• Congratulations on winning the Fashion category at the 25 Under 25 Awards 2023! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind The Emoji Brand and your focus on customized collections?

The brand started from my love for art and the idea of speaking or let me say communicating through clothing. The Emoji brand draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of life itself. Each collection is a reflection of diverse cultures, art forms, nature’s beauty, and the dynamic spirit of individuality. We believe that clothing should not just be worn but celebrated as a form of self-expression and storytelling. Our focus on customized collections stems from our deep belief in the power of personalization. We understand that every individual is unique, with their style preferences, body shapes, and personalities. By offering customized options, we empower our customers to co-create their fashion journey, ensuring that each piece they wear is a perfect representation of their identity and vision. Ultimately, our brand’s inspiration and dedication to customized collections are rooted in the idea of celebrating diversity, fostering creativity, and providing a platform for self-expression in the world of fashion.

• How do you approach creating personalized pieces for clients and what sets your customization services apart?

Creating personalized pieces for our clients is a deeply collaborative and meticulous process at our fashion brand. We start by listening attentively to our clients’ desires, understanding their style preferences, body shapes, and the occasions they wish to dress for. This initial dialogue forms the foundation of our customization journey. What sets our customization services apart is our commitment to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the seamless integration of modern technology. Our team of skilled artisans and I the designer work closely with each client, offering our expert guidance and suggestions while incorporating their unique inputs and ideas. From selecting fabrics of the highest quality to crafting intricate embellishments and ensuring impeccable fit, every aspect of the customization process is handled with utmost care and dedication. In essence, what sets our customization services apart is our unwavering commitment to delivering personalized excellence, creating timeless pieces that resonate with our clients’ identities and aspirations.

• Receiving such a prestigious award must have been a significant milestone in your career. How has this recognition impacted your brand’s growth and the way you approach your craft?

Receiving the prestigious award was indeed a significant milestone in my career, one that has profoundly impacted both my brand’s growth and my approach to crafting fashion. The recognition served as validation of our dedication to excellence, innovation, and creativity in the fashion industry. The recognition has fueled a sense of motivation and responsibility within me as an entrepreneur and a designer. It has reinforced my commitment to pushing boundaries, exploring new territories, and continuously striving for perfection in every aspect of my designs and craft. I approach each collection with a renewed passion, drawing inspiration from diverse sources and embracing innovative techniques to create truly exceptional pieces. Additionally, the award has enhanced our brand’s credibility and reputation, earning the trust and loyalty of discerning fashion enthusiasts worldwide. This trust has translated into increased demand for our customized services, as clients seek out our brand not just for stylish garments but for personalized experiences that resonate with their unique tastes and preferences. The impact of receiving such a prestigious award has been transformative, fueling our brand’s growth, elevating the way we approach fashion craftsmanship, and inspiring us to reach greater heights of creativity and excellence in the dynamic world of fashion, especially in this part of the world.

• Lagos is known for its vibrant fashion scene. How does the city influence your designs and the overall aesthetic of “The Emoji Brand”?

Lagos is a happening city. The city’s dynamic energy, rich cultural heritage, and diverse style influences play a significant role in shaping our creative vision and approach. One of the key ways Lagos influences our designs is through its fusion of traditional African elements with modern trends. Moreover, Lagos’s cosmopolitan nature and melting pot of cultures contribute to a diverse fashion landscape, where bold patterns, vibrant colors, and eclectic styles coexist harmoniously. This diversity is reflected in some of our designs, as we embrace a range of aesthetics, from classic elegance to avant-garde statements, catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of our clientele. Additionally, Lagos’s bustling streets, vibrant art scenes, and spirited fashion events provide a constant source of creative stimulation. We incorporate elements of street style, urban influences, and the city’s ever-evolving trends into our designs, ensuring that our collections remain relevant, fresh, and reflective of the contemporary fashion zeitgeist. Lagos’s vibrant fashion scene serves as a dynamic backdrop that continually inspires and informs our design ethos, infusing our brand with a distinctive aesthetic that celebrates the city’s cultural richness, creativity, and spirit of individuality. We draw inspiration from the city’s colorful markets and indigenous craftsmanship, infusing these elements into our collections to create a unique blend of heritage and contemporary flair. We look forward to dropping a T-shirt collection that is Lagos-themed shortly.

• Collaboration often plays a vital role in the fashion industry. Have you worked with other designers or brands? If so, how have these partnerships contributed to your brand’s success?

We have had several conversations on collaborations with other specific brands as we can’t just work with everyone even if they are willing to work with us, we do our due diligence and have a calendar to follow. We haven’t had the opportunity to collaborate with other fashion brands; however, we have successfully partnered with several lifestyle brands, leading to fruitful collaborations and we will be doing more. Looking ahead, we are excited about the prospect of collaborating with fashion brands, especially as we prepare for our upcoming fashion show and exhibition. We might be dropping joint collections with some fashion brands that are in conversation with us.

• Sustainable fashion has become increasingly important. How can brands incorporate sustainable practices when designing custom pieces?

Incorporating sustainable practices into custom wear design is not only important but also necessary in today’s fashion landscape. There are several ways brands can embrace sustainability while creating personalized wear some of which are: Material selection, Local sourcing, Minimal waste, Quality over quantity, Customization for longevity, Ethical production, Packaging and shipping, and lastly Education and communication. By integrating these sustainable practices into custom wear design, brands can contribute positively to environmental conservation, promote ethical fashion practices, and meet the growing demand for sustainable clothing options among conscious consumers. The Emoji Brand incorporates sustainable practices in our collections as we try to make all our pieces timeless and never go out of trend.

• Your brand has a strong presence online and offline. How do you use both digital platforms and retail spaces to reach your target audience and grow your customer base?

Our brand’s strong presence both online and offline is a strategic approach aimed at reaching our target audience effectively and growing our customer base. Here’s how we leverage digital platforms and retail spaces to achieve these goals: Digital platform integration, Social media engagement, E-commerce optimization, omnichannel strategy, Retail space experience, Customer relationship management, and Data-driven insights. By strategically leveraging digital platforms and retail spaces, we create synergies that amplify our brand’s reach, engage our target audience effectively, drive customer acquisition and retention, and ultimately, foster sustainable growth and success. Everyone knows that social media is the new market square so we get to reach our target audience and bring them offline to connect with our brand in our space and during exhibitions.

• As an aspiring fashion designer, what advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs trying to make their mark in the competitive fashion industry?

As an aspiring fashion designer aiming to make a mark in the competitive fashion industry, my advice to other young entrepreneurs is: Define Your Unique Voice! Stay curious! Build a Strong Network! Understand your Audience and listen to their feedback! Focus on Quality and Sustainability! Stay Passionate and Stay True! 

The truth is; it is easier said than done but the ability to not give up when it gets tough is going to take you farther than you can ever imagine.