I have a Higher National Diploma in Estate Management and Valuation from The Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State.

I decided to learn a male-dominated craft out of divine direction, a friend’s idea and my love for footwear. Also, my mother is my source of inspiration.

I started with no money. When I started the journey, I had no money. I don’t have any business background, and this is my first entrepreneurial endeavour. I really wanted it to work out, and I put in the work. After four years of craftsmanship, it takes a lot of hard work, consistency, patience and resilience to get to this stage. I am also enjoying the supernatural backing of God.

First, I see my inner self and strength as my competitors. In a nutshell, I compete with myself to get better than who I was yesterday, creating and recreating ‘magic’. I just want to get better in my craft.

I received support from friends and family, because I cannot do it all by myself. Support could be in any form, including an idea or words of motivation.

I have encountered countless obstacles that were enough to discourage me, but I persisted with the right attitude. One of them was being called an independent lady, because people believed I did not need help, whereas I am always in my corner, calling for help. Being a female shoemaker is another challenge, because many people think I cannot make them the best shoes, unlike a male shoemaker will. However, I always prove the adage that, ‘What a man can do, a woman can do better’. The future is definitely female.

I believe that whatever any renowned designer can do can also be achieved by me; even better. I study shoemaking trends I see from international brands, and try to do better, because my inner strength makes me believe my brand will be an international one as well.

I am a natural dreamer. However, I am willing to always put in the work required to achieve my dreams. When it comes to my business highlights, I think I am not doing enough for myself yet, but I use social media, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. I have made myself a promise that with the help of God, I would establish a shoemaking factory soon. That will help me to empower other youths (both male and female), and train them how to make shoes skillfully.

Yes, the business is registered, and I have the certificate of incorporation.

Sourcing for materials is the hardest part of shoemaking. It has never been an easy task. I can go through the market for a whole day, and still not see materials that satisfy me, talk more of my clients. Some of the criteria I consider when sourcing for materials are durability, accessibility and weather-friendliness.

My favourite aspect of running this business is the creative and marketing angle. I employ lot of strategies to promote my footwear by drawing comparisons between my products and some other well-known international products. And, most times, I am of the opinion that my products are better. The only strategy I use to promote my products is good packaging and branding. What’s ‘gbajumo onibata’ (society shoemaker) without packaging and branding?

In some years to come, I see myself sitting with the likes of Estée Lauder Companies (Tomford) to discuss the future of leg/foot fashion or fashion generally.

A quote by G.D. Anderson says, ‘Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength’.

Being a female in a male-dominated industry, I understand the challenges that come with perspectives, and I often tell other women that they can do it too.

I handle stress by knowing my limits. When I am tired, I rest; then start again when I can. I spend my money wisely, not extravagantly, by going to somewhere nice to ease tension. All work and no play makes Jane a dull girl.

Nigeria is experiencing huge brain drain, with many professionals travelling out of the country to seek greener pastures. What do you think about that, vis-a-vis staying in the country and running a business?

It is normal to believe that the grass is greener on the other side. So, I won’t judge anyone based on their decision, because we all are facing the consequences of being Nigerian. If I have the opportunity to travel out of the country to learn more about shoemaking, I will surely go. But, I will still serve my country with all my strength too, because I believe Nigeria will be great.