I started my business with just N5,000, while using my wife as a model, World Renowned CEO of Mood Deo Couture
By Kemi Mobuse - Monday, May 02, 2016
I have always had a thing for shirts, it usually give me a look that is both Feminine and sophisticated at the same time, with little effort , especially when combined appropriately with the right accessories.
It was therefore refreshing to come across a fashion label who makes their own shirts and not focused on just suits and pants alone.
Further digging revealed to me, the man behind the brand. Mr Jaiye Owolabi. I was really humbled when i spoke to him, this is a man whose work has spanned countries and has several achievements to his name and brand, and he still took the time out to give me an exclusive. I was really inspired by his story and i hope you will be too. Excerpts below:
Kemi Mobuse blog: Can we meet you?
Mood Deo: I'm
Jaiye Owolabi
Kemi Mobuse blog: What do you do?
Mood Deo: JAIYE
OWOLABI is a fashion designer and image consultant and a member of the America
Image Consulting International (A.I.C.I ), I’m from Nigeria and my brain child
'MOOD DEO COUTURE' has been featured in a host of world class fashion shows in
South Africa, Mozambique, Paris, London, New York where my works distinctively
stood out and were widely appreciated for their creative and ingenious
compositions.
Kemi Mobuse blog: What inspired your going
into the fashion field?
Mood Deo: It’s a passion
of assignment. I once saw a 4yrs old boy in Oshodi, the area where I grew up,
fighting and arguing seriously with his mum that, he was not going to school that
day and I waited for a while to get the boy’s message, and the reason he
doesn't want to go to school. The boy said; his shirt was torn and his mates
were insulting him at school because of that, and until he gets a new uniform
he can't go to school...
Mood Deo: That instilled the belief in me that; wearing
a good uniform or looking good can really inspire people or kid to go to school.
Right then, I was still struggling to put my own dreams and vision into
perspective, trying to decide what to do. That scene with the boy and his Mum, sort of
inspired me, along with the message my mentor and Pastor, Pst. Sam Adeyemi
teaches that; You will now you have gotten to where your assignment and passion is in life;
if, after starting out, and despite it not being profitable initially, you
still feel the need to keep doing it. That's where you passion is.
Since, I loved drawing when I was a kid and playing with colours a lot, I was able to use that to develop my talent and start my brand.
Since, I loved drawing when I was a kid and playing with colours a lot, I was able to use that to develop my talent and start my brand.
Kemi Mobuse blog: What is the name of your
brand and how old is it now?
Mood Deo: Brand
name is MoodDeo and its 4 years now.
Kemi Mobuse blog: What inspired your choice
of names?
Mood Deo: Name came up.. With what I believe, that;
dressing or looking good determines your MOOD.... You can't be in a bad mood
and think you will dress well... DEO is from
the first letters of my names: Durojaiye Elijah Owolabi.
Kemi Mobuse blog: And where do you get your
inspirations for your designs?
Mood Deo: my
inspiration comes from God and the type of fabric that I'm dealing with.
Kemi Mobuse blog: What is your best part of
being a fashion designer?
Mood Deo: It is
me seeing my clothes on people and how well it fits them.
Kemi Mobuse blog: How did you start out
capital wise?
Mood Deo: I started with just 5,000 naira and some materials
I was given on our wedding day. My wife was my 1st customer, I used her to
start my fashion line, I believed then that, If it looks good on her then, I
know It will work.
Kemi Mobuse blog: What major challenges have
you experienced since starting out?
Mood Deo: 1. Is making people believe in. Your
vision..like your tailors for instance.
2. Capital...electricity etc
But for me, the major one has to do with my “tailors"
2. Capital...electricity etc
But for me, the major one has to do with my “tailors"
Kemi Mobuse blog: How did overcome your
challenges, but more importantly, what did you learn from them?
Mood Deo: As a
fashion designer I learnt a lot which was what helped me in getting to where I
am now..First, concerning the tailors, I didn’t give up on them because I
realize some were not educated, I had to be patient and bring myself to their
levels to be able to understand and feel what they feel. I kept encouraging them
and I learnt to fire and rehire them, should the need arise...
Kemi Mobuse blog: Where do you see your brand
in the next 5 years?
Mood Deo: In the next 5 years I see myself and our
company taking fashion to the next level by making our fashion label known all
over the world. I will also like to see our company stores all over the world
and our product being acceptable at least in every home
Kemi Mobuse blog: Any advice for future
entrepreneurs who wants to be in the same field?
Mood Deo: My advice for them is to believe in their
dream, vision and passion and have a good mentor that can really put them
through and mentor them in the right way. Determination determine
destiny......
Kemi Mobuse blog: Lastly, how can you be
contacted?
Mood Deo: Call /
Whatsapp : 08023834799
BBM: BB:76A47781
Email: jhaiye4u@yahoo.com
IG: @ mooddeo
More pictures below:
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