By Rita Okoye
While her mates were still moonlighting in search of what to do with their lives, Hephzibah Adamolekun, founder/CEO, Adedoja Fashion House, already had a career cut out for her, right from the elementary school.
According to Adamolekun, it all started in school during the Home Economics lesson when she was introduced to the art of clothes making and since then, she has not looked back.
In her words: My passion for fashion design started at a young age when I was introduced to needle and thread in primary school. Its amazing how a subject as simple as Home Economics can ignite a lifelong passion for clothes making.
Emphasizing that fashion design has become an integral part of her life; Hephzibah Adamolekun said with a tinge of pride that she often feels elated whenever she sees people donning her apparels. I find so much happiness in sharing my creations with the world. So, whenever I see my outfits being donned by people, I feel so accomplished and motivated.”
Adamolekun, who started her clothing line five years ago, upon graduation in 2018, disclosed that she gets inspiration by keeping an eye on societal trends.
“I love browsing fashion magazines and following fashion influencers on social media. It’s fascinating to see how different trends evolve and how people interpret them in their own unique ways. Trends can definitely spark some creative ideas,” she stated.
The fashionpreneur specializes in male, female and childrens wears, but she tries to strike a balance between creativity and commercial appeal. Its important to stay true to your own creative vision and express your unique style, while also considering the market and what appeals to your target audience, she disclosed.
To Adamolekun, the most challenging part of becoming a successful fashion designer is to distinguish ones brand in a competitive industry.
The iconic designer attributed the coming of age of African fashion industry to a number of factors, which according to her include celebration of cultural diversity, recognition of African talent, and growing demand for unique and authentic designs.
With her current strides, Hephzibah Adamolekun’s vision is to make Adedoja Fashion House a global brand in the next five to 10 years. This is a goal she has set for herself and a goal she must achieve!