Meet Ayomiposi Makinde, CEO of iLOMANYY, Proudly Black-Owned + Women Owned
“What sets iLOMANYY apart is our dedication to vegan products. We prioritize artisanal skill, focusing on crafting luxury handbags that serve as masterpieces while using globally sourced materials. We firmly believe that true luxury extends beyond product quality, but the entirety of the consumer experience.” – Ayomiposi Makinde
Ayomiposi Makinde is a visionary designer and entrepreneur with a passion for redefining the world of fashion. From a young age, her fascination with fashion and design was evident. At just eight years old, she discovered herself evaluating her father’s choice of clothing and offering advice on his attire. She naturally gravitated toward tasks related to decor and design, signaling her innate sense of style.
In 2021, Ayomiposi transformed her passion into a profession by founding iLOMANYY. Renowned for its chic, minimalist aesthetic and luxurious vegan leather handbags, iLOMANYY has a proud status as a black and women-owned enterprise. Each creation is a testament to her dedication, meticulously fashioned with an unwavering focus on detail and utilizing only the finest materials sourced globally.
Today, her vision extends beyond mere fashion; it’s about empowering individuals to embrace their uniqueness and make bold statements through their personal style.
Takeaways:
- Ayomiposi Makinde’s fascination with fashion and design has been evident since as little as eight years old.
- -iLOMANYY is renowned for its chic, minimalist aesthetic, luxurious vegan leather handbags, and proud status as a black and women-owned enterprise.
- iLOMANYY is committed to exceeding expectations in every aspect of the brand experience.
Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us in your words, about your inspiring story?
I was born and raised in Nigeria in a family of four. From an early age, I’ve been drawn to the realms of fashion and design. I distinctly recall moments from when I was around eight years old when my father would ask for my opinion on his attire, a ritual that underscored my budding interest in style. Tasks related to decor and design naturally became my responsibility.
After moving to the United States in 2012, I landed my first job at Macy’s. As I started thinking about turning my passion into a business, I realized how much I’d learned from working at Macy’s. I was checking out different brands, and seeing their styles and how they stayed consistent shaped my vision for building my brand iLOMANYY.
We all face challenges, but looking back, what have been some of the biggest challenges and pitfalls you’ve had to navigate?
The past year, 2023, was a real challenge for me in terms of creating. At that time, I found myself doing most of the workload alone. From content creation to graphic design for the website and even managing photoshoots, it felt like I was juggling too much. There were moments when I felt on the verge of giving up because, despite pouring so much effort into these tasks, the returns were minimal. It seemed like all that hard work was going to waste.
However, conversations with family members, especially my fiance, helped me gain a new perspective. They reminded me that great things take time. Moreover, learning to collaborate with others for the company’s betterment was a huge relief.
What are the three most important habits to be a successful entrepreneur?
The first is continuous learning and seeking guidance. Acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers and embrace the process of seeking knowledge through questions, learning opportunities, and seminars. Surround yourself with experienced individuals who can provide insights into various aspects of business.
The second habit is being strategic with investments. Understand the importance of investing in your business for long-term growth, even if it means facing initial costs. Recognize that putting money into the business is an essential step towards its development and sustainability. Additionally, be open to the idea of hiring professionals or experts when necessary, as their expertise can contribute significantly to your company’s success.
Lastly, doing design testing and getting feedback. Recognize that personal preferences may not always align with your target audience’s. It’s essential to test your designs and ideas with a select group of individuals to gather feedback and insights. Incorporating input from multiple sources can refine your designs and elevate them to a higher standard, ultimately improving their appeal and marketability.
Does your company help the community where it is located?
At iLOMANYY, we’re all about giving back to our friends, family, and community. Whether it’s hosting seminars for kids or donating bags to different schools, we’re all in. One of the ways we make a difference is by involving people. I’ve had the privilege of working with some fantastic models and I am always eager to showcase their talents, giving them the recognition they deserve. It’s all about letting others see their incredible work and be blown away by their skills.
Looking ahead, I have big dreams of creating a non-profit organization. In my home country, Nigeria, there’s so much hardship, especially for kids, and it breaks my heart. I want to do my part to make a difference. It’s tough to wake up every day and witness people suffering, but I’m determined to make an even more significant impact, one step at a time.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
What often intimidates people the most is the fear of failure. The thought of experiencing defeat can be paralyzing, preventing many from even beginning their ventures. Countless ideas never see the light of day due to fear. I’ve come to understand that failure is a natural part of the process; you stumble, pick yourself up, and learn to move forward. Embracing this mindset has enabled me to overcome my fear of failure and continue creating.
Can you share any specific examples of how you have successfully built and maintained strategic partnerships or collaborations?
What sets iLOMANYY apart is our dedication to vegan products. We prioritize artisanal skill, focusing on crafting luxury handbags that serve as masterpieces while using globally sourced materials. We firmly believe that true luxury extends beyond product quality, but the entirety of the consumer experience.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
One of my favorite quotes is, “growing over life.” This mantra resonates deeply with the essence of iLOMANYY. When I first encountered this quote, it sparked an idea, particularly during creating the Vela bag, where I chose to feature it on the bag. Looking back on my journey, from where I began to where I stand now, iLOMANYY has itself evolved and is thriving.
What can you tell our readers about what’s next for yourself and your company?
Get ready for a range of new and exciting handbag releases, with different colors, sizes, and textures to choose from. Stay tuned for a luxurious selection of fresh designs that meets a variety of tastes and needs. I also want to empower individuals to make bold statements with their style!
Stay tuned for the release of iLOMANYY’s next collection!
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Melissa Stewart is the founder of SheOwnsIt.com. She is a Purveyor of Possibility, Entrepreneur Advocate and Coffee Addict. She believes that behind every successful woman is her story. What’s your story?
