Olamide Agunloye is the brain behind the popular fashion brand, Iconola and concession store, BLK building. She opens up on turning her passion for
Olamide Agunloye is the brain behind the popular fashion brand, Iconola and concession store, BLK building. She opens up on turning her passion for fashion and real estate into reality and living the life she envisioned for herself
You have been away from the limelight for a while now. Is there a reason for this?
I am naturally a very quiet person and introverted as well. I also have super high expectations of myself and my business, and I don’t believe in celebrating prematurely or beating an empty drum. For now, what I do with BLK is beyond just me and Iconola my fashion brand. It’s a platform and business idea that serves the fashion industry as a whole. It is important to sensitise fashion entrepreneurs about it.
I am naturally a very quiet person and introverted as well. I also have super high expectations of myself and my business, and I don’t believe in celebrating prematurely or beating an empty drum. For now, what I do with BLK is beyond just me and Iconola my fashion brand. It’s a platform and business idea that serves the fashion industry as a whole. It is important to sensitise fashion entrepreneurs about it.
Now you are back with a bang. What is BLK all about?
In simple terms, it is a concession store. But we don’t stop at displaying fashion goods and services, we also do marketing and retail services for the brands we enrol. We provide photography, content creation services and also reports and remissions.
In simple terms, it is a concession store. But we don’t stop at displaying fashion goods and services, we also do marketing and retail services for the brands we enrol. We provide photography, content creation services and also reports and remissions.
What informed your decision to set up a lifestyle retail space?
The idea is to have different brands consolidate under one roof to save rental and operational costs, while also keeping proper account of inventory and sales trends. In the past, 2019 through 2020, I had few brands stock with me for a fee and they also asked to utilise my service providers and space, and it made me realise that there was a market for it. It took a prophesy and a lot of prayer to identify that it will be structured this way and to this magnitude. So, I let life lead and teach me and now I have put forward everything I am passionate about and all that I learned along the way.
The idea is to have different brands consolidate under one roof to save rental and operational costs, while also keeping proper account of inventory and sales trends. In the past, 2019 through 2020, I had few brands stock with me for a fee and they also asked to utilise my service providers and space, and it made me realise that there was a market for it. It took a prophesy and a lot of prayer to identify that it will be structured this way and to this magnitude. So, I let life lead and teach me and now I have put forward everything I am passionate about and all that I learned along the way.
How long has this been in the making?
In early 2021, the idea was super clear to me. It’s taken three years from drafting drawings and business plans and projects, to fundraising to being operational. It’s a huge labour of love of fashion for me
In early 2021, the idea was super clear to me. It’s taken three years from drafting drawings and business plans and projects, to fundraising to being operational. It’s a huge labour of love of fashion for me
With so many lifestyle retail spaces in the city, what is so unique about yours?
Our uniqueness is twofold. On one hand, what we offer, and our services are different. The unique offer is that it’s free to enlist. And we only take commissions. We also develop content for marketing for our enrolled brands and we encourage the brands to join in the PR and invite their customers to our space. The space itself is the major unique offer. The size, layout and interior decor is beautiful, if I must say so myself. It offers ease of display and shopping satisfying both the brand owners and the shopping clientele.
Our uniqueness is twofold. On one hand, what we offer, and our services are different. The unique offer is that it’s free to enlist. And we only take commissions. We also develop content for marketing for our enrolled brands and we encourage the brands to join in the PR and invite their customers to our space. The space itself is the major unique offer. The size, layout and interior decor is beautiful, if I must say so myself. It offers ease of display and shopping satisfying both the brand owners and the shopping clientele.
Is this like an introduction to your foray into real estate or is it a one-off thing?
I have been into real estate for 10 years and counting. I do renovations, remodelling and interior decor mostly, but I have done a couple of developments. This keeps me busy, but it also helps me see what opportunities lie in real estate for fashion entrepreneurs. I have a lot of ideas about real estate solutions for different industries. It is my thought solution for fashion entrepreneurs and how I marry my love for both fashion and construction work. With the consideration that brands can pay well for space on the Island. This is also my way of pulling the lightbulb switch and saying, save your money for creativity. This type of collaboration helps us do that.
I have been into real estate for 10 years and counting. I do renovations, remodelling and interior decor mostly, but I have done a couple of developments. This keeps me busy, but it also helps me see what opportunities lie in real estate for fashion entrepreneurs. I have a lot of ideas about real estate solutions for different industries. It is my thought solution for fashion entrepreneurs and how I marry my love for both fashion and construction work. With the consideration that brands can pay well for space on the Island. This is also my way of pulling the lightbulb switch and saying, save your money for creativity. This type of collaboration helps us do that.
What are some of the factors that determines those you curate for BLK?
Beautiful, quality and consistent work is what we need There are lots of fashion brands out there now. People who are established can join, and people who are new can join. As long as their products are well done and beautiful. We look for quality and aesthetics.
Beautiful, quality and consistent work is what we need There are lots of fashion brands out there now. People who are established can join, and people who are new can join. As long as their products are well done and beautiful. We look for quality and aesthetics.
How is Iconola, your fashion brand doing?
Iconola is doing fine and still growing. I can’t lie that there have been times I wanted to stop doing the brand, because like I said fashion brands bleed out funds for rent and operational cost that don’t make business sense. I have often thought I am working for my landlord and the tailors and sometimes even the customers. But with new styles and strategies in place, we keep moving forward. I am also relaunching our bridal line before the end of the year, so we look forward to that also.
Iconola is doing fine and still growing. I can’t lie that there have been times I wanted to stop doing the brand, because like I said fashion brands bleed out funds for rent and operational cost that don’t make business sense. I have often thought I am working for my landlord and the tailors and sometimes even the customers. But with new styles and strategies in place, we keep moving forward. I am also relaunching our bridal line before the end of the year, so we look forward to that also.
How old is it now?
I started Iconola in 2003, so it’s a full-blown adult now. It is 21 years old this year.
I started Iconola in 2003, so it’s a full-blown adult now. It is 21 years old this year.
You pride yourself on being the first Ankara RTW (ready to wear) company in Nigeria. At the time you started it, what was the reception like?
Well, we started, only a very small handful of people were receptive to it. Customers were territorial with the styles they bought from me. I also feel like other designers thought I wasn’t really designing cos in the service of bigger markets, you curtail creativity. But now, everywhere one looks there is a RTW brand, and I must say, a lot of our old styles are what people are still copying and that is a huge compliment. For me, having a vision has nothing to do with what you see or hear, you just have to follow your vision.
Well, we started, only a very small handful of people were receptive to it. Customers were territorial with the styles they bought from me. I also feel like other designers thought I wasn’t really designing cos in the service of bigger markets, you curtail creativity. But now, everywhere one looks there is a RTW brand, and I must say, a lot of our old styles are what people are still copying and that is a huge compliment. For me, having a vision has nothing to do with what you see or hear, you just have to follow your vision.
Over the years, so many fashion brands offering RTW collection have since sprung up and competition has become quite stiff. How have you managed to stay on top of your game?
With Iconola, we create what we will love to wear or see people wearing. Our production process is fast and seamless. Our customers love the cut and styles and that’s enough for us. Our price points are reasonable also, so it doesn’t damage their bank accounts. To be honest, I think the one thing I don’t do is keep up with the joneses. I honestly never look at what others are doing. The market is huge and the population is bigger. I can’t imagine that I alone want to service that market. I got over a lot of the egoistic urges of being a creative a long long time ago. I just create. I don’t compete and I don’t compare.
With Iconola, we create what we will love to wear or see people wearing. Our production process is fast and seamless. Our customers love the cut and styles and that’s enough for us. Our price points are reasonable also, so it doesn’t damage their bank accounts. To be honest, I think the one thing I don’t do is keep up with the joneses. I honestly never look at what others are doing. The market is huge and the population is bigger. I can’t imagine that I alone want to service that market. I got over a lot of the egoistic urges of being a creative a long long time ago. I just create. I don’t compete and I don’t compare.
How do you see competition, are you afraid of it particularly from younger designers?
I am inspired by the new designs and designers. I also appreciate that the entire fashion scene has changed. We are bolder, more daring and more fashionable. It’s a joy to watch. One of the reasons we created BLK is because I love collaboration. I think when people come together, they do better than when they claim a piece of the action.
I am inspired by the new designs and designers. I also appreciate that the entire fashion scene has changed. We are bolder, more daring and more fashionable. It’s a joy to watch. One of the reasons we created BLK is because I love collaboration. I think when people come together, they do better than when they claim a piece of the action.
What are some of the tricks you applied to evolve while remaining authentic?
Focus. That’s the main thing. I focus on my business. I was lucky to be pushed into the construction and interior space, which also bites into my attention cookie. So, I honestly don’t have time to pay attention to anything else. My kids are there, my home, my office, my store, my sites. I am tapped at the end of it all. If I don’t focus on the stuff before me, there is no way I wouldn’t have derailed.
Focus. That’s the main thing. I focus on my business. I was lucky to be pushed into the construction and interior space, which also bites into my attention cookie. So, I honestly don’t have time to pay attention to anything else. My kids are there, my home, my office, my store, my sites. I am tapped at the end of it all. If I don’t focus on the stuff before me, there is no way I wouldn’t have derailed.
Besides operational cost and rent like you mentioned, what are some of the other major challenges you have had to deal with as a designer?
Like I said, operational cost and rent are major, one needs to stay on top of it. It is hard when one makes money and then has so many bills to pay. Even when you work from home, it takes up a chunk of your real estate. Many times, fashion entrepreneurs don’t take account of what they are spending, both time and space. Sometimes we think we are making money but when we sit with the books, we realise we aren’t. Another challenge is structure. And I say this because the kind of staff we hire are the ones who resist structure the most.
Like I said, operational cost and rent are major, one needs to stay on top of it. It is hard when one makes money and then has so many bills to pay. Even when you work from home, it takes up a chunk of your real estate. Many times, fashion entrepreneurs don’t take account of what they are spending, both time and space. Sometimes we think we are making money but when we sit with the books, we realise we aren’t. Another challenge is structure. And I say this because the kind of staff we hire are the ones who resist structure the most.
How have those challenges shaped you to become who you are today as a person and as a fashion designer?
It’s always against all odds. One keeps moving and growing and for me, I take hits quickly at life when it’s time to bend and change course. I was very protective of my initial dreams. I had to pray and open up myself to move into other areas without feeling like I will have to abandon my initial passions.
It’s always against all odds. One keeps moving and growing and for me, I take hits quickly at life when it’s time to bend and change course. I was very protective of my initial dreams. I had to pray and open up myself to move into other areas without feeling like I will have to abandon my initial passions.
Have you always wanted to be a fashion designer, what is your story?
I wanted to make money as a child. And I was smart, so I picked Petroleum Engineering. But fashion chose me. Art and design flows through me in a way I have never been able to control, and I haven’t ever tried. I changed my major in my second year in the university and the rest is history.
I wanted to make money as a child. And I was smart, so I picked Petroleum Engineering. But fashion chose me. Art and design flows through me in a way I have never been able to control, and I haven’t ever tried. I changed my major in my second year in the university and the rest is history.
How would you define the correlation between real estate and fashion designing?
The real correlation between real estate and fashion design is design. It’s filling up empty spaces with ideas. Either on a human form or empty space. The easy way to say it is, we dress a person, we dress a space. There are aesthetic rules to follow for both. You follow it diligently and spice it up here and there and you are good to go. I like to push my processes into the mix. I like speed and I like accuracy. So, when I sew or work on a project, it’s my prerogative to save time and money on the process, and still make the outcome beautiful.
The real correlation between real estate and fashion design is design. It’s filling up empty spaces with ideas. Either on a human form or empty space. The easy way to say it is, we dress a person, we dress a space. There are aesthetic rules to follow for both. You follow it diligently and spice it up here and there and you are good to go. I like to push my processes into the mix. I like speed and I like accuracy. So, when I sew or work on a project, it’s my prerogative to save time and money on the process, and still make the outcome beautiful.
Which do you love to do most?
I always think it is the same thing. You dress a space or you dress a person. I don’t even know which is easier to do anymore. I just feel I’m a creative. Things speak to me. The way I’ll see a person in a dress and envision a dress fitting their body and shape is also how I envision a finished space when it is still undone. The space talks to me and I can immediately tell what I’ll use a corner to do. The way I will sketch a dress is the same way I will sketch a space.
You have a privileged background. Did this in anyway make things easy for you business wise or did you have to work your way up on your own?
I have worked my way up myself. I grew up with a man who made it himself and believes that’s the way to do it in life. We were raised with that value. You can make your own money, so I have never felt entitled in my life. For that, I am grateful. I enjoy working and I don’t believe in retirement. Everything I have is my hard and smart work and the grace and mercy of God.
I have worked my way up myself. I grew up with a man who made it himself and believes that’s the way to do it in life. We were raised with that value. You can make your own money, so I have never felt entitled in my life. For that, I am grateful. I enjoy working and I don’t believe in retirement. Everything I have is my hard and smart work and the grace and mercy of God.
Haven been in the fashion industry for this length of time, are you into some kind of mentorship for people looking to have a career in fashion?
I definitely mentored quite a number of fashion brand owners in 2020, during the COVID lockdown, and part of what’s available under the BLK platform is mentorship and consulting. I have also trained students in pattern making as that’s one of my main skills.
I definitely mentored quite a number of fashion brand owners in 2020, during the COVID lockdown, and part of what’s available under the BLK platform is mentorship and consulting. I have also trained students in pattern making as that’s one of my main skills.
Who are the people you take inspiration from in the fashion industry and why?
I used to take inspiration from some particular people in the industry but to be honest, inspiration overload is now what is available. I would not say it’s this person or that person anymore. I open Pinterest or Instagram and just resonate with quite a bit, and I go from there.
I used to take inspiration from some particular people in the industry but to be honest, inspiration overload is now what is available. I would not say it’s this person or that person anymore. I open Pinterest or Instagram and just resonate with quite a bit, and I go from there.
What would you consider your greatest achievement in life so far?
My greatest achievement will always be my three boys. Also, because I couldn’t have done that without God. Everything else stems from me and my effort but with my boys, it’s all God.
My greatest achievement will always be my three boys. Also, because I couldn’t have done that without God. Everything else stems from me and my effort but with my boys, it’s all God.
You ended your marriage due to domestic abuse. Have you remarried? Are you looking to give marriage a second chance?
I haven’t remarried and I am not looking to remarry but like I said before, I am only going with God and if God stirs me the marrying way, I will follow. It’s been me and my boys and wanting to provide as much stability for them as I can. I, especially when I was younger, believed that remarrying was not the best thing for me and my boys. And with my situation, a lot of healing must take place before I can embrace the next phase of my life in that regard.
I haven’t remarried and I am not looking to remarry but like I said before, I am only going with God and if God stirs me the marrying way, I will follow. It’s been me and my boys and wanting to provide as much stability for them as I can. I, especially when I was younger, believed that remarrying was not the best thing for me and my boys. And with my situation, a lot of healing must take place before I can embrace the next phase of my life in that regard.
What are some of the qualities you desire in your ideal man?
I pray that if its God’s plan, he will bring me a good, generous and healthy man.
