What makes my bags and purses so special & Unique is that; they are named after Families & Friends _ CEO Roda Bags

By Kemi Mobuse - Tuesday, July 12, 2016

My love for handbags or purses had begun ever since I was old enough to appreciate fashion. I believe I was five years old when I handpicked a tiny little purse from my mom’s handbag collection and decided that this is a more fashionable way to carry my belongings instead of putting them in my big box/tin.

I had some dolls growing up and I would pick my favorite doll of the week to take with me wherever I go. My mom’s little purse was just the perfect place for my imaginary friends to sit in as they accompanied me wherever I went. I immediately fell in love with how stylish and grown-up a handbag or purse made me look and feel. But as years passed, my beloved dolls that once occupied my purse were replaced by make-up, cell phones, bulky wallets, keys and more.

While exploring my Instagram Page, I came across Roda Bags & Purses, and fell in love all over again. She obliged me an exclusive and you gotta read it to feel it….right here…..

Kemi Mobuse: Can we meet you? What do you do?

Roda Purses: My name is Acharu Osime, I am the creative director of RODA bags and purses

Kemi Mobuse: What is the inspiration behind Roda purses?

Roda Purses: It is a Nigerian brand that specializes in producing bespoke leather statement bags and purses all handcrafted and made in Nigeria

Kemi Mobuse: What is the inspiration behind Roda purses?

Roda Purses: I get my inspiration from the vintage era dating back from the 1950s, an era where they had structure, irregular shaped sized bags and purses

Kemi Mobuse: How old is your brand now and how has the market reception been?

Roda Purses: It was founded a year ago but launched this year, market reception has been good so far purely because the bags are bespoke and as a design policy I make limited quantities of any particular design. This gives the customer exclusivity

Kemi Mobuse: How did you start out?

Roda Purses: I have a passion for fashion and love to make a statement with my clothing and accessories wherever I go.
I have always loved bags and even when I was in the corporate world, I always had a soft spot for bags, so I had a book where I would write, sketch and design how I wanted my range of bags to look

Since, I already had some money saved, I decided to invest it in producing some bags, and I had to employ a good craftsman that would bring the designs to life.

To launch it to the public, I decided to name the bags after a few friends and family who were inclined to buy the bags as a way of helping me promote the brand.

Kemi Mobuse: Awww, they must love that. Why the name RODA?

Roda Purses: Yes they did, thank God. RODA is actually my middle name

Kemi Mobuse: What major challenges have you had to deal with since inception? How did you cope, more importantly, what can you say those challenges taught you?

Roda Purses: One major challenge is getting a good craftsman that can understand your designs and bring them to life.
Coping with it just means we have to keep producing till we get it right.
Which also means its capital intensive but that's the business

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

Roda Purses: Honestly, I draw inspiration from everything around me. It could be a colour combination I see on a pair of shoes, an outfit, or a flower vase; I just see bag shapes in anything

Kemi Mobuse: Which of your purses can you say is your favourite and why?

Roda Purses: I don't have a favourite, they were named after people that are important to me as such every thought, design and care went into each of them.

Kemi Mobuse: Nice one😂

Roda Purses: Lol

Kemi Mobuse: What exactly do you plan on achieving with your brand in say 5 years?

Roda Purses: I want to be known as an authentic Nigerian brand with both local and international presence where the brand speaks for itself due to its peculiar niche.

Kemi Mobuse: Any advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?

Roda Purses: Just take that step and do it, stay focused. U can never go wrong with your passion

Kemi Mobuse: Lastly, how can you be contacted?

Roda Purses: Email: rodaorders@gmail.com

Instagram: roda_purses

Call: 08082000482

More pictures below;