Here at Only For My Ladies, we are passionate about showcasing and supporting Made in Nigeria businesses celebrating creativity, resilience, and innovation. Today, we are featuring Sewasimilara, a fashion brand that has redefined style and inclusivity in the Nigerian fashion scene.
Sewasimilara started as a personal mission and quickly grew into this beautiful empowering brand. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the founder’s journey, the challenges of running a fashion business in Nigeria, and the continues to drive Sewasimilara forward.
SEWASIMILARA THE BRAND’S JOURNEY IS AN INSPIRING TESTAMENT TO PASSION, PERSEVERANCE AND PURPOSE.
For the founder of Sewasimilara, her fashion journey began with personal disappointment. Growing up, she frequently experienced frustration with unreliable tailors, some of the problems many Nigerians can relate to. Instead of accepting it as the norm, she took matters into her own hands.
She started by making clothes for herself and a few close friends, unknowingly laying the foundation for a thriving business.
The defining moment came in 2019 when she designed and wore a custom outfit that quickly went viral on Twitter. What started as a personal solution soon became a full-fledged brand, catering to individuals seeking quality, style, and a touch of uniqueness in their wardrobes.
1. What inspired the name of your brand?
There isn’t any special inspiration as it was inspired by my Yoruba name Sewasimilara.
Many fashion brands have deeply personal or symbolic names, but for Sewasimilara, the name was simply inspired by the founder’s Yoruba name, reflecting her cultural roots and personal identity.
2. Tell us more about yourself.
I’m from Ondo state in the Western part of Nigeria. I attended the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
My favorite food is pancakes and my current favorite music is Dandelions by Ruth B.
3. Who is my ideal customer
My ideal customer is someone who embodies confidence, boldness, and a strong sense of self-expression. My brand is inclusive, catering to individuals of all genders, including non-binary people, and is especially mindful of plus-size individuals who often struggle to find stylish, well-fitting clothing.
Sewasimilara is for those who see fashion as a way to celebrate their uniqueness and embrace their body with pride.
4. How would you describe your brand’s style and aesthetic?
Our brand’s style and aesthetic is a blend of modern and timeless elegance, we focus on clean lines, high-quality fabrics, and versatile designs that exude effortless chic. Each item in our collections is fashionable and long-lasting.
5. What is the core mission or vision of your company?
Our brand’s style and aesthetic is a blend of modern and timeless elegance, we focus on clean lines, high-quality fabrics, and versatile designs that exude effortless chic. Each item in our collections is fashionable and long-lasting.
6. What challenges have you faced as a fashion entrepreneur in Nigeria?
My core mission is to craft custom, one-of-a-kind pieces that empower individuals, celebrating their uniqueness while ensuring every client feels valued and represented, while my vision is to build a global brand recognized for redefining fashion by merging style, inclusivity, and community. We envision a world where at least one person in every city owns a SEWASIMILARA piece, fostering a vibrant and connected community that celebrates individuality and shared creativity.
7. Can you share a moment in your journey that you are particularly proud of?
A moment I’m proud of was when my pieces were displayed at the Vancouver Fashion Week in 2022.
8. What advice will you give to aspiring entrepreneurs based in Nigeria?
I want aspiring entrepreneurs to have the power of resilience, to never give up and to always have a gratitude and positive attitude towards life no matter what challenges or uncertainties life throws their way. They should believe in a certain reality created by them as they are the only ones who can change it.
At Only For My Ladies, we are committed to supporting and promoting Made in Nigeria businesses like Sewasimilara. Our platform is dedicated to showcasing the brilliance of Nigerian entrepreneurs and helping them gain visibility in the global market.
If you’re a Nigerian brand looking for exposure, reach out to us! We are here to amplify your voice, share your story, and connect you with a wider audience. Let’s continue to support homegrown businesses together!
