Inspiration Could Come From A Million And One Different Things-- Tolulope Olaiya

Tolulope Olaiya is the Creative Director of Soleman Collection, a footwear outfit in Lagos that also specialises in men's shirts and other accessories. In this interview with TMG, she opens up about how her business took shape from dream to reality.

TMG> How long did you nurse the dream of becoming a designer before it became a reality.

Tolulope> I'm actually a footwear designer and maker, and I specialize in making shirts for men from fabrics like Ankara and Linen.

I had always wanted to become a footwear maker since my days at the University of Jos. It took me about 10 years to actualize this dream but I am happy I did.

TMG> What is your area of interest: designing or tailoring or both? 

Tolulope> I'm interested in both designing and production, but I must confess that the most fulfilling aspect of what I do is when something I have imagined and thought of in my head finally becomes a reality. Seeing the finished product is extremely fulfilling.

TMG> Did you go to a professional school to acquire the skills and what credentials did you earn through the program?

Tolulope> No, I didn't study Fashion formally, neither did I study anything related to fashion production.

However, while studying at University of Jos, I would spend some of my free time with the villagers at the Naraguta Leather Works.
That was the only kind of training I got- rather informal. Everything I've learnt since has been on the job really.

TMG> What type of clients do you  produce for - men/women; old/young; Nigerians or Western?

Tolulope> I actually serve a mixed blend of clients.

TMG> Who do you find easier to market your products to?

Tolulope> When it comes to footwear, both male and female customers. But for for my clothing line, we sew men's shirts for now but we're working on a collection for our female clients.
We also serve both the young and older clients too, it all depends on each individual's sense of style and taste.
It would be fantastic to market and focus on ready to wear products but I've come to find out over time that because you're a designer and you also produce, most clients would rather you took their measurements and make bespoke clothing to their specification. I'm not exactly sure why this is the case, but I guess it's mainly psychological.

TMG> Tell us about the very first outfit you designed and sewed: Was it for you? What were people's comments about it and how did it make you feel?

Tolulope>  I'm not certain I remember the first pair of shoes or outfit I made because it must have been many moons ago but what I do remember is the first time I saw a total stranger wearing something I had made. It was the most amazing feeling in the world, although I didn't get the opportunity to tell him he was wearing some of my products.

TMG>What inspires your designs?

Tolulope> I'm inspired by anything and everything in general. Sometimes, I'm inspired by just watching people walking and looking at their footwear; sometimes it could be from just sitting quietly and meditating or  while talking to someone who is enthusiastic about fashion and style.
Therefore, inspiration could come from a million and one different things.

TMG> What is your staff strength like?

Tolulope> At the moment, I've about ten employees working for me;
I have an Assistant, a Workshop Manager and 3 staff who work with him. We also have 3 apprentices at the workshop and presently, there are 2 Tailors who sew the shirts.

TMG> Give us an example of someone you have trained or mentored. Where did they start and where are they now?

Tolulope> We always have at least 2 or 3 people undergoing apprenticeship at the workshop at a time, a few of them have gone ahead and teamed up with others and are basically independent now. There's one young man in particular who trained under us and comes to work with us whenever we have large orders and need extra hands.

TMG> What challenges do you encounter and how do you handle them? 

Tolulope> Challenges are numerous but they also help to strengthen  and make you innovative. 
One major challenge we face just like a million other growing businesses in Nigeria is in raising money for a particular project. For instance, you might have a new collection but lack of funds would force you to wait almost 3 months for that particular collection to become a reality.

Most of the challenges emanate from being handicapped financially. At least, for me, personally.

TMG> Tell us about your management style and how you handle your Customers?

Tolulope> When it comes to managing my staff, I'm actually quite accommodating and I'm a strong believer in that famous Yoruba saying... Kö Shêy Dâ Shêy Which Means, "You Can't Do It Alone".
Everyone has something to offer, and I always insist on carrying all members of staff along whenever we're working on something, including the Apprentices. I Want everyone to feel some sense of commitment to the business because the success of the business is our collective success and not just mine alone. 

TMG> Tell us about an accomplishment that you are most proud of in your career?

Tolulope> I pride myself when it comes to my relationship with Customers. I'm a firm believer of the motto that says: 'the Customer Is Always Right'.
Therefore, I'll do almost anything and everything possible to make my customer happy. And if there's one thing I have never done and will never, ever do, is to compromise when it comes to the quality of my brand. That has become my strongest selling point till date and something I'm extremely proud of.

Apart from my relationship with Clients / Customers, I'm also extremely proud of the fact that I've been able to build a brand that is both durable and affordable. 
I'm almost certain two of our strongest selling points are the durability and affordability of our products, especially our footwear.

TMG> Tell us something you would like to learn or improve upon?  

Tolulope> One thing I'm not very good at and would like to improve on would be the ability to manage my time wisely, especially when it comes to my work time and my personal time (me time!) I find myself almost working round the clock and having absolutely no time to socialize at all. Networking and relaxation of any sort have become totally non- existent. I only get to relax whenever I am ill, and, of course, I'm forced to rest at that point.

Another thing I would love to improve on is book keeping. Even though I've got a professional book keeper who does my book keeping quarterly, I would love to be more professional when it comes To My day to day Book Keeping.

TMG> What other back-of-the positions have you previously held before going into fashion?

Tolulope> Once upon a time, I worked as a Public Relations Manager at The Eko Sauna And Gym when they were still affiliated to the Eko Hotel.

TMG> Who are your role models and what inspires you about them?

Tolulope> My role models are not necessarily people in fashion but, when it comes to the fashion industry, I'm a big fan of Adeola Sagoe- I've got a great deal of respect for her, not just as a designer but, as a business woman. I'm also a big fan of Oswald Boateng, for the same reasons. He's an amazing designer and a brilliant businessman.

I've got a great deal of respect and admiration for Mr Kunle Afolayan-  the Nigerian Actor, Film Maker, Producer and Director.
I also admire and respect my mother. She remains my number one role model.

TMG> What do you say to other youths to encourage them? 

Tolulope> I would advise young people to believe in themselves and in their dreams. I would also advise them to get an education, which doesn't necessarily mean getting a degree. These are two totally different things if you ask me. 

Young people should have faith in God first before anything else. Build a relationship with God, that is most important.