I am very excited to be introducing this amazing Founder and her brand to you. Keep reading to Meet the Founder of Handmadepreneur-(Exclusive Interview)

• Please introduce yourself and your background

I am Adewumi-Inenemo Aminah. A graduate of industrial chemistry from the great University of Benin. I hail from Ikate  Akoko North East Ondo state.

 

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

I started Handmadepreneur in 2019 after my epistle of searching for a bag of my choice in 2018 as an expectant mum of a set of twins. Since I couldn’t get any, it occurred to me that many Nigerians face this problem of not being able to tweak their bag of choice since their quest for a durable, quality and well finished bag is top priority.

 

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

Handmadepreneur came from the fact that I wanted the name handmade emblazoned in my products and as my name as it would also depict to people that the bags are handmade. I then added –preneur from the word entrepreneur.

 

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

My niche are families with kids under age of 19 as I saw most mothers face the problem of getting the right bag for their toddlers, young ones in elementary or themselves, in terms of packing both their personal items and that of their children all in one piece; this is  typical to the African woman. Also I realised from my survey that most mothers wish their kids bags are like ‘this or that’ due to their own peculiarity and because they are yet to find that Nigerian bag maker who gives them their bag the way they want it, they opt for imported ones to solve one of their quest.

 

• Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

I get them from narrations of pains parents discuss with finding their bags and my imagination of possibilities of what a bag could have.

 

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

Our multi-pocket diaper bag. It was sold out before I blinked my eyes. Mothers loved it for its features such as, lots of pockets, it’s ability to keep their baby’s items all in one place and organized.

 

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

Structure! Getting the right personnel and marketing right.

 

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

None. Not even a tiny bit.

 

• What is your most popular product?

School backpack and lunch bag.

 

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

For now we are not much of African but soon we intend bringing in the African touch. Making our own arts of African heritage on our bags.

 

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

To be a brand that would be a game changer to many women, by providing them with trainings, and an opportunity to provide employment for themselves.

To improve my business skills by taking a business management course in 2022.

Get certified internationally as a bag designer.

 

• What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I am a star chemistry teacher. 😂 I mean students loved my class and wondered why I left.

 

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

Teaching. I would be a teacher but then again, we are all teaching, in one form or the other.

 

• 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 think small. Always aim at the best and you will see how you will work to achieve it

 

• And finally, please share images of some of your work and tell us a little about each product

For adults and secondary school students. Strong, spacious and can be made to suit client specification.