Want a beautiful pillow, headrest or cloth doll specially custom made for your child?Think Ayomidolls!

By Kemi Mobuse - Saturday, March 05, 2016

We needed someone with a different sense of unusual creativity who does something totally different from the norm and also think outside the box. We met with Ayomidolls, a lady with a unique passion and she is actually really good at what she does.

KMB sat her down for a chat and below is what she said...

Kemi Mobuse blog: Good Afternoon,Can we meet you?

Ayomidolls: My name is Taiwo Olorunyomi Benmakhlouf

Kemi Mobuse blog: What do you do? I mean what is your business about?

Ayomidolls: I make handmade items primarily for children and some for adults like Plushies, dolls and pillows

Kemi Mobuse blog: What is your business name and what inspired it?

Ayomidolls: My business name is Ayomidolls. It's a yoruba name
Ayomi Translated to mean my joy, each time we purchase items as gifts the buyers feels joy and so does the receiver.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Awwww, lovely, why did you choose this line of business specifically?

Ayomidolls: I grew up loving dolls, my late grand mum made cloth dolls and dresses for her grandkids, I was inspired by her hand work, I never got over it, it just stuck!😄

Kemi Mobuse blog: How old is your business and how has the market reception been?

Ayomidolls: I started the business since 2004 but under a different name. Ayomidolls as a brand name commenced 2012.

Kemi Mobuse blog: And the market reception so far?

Ayomidolls: It's amazing because Nigerians love Nigerian made with a twist of foreign finish, and that's what ayomidolls is about

Kemi Mobuse blog: Is this your only source of livelihood or you combine it with a white collar job?

Ayomidolls: It's my passion and my job😄 no other

Kemi Mobuse blog: What major challenges have you faced since you started out?

Ayomidolls: Sourcing quality materials here in Nigeria, It's scarce and mostly expensive as a result, I buy most abroad like buttons, appliqués.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Can't you get any of those in Naija, now that dollar is really expensive?

Ayomidolls: There are few places and getting variety is also important.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Well done dear

Ayomidolls: Thank you

Kemi Mobuse blog: So, what has been your memorable experience business wise you you started?

Ayomidolls: 3 years ago I made some Santa pillows and I had to market it to friends who were into hampers, I had to really convince a particular friend, on the day she was to go deliver to an office in Ikeja, I took her in my car, when we got there they went through all the items and only commented on how unique the hampers were because of the pillows.

Kemi Mobuse blog: I guess you got yourself a loyal customer there and then.

Ayomidolls: Yes😄I had to make more than I planned. It was a wonderful feeling

Kemi Mobuse blog: Where do you see yourself in 5 years business wise?

Ayomidolls: It's in God's hands😄 but I believe ayomidolls products will be in major stores nationwide and in West Africa.

Kemi Mobuse blog: Any advice for future entrepreneurs

Ayomidolls: Never let anyone tell you you cannot do it...anyone can be

Kemi Mobuse blog: How will you like your future customers to contact you?

Ayomidolls: Instagram handle @ayomidolls,watsapp: 08158823484

Kemi Mobuse blog: Thank You for your time dear.

Ayomidolls: The pleasure is all mine😄.

Some pictures of her previous work below: