Outspok'n; a designer who churns out bespoke & Uniquely designed Made in Naija Urban Clothing!
By Kemi Mobuse - Tuesday, March 08, 2016
Looking for that absolutely fabulous attire solely made to fit your physique perfectly and bring out the "urbaness"and classiness in you? Think Outspok'n, you can never go wrong ....
KMB approached Mr Adesola Balogun, the CEO of Outspok'n for an interactive session and we are hooked!
Kemi Mobuse blog: Can we meet you?
Outspok'n: My name is Adesola Balogun. Creative
director of Outspok'n!.. I am from Ogun State, married with a kid, very
outgoing person..I believe strongly in the freedom of expression and using our
gifts for the good of our generation..
Kemi Mobuse blog: What do you do?
Outspok'n: I run Outspok'n..An urban clothing brand
based in Lagos, Nigeria. We provide bespoke tailoring services to the young and
upwardly mobile. We do shirts, suits and traditional native attires.
Kemi Mobuse blog: Outspok'n.... Hmmm, that's
a unique name, what inspired it?
Outspok'n: It was a running gag amongst my friends back
in school.. Cos I very vocal and made a lot of friends very quickly so I was
called Mr Outspok'n.. It was a no brainer when I was looking for what to call
my brand..that was how the name Outspok'n came about
Kemi Mobuse blog: lol, nice one
Kemi Mobuse blog: How old is your business?
And what is your current staff strength
Outspok'n: Outspok'n started in 2005 but started
professionally in 2011
Kemi Mobuse blog: And your current staff
strength?
Outspok'n: We have about 10 staff under our employ
but hope to expand very soon
Kemi Mobuse blog: How has the market
reception been since you started out?
Outspok'n: Nigerians love exclusivity so if you can
offer a service to provides such at a reasonable rate. they will be
receptive..It has been a very interesting journey so far though
Kemi Mobuse blog: What has been the
challenges the business has brought your way?
Outspok'n: NEPA!!!.first of all..lol..spending so much
on petrol and diesel because work has to go on despite power challenges..
Killer interest rates by banks and people still prefer the foreign goods to Nigerian so we are constantly up in arms against such mindset
Killer interest rates by banks and people still prefer the foreign goods to Nigerian so we are constantly up in arms against such mindset
Kemi Mobuse blog: Lol@ NEPA! That seems to be
a constant challenge for everyone
Outspok'n: Yes..I hope it gets better with time because
manufacturing is the only way out of Nigeria's over dependence on oil.
Kemi Mobuse blog: Is this your only source of
livelihood or you combine with a white collar job
Outspok'n: I also run a renovation and construction
company with a friend of mine
Kemi Mobuse blog: Jack of all trade. Very
nice
Kemi Mobuse blog: How long has that business
been?
Outspok'n: Just a year old
Outspok'n: But fashion is my passion so that takes the
front burner
Kemi Mobuse blog: Hope combining both
business doesn't impact on the other?
Outspok'n: Not at all..before venturing out fully to
run Outspok'n, I worked at a property management firm for a couple of years. So I am
not a newbie to juggling roles
Kemi Mobuse blog: What inspired your going
into the fashion business.
Outspok'n: My elder brother also runs a fashion label
in Abuja. He is my mentor and he triggered my interest in fashion. I am
naturally an expressive person so it was fashion, art or music
Kemi Mobuse blog: Ha-ha, I can't imagine you
as a musician, nor an artist. Buh a designer, hmmmm
Outspok'n: I actually had a rap group in university
called J trybe. I was called Flip da Preacher
Outspok'n: Lol. Don't laugh
Kemi Mobuse blog: Ha-ha, how was the rapping
life? * straight face*😕😕😕
Outspok'n: Very cool
Kemi Mobuse blog:
Hehe, I can't help it, nice one.
Outspok'n: So It has always been in my system
Kemi Mobuse blog: What has been your most
memorable experience since inception of your fashion line
Outspok'n: For me, making a client happy is a memorable
experience for me
Kemi Mobuse blog: Can you see yourself doing
anything else, apart from this?
Outspok'n: Yes, I would love to delve more into
property acquisition and also public speaking. But I'll just take it one step
at a time as God gives me enablement
Kemi Mobuse blog: What was the worst advice,
you have been given since starting out?
Outspok'n: None really. I have has the privilege of
being surrounded by very supportive people.
Kemi Mobuse blog: What do you think is that
defining factor that sets you apart from others?
Outspok'n: We are always on time. Always. We truly care
about the customer. It goes beyond the money
Kemi Mobuse blog: Any advice for upcoming
entrepreneurs?
Outspok'n: U need to have a lot of grit. Surround
yourself with positive people. And lastly, the God factor is very key.
Kemi Mobuse blog: How do you want your future
clients to contact you?
Outspok'n: @myoutspokn on twitter, @outspoknclothiers
on Instagram. We are at 33 bank Olemoh street off Akerele street Surulere. Call
us on 08060495376
Kemi Mobuse blog: Thank You for your time.
Outspok'n: Thanks also for the privilege.
Some more pictures below.
3 comments
Outspok'n is a brand name that will be on the lips of every Nigerian real soon.Amazing job,keep it up flip da preach
ReplyDeletethanks
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