Timileyin Adepoju: The English Graduate Making Waves in Fashion Industry

The story of Timileyin Adepoju, a graduate of English Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is like that of the biblical mustard seed which came in small form but ended up the biggest tree in the forest. In 2017, after completing his secondary school education, Timileyin enrolled in fashion designing training. Today, he is making giant strides in fashion designing and related activities.  

When he got admission into the University of Nigeria in Nsukka to study English Education, he shuffled through to learn at each break. COVID-19 shutdown later provided him the opportunity of completing his training.

After completing his training, Timileyin set up his own brand, The Clothier Inc. (TCI), rendering services such as; Bespoke wears, Kaftan, Knitted Wears, Fashion Consultancy and Trainings. While in school, his fashion brand received recognition twice from his department as the most outstanding brand. He was also awarded the entrepreneur of the year.

READ ALSO:

TheNiche Young Entrepreneur: Inside Kemisola’s world of designer bags

Starting up

Timileyin registered for a fashion designing training in 2017 after completing his secondary school examination. He said: “I started learning fashion designing in 2017 before I gained admission and after my admission, I shuffled through and return to my training at each break. The Covid-19 break allowed me to finish up my training.”

Timileyin said the training was typically a journey that shaped and trained his mindset. In his words; “The training challenged my determination due to circumstances beyond my control. But at the end, they all contributed to my zeal for fashion.”

After completing his training, Timileyin set up his own brand, The Clothier Inc (TCI) in 2020 in his 200 level while on campus. His inspiration for fashion designing comes from his long-term belief that clothing is a powerful form of artistic expression. ”And creating something original and explicit through fashion designing allows me to express ideas into concepts,” he said.

Sourcing for Capital

The CEO of The Clothier Inc said his source of capital came through personal savings, family help, and patronage from friends and clients. He noted that he is open for collaborations and sponsorship opportunities. According to him, “I am still in my beginning era and I honestly look forward to making my stance in the fashion industry.”

Penetrating the market

Timileyin said penetrating the market was challenging because the fashion industry is getting more competitive and harder to fit in. “The cost of PR, and reaching target audience is a great challenge. I’m still finding my feet and I don’t know how long it will take, but I really hope it won’t take long”, he stated.

 Struggling to establish brand and breakthrough

Timileyin said finances was a serious hinderance to him while trying to establish his brand. “Sourcing for finance has been a great challenge. It’s hard to project ideas into life due to financial constraints,” he said.  Timileyin however said a change of environment gave him his biggest break through because it gave him the opportunity to gain new insights about the market in different locations.

He said: “Change of environment remains the biggest form of breakthrough.  I had to start afresh after leaving the school area after I graduated. That gave me the opportunity to gain new insights about the market in different locations.”

Doing business in Nigeria

Timileyin revealed that connecting with the right audience is his biggest challenge doing business in Nigeria because his style of fashion requires a wild heart that is ready to appreciate evolution and timeless attire. He said; “As a business owner in Nigeria, my biggest challenge is connecting with the right audience. My style of fashion which I represent is unique and unfamiliar with many. It is a fashion that requires a wild heart ready to appreciate evolution and represent a timeless attire. Fashion for me is a way of expressing timeless art piece through clothing.”

Japa

While many are opting for Japa, Timileyin’s vision is rooted in Nigeria. He believes his fashion brand can contribute to the growth of his immediate community and the nation, while also exploring international opportunities. “I am not against the idea of Japa. Everyone’s dreams and aspirations differ, but we all hope for a better future. My focus is on making a mark in Nigeria’s fashion industry, with the potential to expand globally”, he enthused.

About the CEO of The Clothier Inc, Timileyin

Timileyin Adepoju, is a poet and fashion entrepreneur, and a brand representative of Juste Ink. He is an indigene of Ibadan, Oyo state and a graduate of English Education from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Timileyin is currently serving at Imo state for his National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC). He chose to acquire knitting skills after his NYSC camp that would bring about his knitting knowledge. 

During his time at university, Timileyin’s fashion brand was recognized and awarded within his department for two consecutive years. He also has certifications from reputable training centers that validate his fashion skills. He is also a trainer. He has trained young people in his skill.

Source: The Niche