Tell us a little about yourself. How were your growing up years?
To the grace of God, I grew up quite privileged within the warm embrace of a Christian home and a loving family. With access to a solid education, I was able to explore my interests, and was taught values such as kindness, honesty, and respect for others. So, though I enjoyed privileges I was also taught the importance of humility and using my blessings to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
What’s your educational background? Did you one day just start designing clothes or did you acquire some formal training?
I attended Maryhill Convent School in Ibadan for my primary education. Then I attended St Louis Grammar School and Babcock University High School for secondary. I then got admission into Babcock University where I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. A few years later, I attended the Fashion Institute of technology in New York to study Fashion Design. Acquiring formal training is essential in many fields and I’m grateful for the discipline that attending Babcock University instilled in me.
I started designing with zero experience but I knew I’d need training to help me achieve the dreams I had. I pursued formal training to gain expertise in fashion design, honing my creativity and technical abilities.
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It is said, especially abroad, that it’s not the Degree that you obtain that actually matters, but what you learn and who you become during the process. As someone whose career has little to do with what she read at university, would you agree with this?
Obtaining a degree did provide valuable knowledge and skills for me. It helped with my personal growth, critical thinking, networking, and acquiring transferable skills that I have been able to apply in various aspects of my life. It also helped me to persevere and be resilient especially when it comes to dealing with staff and tailors. Some things however cannot be taught in ANY school, only the school of life and experience can teach those.
When and how did you discover where your career path would follow?
I started designing formally in 2010 and at the time I was only making casual clothing and evening dresses. Along the line I made a wedding dress for a recurring client of mine who solely trusted me and I found this very fulfilling. Having to make ‘The Dress’ for one of the most special days of a woman and be part of that journey is priceless.
Nigeria has come a long way in the last decade or so but we still have many parents who insist that their children should toe the path of more conventional careers. Did you face any resistance from your parents when you decided fashion designing was the way for you?
I would say I’m one of the lucky ones with extremely supportive parents who believe I can be the best at whatever I set my mind out to do. I can understand that pursuing a career in fashion design or any non-conventional field can sometimes face resistance from parents who prioritize more traditional career paths. It’s important to have open and honest conversations with our parents, explaining our passion and goals, and showcasing the potential for success in the chosen field. Our success is their ultimate goal anyway. Education and awareness about the opportunities, success stories and growth in creative industries can help bridge the gap and gain their support.
Tell us about the competition you won early in your career that further brought you into the limelight.
It was a one of a kind show in Nigeria at the time. Where famous African musical artists performed whilst fashion designers showcased their pieces on the runway. A great synergy for the entertainment industry that included music artists, designers, models, make up artists and so on. I won the designer of the year at the second edition of the music meets runway show and a cash prize of 3 million naira! But the more priceless was the title and recognition I enjoyed after that.
I have heard through the grapevine that some clients who reside abroad go as far as flying you over to attend to them. Perhaps for a wedding gown fitting; as I know you’re one of Nigeria’s leading designers, particularly in the area of wedding gowns and gowns generally. Was what I heard correct?
Is this a safe space to answer this question? Lol. I have been privileged to offer white glove services to clients in Dubai, London and the US.
It sounds funny to ask about your celebrity clients when you are a celebrity yourself. Still, are you at liberty to tell us who some of them are?
Every client we’ve dressed is celebrated, however I can’t help but mention someone like Tiwa Savage who is globally recognized and doing the Nation proud.
In any business, one is bound to have some difficult clients and then one is likely to have some clients who are a delight to work with too. Would you like to name a couple? And what makes them such a joy as clients?
There are few clients I’ve had that are every business owner’s nightmare but I’ll never name them…lol. However, Clients who effectively communicate their needs, expectations, and feedback, show appreciation and respect our expertise, give prompt and constructive feedback ‘directly’ and give grace when needed are the best and we’ve been blessed with so many of them.
Have you had the opportunity of giving back at all? Perhaps by lending a helping hand somehow to upcoming designers?
All the time! Every chance I get to give advice or proffer solutions to my colleagues and upcoming designers is a welcome opportunity to give back. From referrals to as much as helping to finish up a dress.
This is a two part question. Who has been your biggest inspiration professionally? Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
There are a few but they have similar stories. They almost gave up on their passion. Some even went bankrupt but came back stronger, remaining on top of their game whilst diversifying their skills into other sectors.
My Late mother
What advice would you offer to the teeming African youths who know where their passion lay but face resistance from their parents? And what advice would you offer to such parents?
Communicate openly, Engage in a respectful conversation with your parents. Express your passion, goals, and reasons for pursuing them. Help them understand your perspective and the potential opportunities your passion can offer. Show them that you are serious about pursuing your passion by taking practical steps. Develop a plan, set achievable goals, and share your progress with them. Research and share stories of individuals who have followed their passions and achieved success. Tell them how following your passion can lead to personal fulfillment, financial stability, and positive societal impact. Also, Connect with mentors or professionals in your desired field who can provide guidance and support. Their insights and experiences can reassure both you and your parents about the future of your chosen path.
To the parents, I would say take the time to listen to your child’s aspirations and passions. Try to understand their perspective and the reasons behind their choices.
Support your child in exploring their passion. Encourage them to learn more about it, engage in related activities, and gain practical experience.
Provide a safety net for them whilst expressing your concerns about the uncertainties of pursuing a passion and discuss potential backup plans. Encourage your child to consider education and training that could complement their passion.
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Olakunbi Oyelese is the Creative Director of April by Kunbi Limited, an international one stop bridal and lifestyle brand established in 2010.
A graduate of Mass Communication from Babcock University and also from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, Olakunbi always had a passion for fashion from her childhood days. In the course of her successful career, Olakunbi has won numerous awards, been on countless fashion-related panels and has mentored several fashion enthusiasts who went on to start their own successful fashion brands.
Olakunbi has been dubbed as a ‘creative genius’ and has also been involved in major interior design and turnkey projects. In 2021, she established her Ready-to-Wear fashion brand called Kunbí Lagos Living Limited.
Olakunbi is family-oriented, a dog lover and an unapologetic homebody.
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Any plans of expanding and opening a store outside of Nigeria?
Absolutely, it’s in the works already. Cities and countries will be announced in 2024 by God’s grace.
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