other design soft wares, I spent hours learning on YouTube after I got the brief.

In school, we were taught batik, tie and dye , screen printing etc. The challenge propelled me to learn online and apply all I learnt to successfully implement the project. The fabrics became a bestseller for the brand and was featured on runways both local and international, in top magazines and worn by international models. The success story gave me the confidence to rebrand the business from a fashion brand to a textile design brand in 2016. Since then, Mimiremi Textiles has evolved with many best selling fabric prints and patterns.

Also Read: Meet The Founder of Aso Ibile Mi [Exclusive Interview]

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

‘Mimiremi’ is from the Yoruba intonation on my name ‘Aderonke ‘ translated remimiremi. I decided to remove the first ‘re’ and use the Mimiremi only. I love it and chose it because it sounds fun, African and Artistic.

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

In market segmentation, there is a place for research. For many years I researched on how to create a niche for Mimiremi Textiles, I asked questions and worked on solving the problem raised. For example, fashion designers really wanted to have their own ideas printed on fabric instead of using fabrics found in the Local market, a fabric design that is 100%t theirs. I decided to focus on helping designers solve this problem and we started out by creating designs locally but printing them on different fabrics with our partners in Asia. We ran this model for 2 years till it became unsustainable because of the constantly rising exchange rate.

We decided to start researching into how to print our designs on fabric locally and came up with 2 solutions- screen printing and stencil printing, it became an instant hit and we were able to create art work on clothings and fabrics using eco-friendly ink. The beauty of the technique is that we can print on as low as half a yard, we can print on fabrics and keep reprinting as many times as possible even if the designer comes back in 6 months or one year. I was also able to train women in my community to print and work in the studio

Where do you get the inspiration for your products

I love Africa and it reflects in my designs, most of my designs are influenced by the rich African culture that I love so much. My work is also influenced by nature’s beauty- flowers, sunset, butterflies and so much more.

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

I stumbled on a notebook/journal I made for my dad while in school, I used Batik on it and wrote ‘I love you Dad’ with acrylic paint. The day I saw it on my Dads table last year, I was amazed about how good it still looked after more than 16years. It was indeed memorable because that was my first line of business, using my batik designs as book cover and the fact that my dad kept it in his library for so many years.

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

There are so many challenges facing small businesses in Africa especially Nigeria. One of the major challenge we faced is the unstable and rising exchange rate coupled with unfriendly government policies, it has made it very difficult to print our digital designs from Asia and also made it difficult to ship in our eco-friendly ink. The unstable power supply has also made it difficult for us to automate our printing process. The beauty of challenges anyway is that they make you think of a way around the problems and make you invent new ways of achieving results. We have been considering new ways of transferring our designs on fabric and clothing using a material we can easily source for locally, something that will appeal to our customers and which can also open up other markets for us. We are presently introducing our rhinestone designs to the market and the response has been great.

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

Not at all, it’s been challenging but a great learning experience.

What is your most popular product?

Our most popular product is our hand painted fabric but with the new product,(RHINESTONE on clothing and fabrics)we are introducing to the market, we foresee it will become a major best seller in the next one year.

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

My African(Nigerian) heritage is rubber stamped in almost all my designs.

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

My short term goal is to build an interactive e-commerce store and pattern gallery that will incorporate at least 50 patterns and all our other products and services so as increase daily sales and annual turn over.

My long term goal is to build a Digital pattern gallery with thousands of African designs that can be used on different surfaces. I also want to go back to school for my PhD and also lecture in one of the top Art schools in the world.

What would people be surprised to learn about you

I hardly watch TV, I prefer reading and drawing.

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

Nutrition and healthy living therapist or a Teacher.

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

Never be afraid to ask your potential customers questions so as to be able to create a solution they will love to buy. Also keep researching on new updates in your industry and how to apply it to scale up your business.

Mimiremi Textiles handmade in Nigeria, bellafricana member

To connect with the foundrr of Mimiremi, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: Mimiremi

Whatsapp: 08034898474

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Meet The Founders May 10, 2022

Meet The Founder of Buttermilk Confectioneries [Exclusive Interview]

Meet The Founder of Buttermilk Confectioneries Oby

She quit her 9-5 job to start a thriving business from her passion as a baker. It takes another level of courage and tenacity to quit a job and start a business, so you can imagine why I couldn’t wait to share this interview with you.

Let’s meet the founder of Buttermilk Confectioneries

Please introduce yourself and your background

My name is Obiageli Ojo, the founder and chief baker of Buttermilk Confectioneries. I quit my 9-5 job about 11 years ago to raise my kids and discovered the passion in baking. I’m passionate about the work I do.

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

Buttermilk Confectioneries is a bakery open to cater for all cakes, pastries, bread and confection needs. We have been in existence for about 9 years now. We make cakes for different occasions. Recently, we added breads to our menu. We love to try out new flavors from time to time and challenging decorating techniques to play around with. One of our unique selling points is using wholesome fresh ingredients without additional additives that can harm the body. Another is preparing the cakes in a very hygienic environment with lots of love and care.

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

I came about the name Buttermilk in my quest to find something that will improve the appearance and taste of my products. Buttermilk is the liquid left after butter has been churned from milk or cream. It is also cultured milk made by the addition of suitable bacteria to sweet milk. It makes baked products moist and brings pleasant tangs to breads, pastries and cakes; that is why I chose the name. We add it to most of our products.

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

Producing and delivering wholesome pastries without artificial additives. I also love to simplify recipes to make them a bit more easy to work with and especially because of availability of quality ingredients in our country.

Where do you get the inspiration for your products

Mostly from my customers needs and desires and sometimes from watching trends on Pinterest and Instagram.

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

It was my daughter’s first birthday cakes, Sleeping Teddy and Dora the Explorer cakes, her favorite cartoons at the time. Everyone was amazed that I could do such intricate design without formal training. It was super delicious too.

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

The challenges we face are availability and affordability of raw materials, industry regulations not thorough, electricity, lack of trained and qualified personnel and managing them, unhealthy competitions.

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

The only regret is that I didn’t start earlier knowing this is absolutely what I was destined to do. Apart from that, no regrets at all.

What is your most popular product?

That will be our Buttermilk Vanilla Cake. It has a unique taste you can’t mistake if you have tasted it once.

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

The use of local available materials to achieve great recipes.

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

My Short term goal is to provide quality affordable baked products in my community and my long term goal is to extend it to other neighborhood.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

The extent to which i can go to make a customer happy and satisfied.

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

Journalism. That was my first love before i discovered the baking passion.

To connect with Butter Milk Confectioneries, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram: Buttermilkcakes

Whatshapp: 07063103754

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 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

MaryBarbara published in Exclusive Interviews December 7, 2021

Meet the Founder of Mooie Kraft [Exclusive Interview]

In an exclusive interview, we get to meet the Founder of Mooie Kraft. Ndedigwe Mary Chinaza is a resourceful and talented entrepreneur, who has successfully infused fashion with African prints.

Meet the Founder of Mooie Kraft [Exclusive Interview] — **Ndedigwe Mary Chinaza – Founder of Mooie Kraft**

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

Please introduce yourself and your background.

My name is Ndedigwe Mary Chinaza, I’m a graduate of computer science from Crawford University, I am from Nnewi South local government Anambra state.

Tell us about your work and how did your company start?

My love for bag making drove me into bag making. I started MOOIE KRAFT in 2020 and it’s been an amazing journey so far. MOOIE KRAFT is not just about bag making but we are also into the making of beautiful accessories with our African prints, leather works such as belts and we also make top-notch souvenirs for events and parties.

Ankara foldable hand-fan by Mooie Kraft — **Ankara foldable hand-fan**

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

Mooie is gotten from a Dutch word that means beautiful, pretty and fine. So I wanted a name that represents everything that my brand signifies. with our name, you should know what to expect from us. [Winks].

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

Producing beautiful bags, belts and accessories for both males, females and also children. we are partially for everybody.

Ankara themed Hoops earrings by Mooie Kraft — **Ankara themed Hoops earrings**

Mooie Kraft chain Bag

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

Everything around me. I also work with customers descriptions.

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

Yes of cos, it was an Ankara bag I made for myself, it was memorable because I made it out of little/ no knowledge about bag making.

African print mixed laptop bag by Mooie Kraft — **African print mixed laptop bag**

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

Cost of production is one of the major challenges we are facing, material sourcing is another challenge we are facing, the high prices of leatherworking tools to achieve proper finishing of the leather productions.

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

NEVER. Not at all ….lol

What is your most popular product?

Right now our Genuine Reversible belt is really selling fast now. And our African mix laptop bag.

Genuine leather Reversible belt

This genuine leather reversible belt is a 2 faced belt. You have the chance to get 2 different colors of your choice in 1 belt.

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

In most of our signature products, we used our African print/ indigenous fabric to produce them.

Ankara themed flipflop by Mooie Kraft — **Ankara themed flipflop**

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

My short term goal is for Mooie kraft to be able to reach out to many people across the world and collaborate with many big fashion brands,

My long term goal is for Mooie kraft to have my dream fashion studio with different branches across the world, empower both young and adults, create jobs opportunity for people.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I love to bake and cook for fun

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

I would probably be a baker (hahahaha)

What is success to you?

Success to me is achieving all my dreams come true and impacting my knowledge and skills in society.

Mooie Kraft bag — **Mooie Kraft Cross bag**

Waist bag by Mooie Kraft — **Waist bag**

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

I would advise the person should make proper research about everything especially when the person has zero knowledge about the business.

Who and what has been your greatest source of inspiration?

God almighty, my family, my friends and everyone that has patronized my brand. You all are my greatest inspiration.

Thank you for having this interview. It was indeed a pleasure to meet with this bubbly personality – Ndedigwe Mary Chinaza.

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

Instagram: mooie.kraft

Facebook: Mooie Kraft

WhatsApp: +234 810 063 0509

Bellafricana published in Articles, bellafricana June 28, 2017

NEPC Sponsors Bellafricana Member Selected For An Award In The US

Bellafricana.com, an online platform that empowers, supports and connects quality creatives to their global consumers, strives to enhance non-oil export in the Nigerian Economy with the support of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Olusegun Awolowo.

The overarching aim is to bridge the gap between producers of locally made products and their consumers locally and globally, thereby enhancing the zero oil movement.

In line with the dream of the present and future government, Bellafricana is grooming a community of quality indigenous creative businesses with exportable products which have the potential of increasing the economy’s export earnings by multiple folds.
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