Oluwabukola Mercy Akintunde is a young, vibrant and creative fashion designer. She is the CEO and brain behind the wave-making fashion brand; “ARIKEOLA STITCHES”. Her brand is one of the most talked about as she is really doing well in her fashion line of business. She is no doubt a role model to other young ladies out there who are also interested in pulling through in their respective business lines.
In an exclusive interview with City People, Akintunde talked about the uniqueness of her fashion brand. She also shared her entrepreneurial journey, challenges and future plans for her fashion brand. Enjoy!
What inspired your brand name; ARIKEOLA STITCHES?
The name “Arikola” came from my pet name that was given to me by my Grandmother. I am a passionate fashion designer, a semi-finalist in Obafemi Awolowo university. I presently focus on sewing for students by creating unique and affordable designs by using quality and inexpensive materials.
How did you come up with the unique brand name?
My brand name came from my pet name. It is a name that I adore so much and that was why I made a brand name out of it.
How long have you been into fashion designing?
I became a fashion entrepreneur after I graduated from secondary school in 2015 and that’s four years now.
Why did you choose fashion?
I like fashion because it is life, it never tarnishes. Fashion is like melted gold that you can rebuild into anything you like either as a designer or a fashionista. I see myself doing fashion in many years to come as it teaches me on how to be patient with customers which I put in my daily interactions.
Did you undergo any formal training?
Yes, I did and I am still undergoing some training in another place apart from where I first started my career as a fashion designer. I have 3 years in training and I still undergo some training whenever school is on break.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in this line of business?
Time Management, when I first started as a fashion designer on campus, It was a little bit difficult to manage my fashion dreams with studies, lectures and Art rehearsals. But with time and supportive friends on my side, I was able to get through it.
Before venturing into fashion, who are some of the top designers that you admire?
The people I look up to in the fashion industry are Modior Kors and Anjy Luminee Couture Ltd. I adore them so much and I really wish to train with the two of them later in the future.
You recently launched some prom designs in 2019, can you tell us more about it?
I did my first launch on Promo dresses; it was my first showcase that was inspired by students’ preparation to look stunning and elegant on their graduation day. The show was organised by the school but I was happy to participate and showcase my brand in order to give people what to wear to the graduation event next year 2020.
Who are your target customers?
My target audience for now are only students as I do not want to be fully engaged in the fashion career yet because I don’t want to to affect my final year exams.
How do you intend to source your materials?
I intend to source my materials from the wholesalers, buy at cheaper prices and use for my collections.
What are your future plans for ARIKEOLA STITCHES?
Making my brand name “ARIKEOLA STITCHES” known to the world, building an empire for my brand. I wish to have another business that is in line with fashion in the near future as I love fashion and I would like to invest more in it.
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