We had the good fortune of connecting with Folajimi Olawoyin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Folajimi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had conventional expectations to shatter, and a point to prove; that nothing is impossible to the mind that wills it. Mum used to be tailor, and I assisted a bit growing up. We made T-shirts and all, and she would have her tailors work them with the basic black head machines. But these clothes didn’t have a competitive finish like the ones at the boutique.
So I took it upon myself to use the same sewing machine, put a little extra attention to the finishes, and shoot for designs that we weren’t basic; but I started clueless, and didn’t go for any special trainings, or apprenticeships. I just figured it out as I went, and used books I could find.. I pretty much just went ahead to making other clothes just when each clothing type I had conquered felt too easy. Now we are making great suits, leather jackets, and about all imaginable men’s wear.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Okay. I like to regard myself as a “multipotentialite”. I am a creative songwriter, a music producer, a fashion designer, and I occasionally try my hands on photography as well. Firstly, I am proud of how far my fashion has come; being that it was build through series of uncertain trials, frustrations, rejections, but I thrived by being almost recklessly persistent, and exalting the vision above the turmoil. Now I am a more confident tailor and teacher at that. I do easily things one would assume impossible to the regular tailor.
I also took business classes and mingled with like-minds who don’t think conventionally; now I am better for it.

All my other creative expressions pretty much started the same. I trained for two months for music production, and practiced for the rest using the little I could gather.. I am now taking hours of classes to refine my output; but importantly, I show up everyday.

In hindsight, i know my life would’ve been easier and my learning fast paced, had I gotten a mentor or or sought experienced guidance be. I pretty much was just using what I had, where I was, and also nursing the fear of being a burden to anyone.
This stalled me tho. Now I’m offering guidance to as many as I can reach. But, in all and through the difficulties , I am doing all these now, and getting better still.

I’m pushing on all fronts, in hopes I don’t leave any of my creative potential unattended; and that I may be the source of inspiration to another who could be a thousand times greater. So everyday, I’d wake and try out something else along these lines someone said was impossible.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mum. Deserves a lot of credit. For prepping my heart and my self appraisal for all that was to come. My woman, Yewande for being a constant source of inspiration, and support.
My pastor and my church; I draw a lot of strength off my relationship with God, and the leadership has ensured my equipment along these lines.
Then a couple close friends, I would constantly and some occasionally have heart to heart conversations with. Thank you all.

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Linkedin: https://ng.linkedin.com/in/folajimiolawoyin

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/@JIMIOLAWOYIN

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