How To Make It: Hameed: Showcasing Beauty of African Women Through Clothing  

Ayodeji Hameed is the CEO of the ASOTIAYÉ clothing line. Asotiayé specialises in designing clothing that captures the essence and natural beauty of African women.

With the African woman in mind, it offers a variety of clothing items like dresses, skirts, and blouses that are all made with the finest materials.

According to Hameed, ASOTIAYÉ was founded four years ago to build a company that celebrates African culture and empowers African women by producing clothing that inspires pride in one’s heritage and self-awareness.

Hameed’s motivation was to see the positive impact the brand has on the lives of African women because he is passionate about creating beautiful clothing that empowers women and boosts their confidence.

While ASOTIAYÉ has been lucrative so far, being a small brand has its challenges. It’s hard to find quality resources and services at affordable prices. Additionally, the cost of maintaining the business can be quite high.

“However, we’ve managed to overcome these challenges by being resourceful and innovative, and we look forward to partnering up with like-minded minds to achieve common goals,” he disclosed.

Challenges

To him, “one of our biggest challenges has been finding quality resources at affordable prices. As a small brand, it can be hard to get the best deals on fabrics, equipment, and services. Another challenge is the cost of maintaining the business, which can be quite high. However, we have overcome these challenges by being strategic in our operations and focusing on sustainable growth.”

Admonition

“My advice to upcoming entrepreneurs is to stay true to their vision and persevere through the challenges. It’s to be resourceful and innovative when finding ways to overcome obstacles. Additionally, always seek feedback from customers and be willing to adapt and grow as a business,” he advised.

Biography

Ayodeji Hameed is the founder of ASOTIAYÉ clothing. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, he developed a passion for fashion, especially, the ones that focus on African women.

As a way to improve his craft and compete beyond the shores of Nigeria, Hameed enrolled in a fashion institute, where he obtained a degree in fashion design.

Aside from his degree in fashion, Hameed has worked with several fashion brands before starting ASOTIAYÉ in 2019. He enjoys exploring new cultures, playing with his puppy Helen, and drawing inspiration from his designs.