Zainab: Making Waves In Shoe-making Industry

Alayande Zainab is the founder and CEO of Zeinny Craft, a handmade shoe and, made of genuine leather.

Zeinny Craft was established in 2016 with the goal of reducing the need for foreign shoes by producing bespoke footwear that satisfies international standards.

Motivation

Zainab said she inherited entrepreneurial spirit from her parents because both parents have always been active in business and working for someone for a long period of time was not in my plan, even though, there were times in my life when I did so in an effort to become financially independent.

Lucrativity of the business

She believes that all businesses are lucrative including the leather industry where you put ideas into reality. “When you produce quality shoes, belts, baventure and even waist pouches, you get good patronage which most times leads to referrals. So, it is a lucrative business especially when you know what you are doing,” she said.

Challenges

To her, “every business has its peculiar challenges. In this sector, some of the difficulties we encountered in this business are;  lack of a price control mechanism, insufficient electricity supply, funding to purchase the right machines, manpower challenge because it takes the right skilled people to continue to satisfy your customers, which are not always readily available.”

Admonition

“My advice to young people is to follow their dreams without ever waiting for other people’s approval because it is your dream, not theirs. I made the decision to learn a skill in shoemaking from four different shoemakers at the same time when I was in that situation a few years ago, and it has since helped me.

“And finally, they should always remember that integrity should always come first in everything they do and that anything worthwhile is worth achieving with all of their might.


Biography

Alayande Zainab is a young, professional shoemaker. Born and grew up in Nigeria. She had her National Diploma in Polymer Technology at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), then proceeded to the University of Lagos(UNILAG) and earned a BSc in Cell Biology and Genetics as a result of her determination and goal-oriented nature.

She played football for Pepsi and MFM. She is the organiser of dexterity, a leather and fashion exhibition show. Her crafts have attracted prominent personalities such as the former Governor of Lagos state, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode; Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Ogundipe; Nigerian Comedian, Ali Baba; Senator Babafemi Ojudu and others.