Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I am a graduate of Textile Technology from Yaba College of Technology. The difficulty of finding a textile industry to work with in Nigeria made me go into Adire making (and it doesn’t need any machine for production). That’s how I became an entrepreneur.
What inspired “Adire Fashion Place” and when did you start the initiative?
When I started, Adire was not as popular as it is today. Most people think of it like it’s mostly for old people, so Adire Fashion Place’s idea is making same Adire, but in a more fashionable way, infusing more colours, design, and taste to Adire. Adire Fashion Place is a brand where fashionable Adire pieces are found.
What motivates you and what are the principles that guide your business?
I’m motivated by the satisfaction of my customers. When I get great feedback after a purchase, it makes me do more. Also when I see my students, (those I have trained in Adire Production) doing well, it motivates me to do more. Our Principles at Adire Fashion Place are Integrity, Sustainable Products, Customer Satisfaction, Environmental Health (making sure our production processes doesn’t affect the environment due to the chemicals we use in production), and most importantly, Quality Assurance.
In your industry, what makes you unique?
Textile production is estimated to be responsible for about 20% of global clean water pollution from dyeing and finishing products. Adire fashion place makes use of recycled dyes, and waxes for production. In that way, we reduce water consumption and pollution which is a very big challenge for most producers. Also, Adire fashion place is a one-stop shop, we design the textiles and make them into wearable clothing on request.
Read Also: Interview with the CEO of African Things
What has been your greatest entrepreneurial success?
Success is relative and Adire fashion place has been quite successful over the years. From training about 300 women, youths and children in Adire Production Skills, to being nominated for the 25 under 25 awards by SME Africa, working with an international fashion brand, being featured in platforms like African Business Radio, and Crafty hands by Queen. But most especially, the fact that customers appreciate the value of our work is also a great success to us.
What is your favourite part of being an entrepreneur?
My favorite part of being an entrepreneur is being my own boss, creating jobs for others, changing the narrative of handmade fabrics through our unique custom designs and also contributing my own quota to the sustainable development goals.
What is the most challenging aspect to being an entrepreneur?
Most challenging aspect I would say is access to funds, getting adequate manpower and the government’s inability to regulate prices of raw materials in my industry as it keeps rising high by the day.
Tell us about your product and service at Adire Fashion Place?
Adire fashion place is an Hand dyed indigenous textile company which creates beautifully designed and fashionable Hand dyed wears (fabrics, tee-shirts and scarves) mainly. Adire fashion place works with fashion brands, furniture and craft designers, creating unique custom print for their brands. We also offer both paid and free training for individuals and organizations
We have worked with several designers both home and abroad such as Ile Ila, Alaga collections, Afro threads, Unknown brand, Iredire, ladunni lambo, Trish O, Imane Ayissi, to mention a few.