Introduction:
Background story: I’ve always had a passion for fashion growing up. I started making pieces when I was young. I started making skirts and spaghetti tops on my mother’s tabletop sewing machine back home in Lagos State in Nigeria. There was also a neighbor nearby who was a seamstress and a cousin who was a tailor. I learned so much from them both. I became a chartered accountant and my passion for fashion never diminished. When my husband and I decided to migrate to Canada, I decided to start something around my passion. I worked in an accounting role for a bit while doing my research on the fashion industry here in the Atlantic. My research shows the diversity gap in the fashion industry, and I decided to make this my area of focus. I launched the brand in January of 2020 as an Afrocentric clothing brand because our design is an infusion of the richness of African culture with contemporary styles resulting in clothing that does not just show diversity but also exudes inclusivity. We do not just focus on Afrocentric pieces now; the business has grown, and we’ve moved to custom bridal and prom dresses.
Unique selling proposition: Our unique selling proposition is our creativity and our ability to envision and bring to life the fashion dreams of our clients. It’s one of a kind and it is customized for them.
The Creative Process:
Inspirations: The inspiration differs for each client.
Design Process: It begins with an idea of course. Followed by sketches. And then fabric choice, arguably the most important feature. The right color, look, and feel of the material can make the design. The pattern is designed on long sheets of fabric, cut out, and then used to cut out the fabric. Then the magic begins. Using the sewing machine, and using the skills mastered over the years, we begin to assemble the pieces. Embellishments are sometimes added, often by hand sewing them on. After many, many hours of work, the piece is all together and the little details are complete, leaving us with a completed design.
Signature Style: For the signature styles, we ensure we create this to our client’s vision. Our focus is to ensure they stand out and we do this by paying more attention to the details.
Challenges and Triumphs:
Challenges Faced: Some of the challenges faced were coming from a non-entrepreneurial background, figuring out how to run a business, how to charge right, and the need to educate people with regards to the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation.
Triumphs: With God and the huge support, we get from the community, the brand has won some awards and recognition. We are a house name brand in Nova Scotia, and we pray this extends to the global community.
Impact and Influence:
Cultural Influence: We have been able to help people appreciate the culture more and embrace diversity in the fashion industry here. People are no longer worried about wearing colorful prints.
Community Engagement: We partnered with some organizations such as Macphee Creative Centre and Halifax Central Library to teach the youth to develop there sewing skills
Future Aspirations:
Goals and Vision: Vision to be a global brand. The goal is to know how to get there.
Advice and Inspiration: Do not be scared to take that first step or take up space. Be yourself and express your inner passion.
Sources of Inspiration: There are so many other designers who inspire me in the industry. Each one has such an interesting way of expressing themselves and it is a powerful source of inspiration.
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Contact Information: [email protected] or [email protected]
