Meet Adeyoola Adedeji, the creative lead of Yola Fashions, who creates versatile, timeless bespoke pieces for each unique client. Her craft has earned her a spot in Exquisite Magazine, let’s read up on her story!
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BRAND
I am Adeyoola Adedeji. I’m a sales and marketing expert, a serial entrepreneur and a fashion designer.
HOW AND WHEN DID YOUR JOURNEY BEGIN?
My journey into the fashion world kicked off while I was an undergraduate at the University (OAU). I’d taken classes on the rudiments of tailoring during one of our long ASUU strikes in my early OAU days.
Fashion and designing became a passion I couldn’t divest myself of. So, it came as no surprise that my interests expanded even beyond my OAU days. During those years, I would make outfits for my family and my friends in school for some chicken feed. I got better and better at the craft, mostly self-taught.
My fashion business officially kicked off in 2019 as an African print ready-to-wear brand and evolved into custom-made designs.
Now, I am the Creative Lead of a fast-growing brand, @yola_fashions.
WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?
I’m invested in urban, unique and timeless pieces. Those never go out of trend or style.
WHO ARE YOUR IDEAL TARGET AUDIENCE?I focus on pro-fashion and trendy women of all sizes who have a desire to constantly stand out wearing their outfits whilst sporting some confidence and comfort.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST MOMENTS AS A DESIGNER?
I’ve had quite a few, but one that really holds a place in my heart and keeps me going was when a client surprised me with a gift. She reached out via Instagram that she wanted two outfits for an event but didn’t know what styles she wanted nor the fabrics to use, I told her to trust me with her choices and designs, and she was really impressed with the quality and delivery of the outfits despite the distance.
She offered me a tip, which was almost double the agreed cost. That was quite exciting and motivating, too. It’s one of the reasons I do not leave any stone unturned when working on a client’s order.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR WORST MOMENTS AS A DESIGNER?
Running a business in this country is not for the fainthearted, especially a fashion business. There are varying factors that have given me premium headaches on several occasions…(Lol)
The bane of dispatch riders is one. I lost a high-value client due to an irregularity in making a delivery. It was a devastating and frustrating experience. Well, to learn the tricks of a trade isn’t a walk in the park, but we soar on, nonetheless.
ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR RESPONSE FROM CUSTOMER SATISFACTION?
I would say 9, and that’s no hyperbole. There have been a few complaints here and there, but nothing significant to upset my pedigree as an outstanding couturiere or business in general. I also try my best to retain new and returning clients. It’s essential.
WHAT MAKES YOUR BRAND DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?
That will be the versatility and timelessness of my pieces, vibrancy of our prints, quality of our services and ability to interpret designs.
KINDLY SHARE TIPS TO STAYING SUCCESSFUL IN THIS BUSINESS
Be passionate about your craft and brand. Know your worth and do not compromise on it. Set achievable goals and guard them with all diligence. Sometimes you may experience difficulties running this business and may feel like giving up, but your passion, dedication and goal will definitely keep you going.
WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE TO START-UPS THAT HAVE SIMILAR VISIONS AS YOU DO?
Be confident in yourself. Don’t get discouraged or distracted.
Stay focused and consistent; the fashion industry is becoming overrun by new individuals with different ways, which may cause you to feel less confident in your ability.
However, I’d advise you to continue to work on your craft and develop your skills for your business and personality. Learning is a continuum. We must make it an everyday experience. That’s why I am a work in progress, too.
Seek mentorship if need be, and try to create a niche for yourself.
Most importantly, seek God’s guidance. Without Him, you’d be FRUSTRATED!
I take my own advice all the time, too.😂
SHARE 5 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU
LOL. I’d say I’m an ambivert. When it comes to my business, I can be everywhere about it. I find every opportunity to help/teach others as an honour.
I’m very easy and fun to work with. I play a lot (my close friends know this).
The slightest inconvenience gets to me, and you can easily tell, so I try as much as possible to avoid it.
I am a very passionate person, and when I want to do something for others, I can go out of my way at any time.
PLEASE SHARE THE CONTACT DETAIL YOU WISH TO BE MADE PUBLIC
Instagram: @yola_fashions
Email: adeyoola94@gmail.com
