In a fast-evolving Fashion world Rhoe’s fashion brand has been able to meet up with creative designs that has attracted notable celebrities to her Fashion line. Let’s meet Oluwabusolami Ogunbona the CEO of RHOE.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
My name is Oluwabusolami Ogunbona, 26 years old and a native of Ogun state. I’m an ND holder in accounting from the polytechnic of Ibadan, an associate of Accounting technician and an undergraduate at the University of Lagos, studying Industrial relations and personnel management. I love reading, meeting people and designing.
HOW AND WHEN DID YOUR JOURNEY BEGIN?
I’ve been into Fashion since 2013 immediately after secondary school, during my National Diploma in 2015-2017, tailoring was my side hustle, I remember carrying my sewing machine from Lagos to Ibadan just to sustain myself.
After my ND in 2017, I came back to Lagos, then I realized I have to go back to an advanced fashion school, unfortunately, no funds to back up my desire, and then the birth of RHOE LEATHERCRAFT. I love anything that has to do with handcrafting, then I reached out to my friend who then introduced me to a shoemaker in the environment where I grew up.
I started learning shoemaking, and launched RHOE LEATHER CRAFT officially in 2018, in 2019, I started building a team then I focused on branding and marketing our products, The business grew and gained recognition in the space of 3 years through our topnotch craftsmanship, affordability and durability.
In late 2021, I decided to go back into Fashion design since I could now afford to go back to a fashion school, I mean that is my number one passion, lol. Our ready-to-wear line was officially launched in January 2022 and we kicked off with a team of 3, in the space of 12 months, we have grown to a team of 6, bigger operation space, served over 200 returning customers and our bespoke/bridal line also commenced service.
WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?
We do contemporary basically, We have two signature styles. The Alida set which is a two-piece short and top, we have sold over 250 sets. It comes in black, brown, pink, off white and other customized colours. Then the cord set was introduced on my birthday in July, this set also serve as a turning point for the brand.
WHO ARE YOUR IDEAL TARGET AUDIENCE
Our target audience are African women between the age of 20-55, who loves old and modern contemporary designs.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST MOMENT AS A DESIGNER?
My best moments are when we get clients’ positive feedback which in turn brings about multiple sales and referrals, and also when the brand attracted top celebrities and other prominent women like Toyin Aimakhu, and Adunni Ade, to mention a few. I felt really good that the brand attracted those personalities without reaching out to them or having any influencer deal with them. I was motivated to do more.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR WORST MOMENT AS A DESIGNER?
Uhmmmm none yet.. lol
ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR RESPONSE FROM CUSTOMER SATISFACTION?
Unmmm 7/10
WHAT MAKES YOUR BRAND DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?
I can proudly say the brand name has set us apart, we’ve had people patronize us because of the name “RHOE” our customer service and the quality of our fabrics have also set us apart, most importantly, our designs.
KINDLY SHARE TIPS FOR STAYING SUCCESSFUL IN THIS BUSINESS
1. Evolve; the fashion world is growing every day, it is advisable to stay afloat by learning new techniques, upgrading your skills, and trying other marketing methods to put your brand out there.
2. Carve a grand niche for your brand; the fashion industry is over-saturated, and it is advisable to be known for a particular aspect which you can do so well, when people need beautiful contemporary design or bridal blazers, I want them to think of RHOE.
3. Build a good personal brand, you are a walking billboard for your brand, show it.
4. Network with great-minded people in the industry and have access to mentors.
5. Pray, and place God above everything.
WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE START UPS WHO HAVE SIMILAR VISION AS YOU?
stay optimistic, Your dreams are valid, start with whatever you have and build on it.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
1. I’m a sociable introvert, if there is anything like that.. lol
2. Started entrepreneurship since I was 5
3. Sometimes I don’t kill pest like cockroach just to save their life
4. Humanity is my religion
5. I function better when I’m alone.
PLEASE SHARE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS
Whatsapp: 08141226352
IG: @busola_rhoe
Business handle: @__rhoe
