Oluwapelumi Olayinka (Nee Ogunsola) is an entrepreneur, a Film/Theatre Producer, Performing Artiste, Art Enthusiast and the founder of Ektaktos Productions based in the United Kingdom. She has carved a niche for herself in Adire Clothing business.

Speaking on what motivated her to go into Adire clothing business, she said ” I am 4 years old in the business. It all started with my love for the fabric. I’m so attracted to adire fabrics because I believe it’s a work born out of creativity.

“Àdìrẹ” is tie and dye. I grew up in Abeokuta, and I was always so fascinated seeing different designs of Adire clothing, so I decided to add it to my wardrobe . I always got compliments, questions about the source of the fabric, or how they can buy it too. Initially, I simply referred them to vendors until it occurred to me that I could begin a business in that. This idea was what birth my Adire Business Ektaktos Collectilbes”.

Speaking on the low patronage for Adire clothing during event in Nigeria and the cause, she revealed ” I think some people perceive Adire as old-fashioned or out of vogue. Some are also of the idea that it’s a cultural/ traditional outfit, so it’s only suitable for Cultural Day or Event. A lot prefer to rock designers and outfits from other countries.

Yes, I understand everyone has got preference to what they fancy, but I’m also happy to inform everyone that Adire is now trendy. It’s the new Vogue. It can be rocked for all occasions and is suitable for all events. It can be rocked as formal outfits, party outfits (owanbe), and casual/lounge wear. we also have adire lingerie and swimsuits”.

On what she intend to do to make
people see the need for Adire clothing, she said ” I understand that everyone has got their preference for style and clothing, but if we rock our own fabric more, it will help gain international awareness and recognition.

I personally choose Adire as my Niche to styling and clothing to the extent of designing it for my wedding ceremony where my Bridal Train Rocked Adire and the Men rock their Adire in Agbada, which was one of the first introductions to using Adire as Aso Ebi for wedding ceremonies, after I did mine, I began to see people introduced it to their wedding events.

Earlier in the past years, it was laces and Ankara that were popular, people were in doubt at first but I explained how they will rock it to them suggesting different styles and it came out so lovely on them. I saw my wedding pictures on some Adire vendors business pages , before I knew it, people fell in love with the idea and started rocking Adire for Weddings and other events.

Initiatives like this will begin to attract foreign investors into Nigeria. We buying the fabric and wearing it will also help increase our national value and income. Adire Business helps create employment opportunities for people and also helps people earn a living. If we support our own business as a country. Other countries will be able to patronize us just as we do for their businesses.

It is my dream to make Adire go Global, and I’m so glad it’s happening.I have lots of customers from different countries and surprisingly they love the fabric and often wear it. We should be proud of Ourselves as a nation for producing a beautiful fabric appreciated all over the world”.

Speaking on what distinguished Adire clothing from other clothing material, she stressed that “Adire is from the Yoruba word “Adi”which means to tie and “re” which means to dye. So Adire means Tie and Dye. Adire is a handmade process, so every piece of Adire is unique because it was borne out of creativity. It is famous for its intricate designs and patterns. This is what distinguishes it from other fabrics. I find it really attractive and beautiful because it’s an artwork”.

On where she see herself in the next five years in the Adire clothing business, she said ” I see myself having my brand Ektaktos Collectibles in more countries, sealing more business deals locally and internationally , I intend to have Ektaktos Collectibles Clothing line where you can shop for all Adire outfits suitable for any occasion you have. I’m presently working on Adire Lingerie and swim suits, and I’m sure it would be available by then. I love Adire so much, and I’m proud to keep making Adire go Global” .

On the challenges facing Adire clothing business in Nigeria, she opined ” I think the Economy Situation of Nigeria at the moment is not healthy for the business, cost of living is now on the high side so cost of goods and services has increased and the cost of production for Adire has now increased due to that effect so most of our customers are going for the “imitation of adire material” because its cheaper than the “Real Adire“, we definitely have customers who want nothing but the “real tie and dye” but the number has dropped”.

Her advice to the youth that may want to do the business, she said ” My advice is that they can start very little and embrace every social media platform. We have a lot of them now, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook etc. It will help create awareness for their business, and it helps potential customers reach you easily. They should always think of the best ways to rock adire and make it very fashionable and attractive to people.

Some people don’t appreciate the fabric until it has been styled. They shouldn’t be disappointed on days that are low sales or none at all because once in a while those days will come, but you just have to be focused and determined. Believe in yourself and the brand.

I will encourage them to be up to date with their socials too cause there was a time I was getting lots of orders that I got distracted from posting on business page I had to remind myself to get back because it’s important to attract potential customers.

Lastly, always make sure that customers have value for their money. A satisfied customer will recommend you often but unsatisfied or angry customer will spread a very bad publicity to Everyone . Bad publicity travels fast, and this can ruin your business”.

Speaking with our correspondent on her other business she stated that she is the founder of Ektaktos Productions a registered theatre Company for professional stage plays and moral driven performances ,its first stage play, produced at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Abeokuta 2021 titled “Wives and Mothers” written by Seinde Arogbofa. The Play got a lot of audience reviews and we can not wait to rollout more interesting and educative stageplay.
Talking about her educational background she is a graduate at University for the Creative Arts in United Kingdom with a Master in Filmmaking and Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts and Culture Lead City University.

She is promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage globally with her Adire Brand Ektaktos Collectibles, as an Art Enthusiast she is an inspiration to next generation creatives, creating employment opportunities and platforms for young talent through her company Ektaktos Productions thereby adding to to the economic growth and development of the Society.

Contact Details.
Instagram : @ektaktoscollectibles
Email:
Mobile number: +2348062134021
+447862363677
https://oluwapelumioo.com/