Today we’d like to introduce you to Tobi Ajiboye.
Tobi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I come from a storytelling culture. I am Nigerian, so that should come at no surprise. My first form of expression was poetry at the age of 12. It was during that time that I witnessed poets who wore their vulnerability in their pieces as their strength.
In my teenage years, I found myself drawn to fashion, which led me to pursue my Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in Accessory Design at The Savannah College of Art and Design. There I discovered that I was enticed by tattoos on dark skin. This propelled my exploration of carving into leather, thus depicting the stories I chose to tell.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
While I was in college during my freshman year, my father passed away. It was very devastating since had not grown up with him and we were finally getting the chance to reconnect and build a relationship. I was in a place where I was experiencing a rebirth of self while mourning the death of a part of me. I didn’t know how to discuss the pain with others, but I found myself telling stories that were uplifting and very therapeutic during my presentations and critiques.
During my junior year, I found myself struggling with my identity as an artist. I felt that I was the worst student in my class because I did not have the same amount of time to dedicate to my assignments as my peers (I had to work to keep myself in school). I remember mentioning this to my friend and she agreed with me. It is safe to say we are no longer friends. But it pushed me to believe in myself because no one would like me.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
TAJI is made for you, with you in mind. An interpretation that is uniquely crafted to depict a part of you. I believe my leather goods are more than essential protection for your technological extensions of life. They are essence manifested, a piece of your heart to carry in your arms for the world to see. My company, TAJI, asks that each customer submit an account. This can be a description of your life, ambitions, or your character. In return for your transparency, I will turn that story that you wear so well on your skin into a personalized laptop sleeve.
I truly enjoy the concept aspect of our process. After the story is submitted, I work on an interpretational composition that speaks to where they are going or the major lesson they are learning. Their reactions have been very fulfilling.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I am a person who believes in divine timing and alignment. The good, the bad, and the ugly has been well crafted to benefit me. I am proud of who am I today and how far I have come.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taji.life
- Email: tajiboye9@gmail.com
- Instagram: @tajiislife
- Facebook: @tajiislife
Image Credit:
Maurice Burries
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