Samuel Anefu’s journey into the fashion industry can be traced back to his childhood when the seeds of creativity were sown from watching his mother’s skillful hands at work designing her own clothes. As he observed her meticulous attention to detail, he unknowingly absorbed the essence of design and the love for fashion.

His fascination with the world of fashion began to take shape during his secondary school days when he boldly declared his dream of establishing his own fashion brand. Upon entering the university, his first venture was designing and selling fashion accessories.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point for Samuel when he seized the opportunity to unleash his creativity by launching a collection of streetwear which eventually became the cornerstone of Jaykole Fashion Empire’s identity.

Jaykole Fashion Empire is more than just a clothing brand; it’s a celebration of love and self-acceptance. Samuel’s vision is clear: to empower individuals to embrace their uniqueness and become better versions of themselves through fashion.

Guided by the lessons imparted by Bishop Oyedepo, he learned the value of patience and embracing each step of growth. His understanding that success is a gradual process, akin to a child’s development, allowed him to overcome the temptation of comparison and focus on his own evolution.

Speaking about his entrepreneurship experience, he says:

“Entrepreneurship is filled with risks and rewards, challenges and triumphs. I see it like a child, whereby when a child is sick, you don’t give up on them but run around to get the best treatment. It is a journey with lots of ups and downs.”

Samuel’s journey reached new heights when he was recognized by the 25 Under 25 Awards.

“The impact was profound. Congratulatory calls and messages were pouring in from every corner.”

The win strengthened client trust and validated his brand’s legitimacy. Doors of opportunity swung open wider, expanding his customer base and reinforcing his commitment to excellence.

Samuel’s advice to young entrepreneurs echoes the importance of mentorship, knowledge, and avoiding unnecessary comparison.

“Find a mentor. It may not necessarily be someone you have to communicate with daily. It could be an industry leader that you look up to. 

Secondly, have background knowledge about the industry you are delving into, because before diving into a body of water, you must know its depth. Having background knowledge about what you are going into will help you put in the right structure.

Thirdly, go at your own pace. Comparison isn’t needed at all.”

As Jaykole Fashion Empire’s influence keeps growing and touching lives in meaningful ways, the inspiring journey of this visionary brand truly warms our hearts at SME100 Africa. It serves as a significant accomplishment that resonates deeply with us.