Eniola Robert, founder of Ennie Designs and Ennie Wears, is a multifaceted entrepreneur specializing in graphic and product design, branding, and printing solutions aimed at elevating SMEs. With a B.Sc. in Physics from Tai Solarin University, Nigeria, she has garnered awards like the ‘Best Graphic Designer of the Year’ from NAPS TASUED. Known for her creativity, innovation, and passion, Eniola is also behind Ennie Wears, a streetwear brand offering custom-made outfits for all body sizes, blending her love for art and fashion.

Our short interview with Eniola

• As a woman entrepreneur in the male-dominated field of software and design, what inspired you to enter this industry and pave your path?

As a woman entrepreneur in the male-dominated field of software and design, my inspiration stems from a desire to challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and empower other women to pursue their passions fearlessly. Being the first person, and female, to venture into the tech industry in my family, I felt a responsibility to pave the way for future generations and demonstrate that anything is possible with determination and hard work. Despite the challenges and biases prevalent in the industry, I saw an opportunity to make a difference and carve out my path. My passion for creativity and innovation, coupled with a determination to succeed, propelled me forward. I believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for driving innovation and shaping the future of the industry. Through resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, I am dedicated to making a lasting impact and creating opportunities for women in the tech industry.

• Can you share any experiences or challenges you’ve faced and overcome as a woman in the tech and design space?

As a woman in the tech and design space, I’ve encountered various challenges, including gender bias, stereotypes, and a lack of representation. One significant challenge was being underestimated or overlooked in professional settings due to my gender. I’ve had to work harder to prove myself and earn the respect of my peers and colleagues.
Additionally, there have been instances where I’ve felt isolated or marginalized in male-dominated environments, which made it challenging to voice my ideas and contributions effectively. Overcoming these obstacles required resilience, confidence, and a willingness to advocate for myself and others.
Despite the challenges, I’ve also had many rewarding experiences. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals, contribute to innovative projects, and make a meaningful impact through my work. Each challenge I’ve faced has only strengthened my resolve to succeed and inspired me to create a more inclusive and equitable industry for future generations of women in tech and design.

• Design is a dynamic field. How do you stay ahead of design trends and incorporate innovation into your software and design projects?

As a graphic designer, staying ahead of design trends and incorporating innovation into my projects is essential to delivering impactful and relevant work for my clients. To achieve this, I prioritize continuous learning to stay abreast of the latest design trends and technologies. I actively seek out online courses, training, and industry publications to expand my skill set and adapt to emerging design practices. This commitment to ongoing education enables me to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving field and deliver cutting-edge solutions to my clients.
In addition to formal education, I leverage research and observation to stay informed about current design trends. I regularly explore various design platforms, websites, and social media channels to identify patterns in design aesthetics, typography, color schemes, and user interfaces. By staying attuned to industry developments and consumer preferences, I can ensure that my designs resonate with target audiences and reflect contemporary design sensibilities.
Collaboration and networking also play a crucial role in my approach to design innovation. Engaging with fellow designers, creatives, and industry professionals through networking events, forums, and online communities such as Ingressive For Good allows me to exchange ideas, gather insights, and gain inspiration from diverse perspectives. These interactions foster creativity, encourage experimentation, and provide valuable opportunities for professional growth and development. Moreover, I embrace experimentation and creative exploration in my design process. By pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and thinking outside the box, I can discover innovative solutions to design problems and deliver impactful outcomes for my clients. This user-centric approach ensures that my designs are not only visually appealing but also functional, intuitive, and aligned with the end users’ preferences and expectations.

• Diversity and inclusion are crucial in the tech sector. How does your company actively contribute to fostering diversity, particularly in terms of gender representation and empowering women in the tech and design workforce?

As a business owner in the graphic design industry, fostering diversity and inclusion is a fundamental value that guides our company’s operations and initiatives. We recognize the importance of gender representation and are committed to empowering women in the tech and design workforce.
One way we actively contribute to fostering diversity is by implementing inclusive hiring practices. We strive to create a workplace environment that welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women and underrepresented groups. Our recruitment process prioritizes merit and talent, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of gender or background.
Moreover, we actively tutor and support women aspiring to pursue careers in tech and design. Through internship programs and training, we provide guidance, resources, and encouragement to help women develop their skills, build confidence, and advance in their careers. Additionally, we collaborate with educational institutions and community organizations to promote STEM education and offer internship opportunities to aspiring female designers.
Furthermore, we prioritize gender diversity in our leadership and decision-making processes. Our leadership team is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace culture where all voices are heard, valued, and respected. We actively seek input from diverse perspectives to inform our strategic decisions and drive innovation within the company.
In terms of our design projects, we prioritize inclusive and user-centric design principles.
We ensure that our products and services are accessible to people of all genders, ages, abilities, and backgrounds. By considering diverse perspectives and incorporating inclusive design practices, we can create solutions that better serve the needs of a broad range of users.
Overall, Ennie Designs is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in the tech and design sector by promoting gender representation, empowering women, and championing inclusive practices throughout our organization and projects. We believe that by embracing diversity, we can drive innovation, creativity, and success in our industry while creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

• Are there specific strategies or methodologies you employ to foster a collaborative and innovative environment within your team?

Creating a collaborative and innovative environment within our team is essential for driving creativity, problem-solving, and growth. We prioritize open communication channels, encouraging team members to freely share ideas, feedback, and insights. This approach fosters a culture of transparency and collaboration, enabling us to work effectively towards our goals. Cross-functional collaboration is another key aspect of our team dynamic. By bringing together individuals from different departments or disciplines, we leverage diverse perspectives and expertise to tackle challenges and drive innovation. This collaborative approach ensures that our solutions are comprehensive, well-rounded, and impactful. We also place a strong emphasis on continuous learning and development. We provide our team members with opportunities for professional growth, encouraging them to pursue courses, attend conferences, and participate in industry events. This commitment to ongoing education ensures that our team stays updated on the latest trends and technologies in graphic design and related fields.
Additionally, we celebrate both successes and failures as opportunities for learning and growth. Recognizing team achievements boosts morale and motivation while embracing failure as a natural part of the innovation process encourages risk-taking and experimentation. By fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and celebration, we create an environment where our team can thrive and deliver exceptional results for our clients.