In a world where many struggle to find the perfect balance between passion and profession, Temitope Akerele stands out as a remarkable example of someone who has seamlessly merged the two. An accountant by training, Temitope soon realised her call has a fashion designer, and today, her brand SoughtOut is rapidly gaining attention for its luxurious bespoke African attire. Her journey from crunching numbers to sketching haute couture designs is not only inspiring but also a testament to how diverse experiences can shape and accelerate a brand’s rise to prominence.
In an exclusive interview, Temitope opens up about her unlikely journey into the world of fashion. “Growing up, I was always fascinated by art, drawing, and creating things,” she recalls. “I would make imaginary sketches, designing outfits in my head, even though I was studying accounting at the time.” Despite her academic focus, her creative instincts were never far behind. After completing her first degree in Accounting, Temitope’s desire for self-expression through fashion grew stronger, and she decided to pursue her passion in earnest.
In 2018, she enrolled in the Neo Mart Fashion School, a pivotal step that marked the beginning of her formal education in design. “Attending fashion school helped me bring my ideas to life,” she says. “I finally had the technical skills to complement my creative vision and then later register the brand as SoughtOut Stores.” But it wasn’t just fashion school that shaped her journey. Temitope’s business acumen, honed through years of studying accounting and later pursuing a master’s degree in International Business and Finance at the University of Derby, gave her an edge in building her fashion empire.
“I believe my background in finance has been instrumental in fast-tracking the success of SoughtOut,” Temitope explains. “I understand the importance of budgeting, managing resources, and strategic planning, which are all vital for any business, especially in a competitive industry like fashion.”
Her unique blend of creative talent and financial expertise has helped her brand stand out. Since its launch, SoughtOut has focused on designing luxurious bespoke African traditional attire, with a particular specialty in Aso Ebi collections. One of the brand’s most talked-about projects was the bespoke Aso Ebi collection for the high-profile Ayo-Ola wedding. SoughtOut’s designs were praised for their intricate detailing, vibrant colors, and the perfect fusion of modern aesthetics with traditional Yoruba culture.
Despite the creative success of her designs, Temitope is candid about the challenges she’s faced along the way. “In the beginning, we had some issues with delivery timelines, and that was a learning curve,” she admits. “But we’ve worked hard to streamline our processes, and now we ensure every piece is delivered on time, without compromising on quality.”
Temitope’s determination to continuously improve has paid off. SoughtOut is now a brand synonymous with luxury, cultural heritage, and modern innovation. “For me, fashion is not just about creating clothes,” she says, smiling. “It’s about telling stories, celebrating who we are, and pushing the boundaries of what African fashion can be.”
Looking ahead, Temitope is keen to expand SoughtOut beyond Nigeria, bringing her unique take on African traditional attire to international markets. With her creativity, business acumen, and passion, it seems only a matter of time before SoughtOut becomes a global name in fashion.
Her journey from accounting to fashion design is proof that passion, combined with knowledge and hard work, can truly take you to unexpected heights. For Temitope, it’s clear—whether it’s a balance sheet or a bespoke design, she knows how to make the numbers work.
For more information on soughtout, visit www.soughtoutfashions.com or follow them on Instagram at @SoughtOutFashions
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