Meet Ibijoke Shallangwa | Fashion Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ibijoke Shallangwa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ibijoke, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Afrikayla was birthed from my love for unique designs and my love for African print, I’ve always loved wearing African prints.. I realized that people didn’t value African fashion. I wanted to create something unique and versatile that would inspire people to wear African prints, I also wanted to create a solution for customers who always have issues with their tailors

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Afrikayla is a thriving Nigerian based Afrocentric clothing brand that loves mixing old and new vibes to create clothes that are super unique and versatile. We’ve been doing this since January 2017, and let me tell you, it hasn’t always been easy. We’ve faced challenges, but we’ve kept going and stayed consistent making amazing fashion pieces.

The unique thing about Afrikayla and why we stand out is that, we’re not just about clothes; we’re about telling the story of Africa through fashion. Imagine wearing something that’s not just stylish but also has a bit of history and culture stitched into it. That’s Afrikayla!!

We’re super proud of how far we’ve come, and it’s exciting to think about sharing our love for African fashion with the whole world. Every piece we make is like a small piece of Africa that you can wear and show off wherever you go. We’re not just a brand; we’re a connection to a rich and beautiful culture, and we want everyone to feel that vibe.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As long as money doesn’t limit me,

Day 1:
– Evening: Welcome my friend at the airport with a smile, then go to W-bar for a night of dancing in Lagos.

Day 2:
– Morning: Start the day at the fun water park, laughing and making memories with my friend.
– Afternoon: Try tasty local food at Ilé-iyan for lunch.
– Evening: Walk around Lagos and share stories over dinner at Ile Eros with my friend.

Day 3:
– Morning/Afternoon: Take it easy, maybe visit a place we both like.
– Evening: Have a good time at VanitiLagos, creating more memories with my friend.

Day 4:
– Morning: Relax and talk about our adventures.
– Afternoon: Play some bowling at Rufus and Bee for a bit of friendly competition.
– Evening: Enjoy a night of laughs at Johnny Rockets during a comedy show, ending the week happily with my friend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my Husband, my kids, sister and Every member of my team, From my Manager, to my Personal Assistant , to every single tailor, to Quality control staff

Website: www.afrikaylabrand.com

Instagram: afrikayla

Facebook: afrikayla R-T-W

Youtube: afrikaylabrand