1) Can you introduce yourself briefly?

My name is Yomi Odutola and I work in the Leather crafts industry designing ladies hand bags and other small leather goods such as wallets and pouches.

2) What inspired you to start your business?

I got requests at the children’s shoe store I ran to make replicas of the bags we had for little girls for ladies, and after making a few on requests, we decided to launch a collection called Joela Leather.

3) How has living in Lagos influenced you and your brand?

I was born in Lagos at Island Maternity… There has never a dull moment here. While I don’t understand some excesses, I truly appreciate others and it has definitely influenced my creativity amongst other things.

4) Can you name a few Challenges you’ve encountered along the way and how you overcame them?

One of the major challenge I’ve had is not having a bricks and mortar store. I’ve had to organize pop ups and tea parties which fortunately have been successful. To overcome that, I’m having a concession with a popular Lagos based clothing line. Will keep you posted.

5) In your opinion what skill sets do you think every Lagosian should possess to attain a level of success?

I think if you identify where your core skills lie, improve on them as often as you can and put in your very best, you’ll succeed. Yes, people will disappoint you, government policies and officials may turn some progress on its head. However, as long as it’s a core skill you thoroughly enjoy, the joy will keep sending you back.

6) What are your biggest achievements?

My most fulfilling achievement is being able to start an initiative where we give out new School shoes to less privileged children (foot.farm). I also love the fact that when women carry the Joela bag, they always come back to say the bags make them happy… people stop them to pay compliments. And we all know how that makes us feel

7) Where do you hope to see your business in the next 5- 10 years?

I love creating… that’s the sweetest part of this business. I would love to have Joela bags in stores across countries and also design for bigger labels.

9) What is your most memorable experience in Lagos?

One of my most memorable times will be my years at the University of Lagos (Unilag). I couldn’t even imagine going to another state. I got a sense of what real life would be and although it wasn’t all good, I had a great time there.