Meet Emmanuel Oluwatobiloba, the male Celebrity Hair stylist and the CEO of Tobbies Touch, Trademark of HAIRcellence

By Kemi Mobuse - Friday, July 08, 2016

It's now becoming a trend for the hairstylists who adorn a woman’s crown to be of the opposite sex. Male hairstylists are coming into the spotlights everyday, and it's rare to come across a beautiful bride and be surprised, she is not styled by Tobbiestouch. Such is the magic that Emmanuel Oluwatobiloba the CEO of Tobbiestouch weaves with his fingers. His brand; Tobbiestouch is known for exceptional and creative hair styling. He is a favourite among brides to be and celebrities.

I felt really honoured and it was indeed a privilege to get to interview him, read excerpts from the interview below and feel free to gush on the pictures of his blushing clients....

Kemi Mobuse: Can we meet you?

Tobbiestouch: My name is Ogunbiyi Emmanuel Oluwatobiloba. The CEO and grand stylist of TOBBIE'S TOUCH.

Kemi Mobuse: What do you do?

Tobbiestouch: I’m a Hairstylist

Kemi Mobuse: Why hair styling in particular?

Tobbiestouch: I noticed we have very beautiful ladies in Nigeria but, they wear the wrong hairstyle that doesn’t suit them.
So, I decided to work on those flaws by doing things right and bring about a positive change in the hair industry

Kemi Mobuse: Where do you draw inspirations for your designs?

Tobbiestouch: I’m a cartoon /animation freak so I get my inspiration from it

Kemi Mobuse: How did you set about starting out?

Tobbiestouch: I started watching videos online, then I use my female friends as models for my practicals..Because I have so many female friends (95% of my friends are girls) 😂 lol!

It wasn't easy Starting up the business because nobody was there to support me. But I was able to raise some cash during my service year to open my studio, just 3 months after Service.

Kemi Mobuse: What is the name of your brand and how old is it now?

Tobbiestouch: My brand Name is TOBBIE'S TOUCH (Trademark of HAIRcellence)
I have being a stylist for about 8 years now but my studio is just two years old.

Kemi Mobuse: How has the market reception been since inception?

Tobbiestouch: It's been fun so far though, the economy of the country isn't cool as for now but I know it'll be better soon.

Kemi Mobuse: How do you deal with difficult situations and brides?

TobbiesTouch: Well, I have learnt to understand people from different background, coping with them is not an issue for me. And am always smiling so I don’t get distracted by their attitudes rather, I made them smile too.

Kemi Mobuse: How did you usually get clients?

Tobbiestouch: I get most of my clients from referrals. And instagram is another great platform that really pushed my brand up there.

Kemi Mobuse: What major challenges have had to deal with since starting out?

Tobbiestouch: The major challenges faced are inadequate/poor Power supply, serious traffic everywhere and fuel scarcity. I think that's what most business faced especially in Lagos (Home of traffic)

Kemi Mobuse: What sets you apart from other stylist and where do you see your brand in 10 years time?

TobbiesTouch: I know both the theoretical and practical aspect of hair, I know the right style that suit each client and occasion and I keep it as natural as possible yet, classy. In 10 years, I see my brand at the international level and having my ambassadors round the globe.

Kemi Mobuse: What can you say is the favorite part of you being a hair stylist?

Tobbiestouch: Styling my clients in the favourite part and their feedbacks too

Kemi Mobuse: Thinking back, since you officially started out, what can you say has been your most memorable moments?

Tobbiestouch: I can't really point at a particular day or event to be the most memorable because all my brides are awesome. All of them made their day memorable for me. The smile on their faces made me want to style them over and over again

Kemi Mobuse: What words do you live by as an entrepreneur?

Tobbiestouch: It's...A step at a time

Kemi Mobuse: Given a chance to start over, is there anything, you wished to have done differently?

Tobbiestouch: Absolutely nothing.

Kemi Mobuse: Who and who in the industry can you say is your role model and motivation?

Tobbiestouch: Though I appreciate those I met in the business but none of them is my role model and motivation

Kemi Mobuse: Any advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?

Tobbiestouch: For upcoming entrepreneurs, don't be too desperate... There is no short cut to success and don't see your other colleagues as competitors. Do your own thing and be humble

Kemi Mobuse: Lastly, how can you be contacted?

Tobbiestouch: You can reach us on 08035647097, 08074471404. Instagram: @tobbiestouch. Email : Tobbiestouch@gmail.com