Looking for Bespoke Made in Naija footwear & general leather goods, Think DAC....

By Kemi Mobuse - Saturday, March 12, 2016

In my line of work, i have learnt to realize that, the line is wide enough for everyone to succeed and no two people are exactly the same, even if they are doing same job.

Shoe Lovers are everywhere and shoemakers are everywhere too, but there is something that makes each brand unique..and that is why KMB went in search of people in that line of business with a uniqueness to their brand.

We met with Mr Ajibola the CEO of DAC and he talked us through his journey....

Kemi Mobuse blog: Can we meet you?

Dami Ajibola Couture: My name is Damilola Oladayo Ajibola, creative director/CEO Dami Ajibola Couture; known as DAC.

Kemi Mobuse blog: What line of business are you in?

Dami Ajibola Couture: Our business is home to bespoke footwear & general leather goods, made in Lagos, Nigeria.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Are they manufactured or made by you? Or retail them?

Dami Ajibola Couture: They are crafted from start to finish, branded and set for the market by & for us. So all products are our own brand, manufactured in house.

Kemi Mobuse blog: And the name of your brand is?

Dami Ajibola Couture: DAC, Dami Ajibola Couture in full.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Nice name. Why that choice of name in particular?

Dami Ajibola Couture: Well, that has my first name & last name in it, the couture obviously backs what we do up; Custom/ bespoke fashion goods & accessories. That together as DAC just flows, no deep meaning to the choice.

Kemi Mobuse blog: That's really cool.

Dami Ajibola Couture: Thanks.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Why did you go into this line of business? What inspired it?

Dami Ajibola Couture: Well, my dad has a high appetite for quality shoes; I grew to love them too. I had lots of shoes, & sometime in uni, a friend made a joke about me investing my money into a shoe brand as I had a good number. I didn't give it much thought before I gave in, and it's been a ride worth it.

Kemi Mobuse blog: How was start up financial wise?

Dami Ajibola Couture: Well, it wasn't exactly difficult. The resources to start up at a minimal pace were in place. Even though I started with my savings, my parents were Indifferent until they saw I wasn't wasting my time & money then they began to show support financially & otherwise.

Kemi Mobuse blog: And how is it now? And the market reception?

Dami Ajibola Couture: Well, we haven't gotten close to where We see our brand. But it's a promising one, our products usually speak for themselves, hence referrals from old to new clients and the chain goes. Market sales are also driven on social media platforms, so far it's getting more interesting

Kemi Mobuse blog: What/ who motivates you?

Dami Ajibola Couture: My parents motivate me a lot. My siblings too, they are so supportive. The friends I have around me too, always gets me on the top of my game.

Kemi Mobuse blog: What is your definition of success?

Dami Ajibola Couture: I think Success is relative; so my definition of success is setting out goals & attaining every single one of them.

Kemi Mobuse blog: What worst advice have you received since inception?

Dami Ajibola Couture: I am an optimist so I hardly mingle or even if I do, I would never entertain the opinion of a pessimist in my business matters or even outside. So that's kinda hard as I can't pin point any

Kemi Mobuse blog: What about challenges experienced since inception?

Dami Ajibola Couture: Well, cost of production if you want quality is relatively high as opposed to same quality of output in places like China, then also putting a ready-to-wear line in place has been looking tough but we're currently doing our research, sure we'd pull through.

Kemi Mobuse blog: since start up, what has your fears been? And how, do you handle them?

Dami Ajibola Couture: My fears are my weaknesses & I do not capitalize on those. So I guess, we'd move past that. :)

Kemi Mobuse blog: Lol, nice one

Kemi Mobuse blog: Is this your sole source of livelihood?Or do you see yourself doing anything different?

Dami Ajibola Couture: Well, I co-founded a courier company, Speagle Logistics, and I also see myself practicing in my main career field which is Civil Engineering & Construction.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Starting over, what would you have done differently?

Dami Ajibola Couture: That would be meeting my current team of artisans earlier... I had a bad encounter with the first few I started off with. Invested in cheap low quality leather for the products manipulating their gain at the detriment of brand integrity. Well, that's past now.

Kemi Mobuse blog: If you are given a chance to meet someone from history, who would you pick and why?

Dami Ajibola Couture: From history? Dead or alive? And do you mean in this line of work?

Kemi Mobuse blog: Yes to all. Anyone at all in history specially your line of work

Dami Ajibola Couture: That would be Bernard Arnault, the Chairman/CEO of the LVMH conglomerate

Dami Ajibola Couture: He is the true definition of a highly successful serial entrepreneur, cutting across luxuries of fashion & exotic life styles. You should read about him and his empire, sure your mind would be blown

Kemi Mobuse blog: What is a typical day in your business like for you?

Dami Ajibola Couture: Some days the tensions are low, some days very high. The guys work overnight when we are swamped with orders, but it's generally flexible

Kemi Mobuse blog: Can you give 3 pieces of advice to upcoming entrepreneurs?

Dami Ajibola Couture: I'd say, Firstly, don't wait for a million naira or more to start building on your dreams, start small, but dream big.
Secondly, it’s customer retention over large gain margins
&
Lastly do not let anyone say you cannot do it or too many people are doing it; the market is big enough for everyone & only the persistent & distinct would survive.

Kemi Mobuse blog: How do you want future clients to contact you?

Dami Ajibola Couture: Twitter/Instagram page @ShopDAC,
Call or whatsapp us on 08037179464 & our website damiajibolacouture.com which would be launched pretty soon

Kemi Mobuse blog: Thanks for your time.

Dami Ajibola Couture: Okay, thanks I am grateful. It was my pleasure
Kemi, and thanks for reaching out. :)

Some of his works below.....