Ayokunmi Abdul is Chief Executive Officer of LKA Fabrics, a chain of stores that stock African prints. Four years on the business, with a number of LKA stores around Lagos, the Vlisco Franchise owner who left her job at Arik Air to pursue her dream in the fashion industry, speaks on the gains of the business. And as the world marked Children’s Day two days ago, the wife and mother of two, speaks on this special day and her dreams for the Nigerian child. 

What does Children’s’ Day mean to you?
For me, it is a day set aside for children to be celebrated, just as we have Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and we celebrate them. With Children’s Day, we celebrate with lots of activities lined up for them.

Personally, how would you celebrate your children?
I took them out for a special treat to let them feel and know that  the day was especially for them.

When it comes to fashion, how do you dress up your girl child?
When we talk about fashion, my daughter really motivates me. She knows more than me when it comes to girls’ fashion. She wants to do everything a girl should do, sometimes even tries to do above her age, but I caution her and let her know there are certain things she should not do until she gets to a certain age.  She is so fashion conscious, she wants to look good always, which is good, so long as she dresses decently. I am so blessed to have her. She drives me and pushes me so hard. For instance, she wants to take over the business at her age and she will be ten in December. When it comes to fashion, she chooses what I wear. So I would say, I am so blessed to have her. I know she will go a long way.

A lot of young girls dress indecently these days and even young boys are sagging and flying their shirts, what do you have to say about that?
I think it’s the parents. Children go with what they see around them especially with their parents, that is where it all starts from. My daughter and son see what we wear as parents and they take after us.  So it depends on the parents, the society, the school and the kind of friends they have, those are the people that influence them.  They need to move around with the right set of people and not those that will derail them. As parents, we need to know the kind of friends and company our children keep. It is very important in other to put them on the right path in life.

What is fashion like for you?
As long as it looks good, I don’t do what’s in Vogue. As long as I am comfortable with what I am wearing, I am good to go.

Do you have a beauty routine?
I try to do that, but one thing I do not miss is washing my face before I go to bed. Even if I do not take my bath, I must wash my face before bed. It’s very important. Apart from that, I don’t go out of my way to do anything.

At what point do you think a child should start taking care of her skin, especially the girl child?
I would say at 18 years;, for me that is the mature age that she should know her right from wrong. As long as she is doing the right thing, not bleaching her skin, she should be fine.

How do you take time to relax?
I go on holiday, I love holidays.

Where is you best holiday destination?
Dubai, right now I am thinking of relocating there, it’s a beautiful place. I have been to the UK, and other countries, but I will choose Dubai any day.

Are you one for jewellery?
I love jewellery, nothing too heavy though, minimal pieces. I love earrings mostly.

Best make up brand?
Black Opal, it’s perfect for my skin.

What is your wish for the Nigerian child?
For the Nigerian child because of the society we are in right now, we can only wish them the best. With what we are going through now, we just hope that they get a brighter future and a better life here in Nigeria. They don’t have to go anywhere but get the best here. I am wishing them well and praying that the future gets better for them, because we don’t know what the future holds.

 

By Yemisi Suleiman