Rising Stars: Meet Omoyeni Ipinlaiye

Today we’d like to introduce you to Omoyeni Ipinlaiye. 

Hi Omoyeni, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
The story of my business began around the time my mom passed away. I was trying to find ways to channel my emotions and I remembered the things my mother taught me and what she used to do when she was preparing to go out to a party. I used to get bored easily, as well as get into trouble. To occupy my time, my mother taught me how to crochet and I would help her make jewelry for the next big Nigerian party (wedding, birthday milestone, etc.) Yes, my family is Nigerian and a lot of my inspiration and creations come from my culture. As time progressed, I started to make beaded jewelry here and there. What I would buy at the stores, I realized I could make it myself. So, I started to create jewelry for myself to wear at the latest parties and events. I had people, many I didn’t even know, practically ripping the jewelry off my body, asking me to sell the necklace and bracelet on the spot. Noticing that people liked my design, and willing to pay for it, I decided to start my own business, Yeni’s Creations. Much to my relief, the business was successful. I had steady growth in sales and a growing customer base. Having a business degree, I decided to hire a brand strategist to help me make my work recognizable. With that, the brand omoYeni was born. She pushed me to use my name as my brand identity, especially since my name means “one is worthy of a child”, A child adds value to one’s life, a child is a blessing from God”. My business is my child, born by channeling my emotions through the tools and skills taught by my mother. For the first 2 years, my business was only about selling jewelry made using the finest semi-precious stones and metals. Now the business, and the brand, includes handmade Ankara and sequins bags made from the finest artisans in Nigeria. I want to continue expanding the product line. This year, the goal is to add variety to the accessories line, while staying true to my roots. Nigeria is a country of entrepreneurs and many beautiful talents. I believe in giving back to my community and culture that made me. I want the world to know the many beautiful talents and creations that come out of Nigeria. Nigeria Artistry cannot be matched.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not always been a smooth road. Once the business was launched, the realities of running a business hit me. Being a one-woman shop, I was responsible for designing the jewelry (in my head at least), then transforming what I was thinking into an actual product. One would think, great here is a new bracelet ready for you to sell but that was just the beginning. Each bracelet or necklace I crafted would need to go on the website. There were many, many sleepless nights spent trying to get the picture to look just right. I dissected each picture to make sure the piece was in focus, the lighting was correct, the color, texture, wanting to make sure the art and creativity would show. All of this while working a full-time job in corporate America. Continuing to work is a choice and a necessity. The job allowed me to start my business without getting outside funding or investors. I couldn’t fathom someone profiting from my hard work and creativity, after all I was giving up all my free time to my business. My full-time job also helps me break away from the constant rigor of running a business. Being able to “step away”, think and do things related to the job, and come back refreshed, so to speak. Strange as it may seem, it was often the way I was able to work through a creativity block. Those long nights, all work and no play, began to take a toll on my mental health. I realized that I was missing many important events because I was too busy or simply exhausted. This is when my economics and business background began to come into the foreground. I hired a web designer, brand strategist and began scouting artists in Nigeria. The brand strategist and accountant took care of the business end of things. I began making greater use of online tools to take off time consuming tasks. Working with young artists in Nigeria allowed me to cater to a younger audience stateside. Soon after, I realized that this was probably one of the most important decisions I made for my business. I was able to give an opportunity for artists in Nigeria to show their work and expand my customer base to a younger demographic. I expanded into the handbag business. My strength is jewelry and knew nothing about handbags except I like them. With the help of my husband, and trust in my artists, the venture has been successful and continues to grow. I have been fortunate to have my jewelry graced the necks and wrists of several celebrities over time.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am currently on the move when it comes to my creativity. My husband and I are working on a joint venture which will showcase the many talents and creativity of Nigeria. Stay tuned!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
NEVER GIVE UP! Being a small business owner is HARD. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying or does not know what they are talking about. You will have people talk about you, not support you and even tell you to give up in so many ways. But know the rewards are GREAT, the milestones you achieve are GREAT and you will be surprised at who is watching and who supports you (it is not who think). There is a wealth of knowledge around you, read up on everything, learn from your mistakes. You will make mistakes if you don’t then you aren’t taking enough risks. In business, there are bound to be mistakes and failures. The key is to learn from them, create change from them and in some cases build on them. Your mental health is important, you cannot take care of your business if you do not take care of yourself. Look for mentors and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The mentor may not necessarily tell you what to do but can certainly guide you and help you make a decision. At the very least, they can serve as a sounding board. First time business entrepreneurs are often afraid to or don’t know to ask for help. Once you get past the mental hurdle and come to realize that you can’t do everything yourself, you will realize that people have different jobs and skillsets that can help you. As an entrepreneur, it is important to pass the knowledge down to another who needs it. Always support those around you and your community and remember you are never alone. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who want to see you succeed as you them.

Contact Info:

• Email: yeni@omoyeni.com
• Website: omoYeni.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omoyeni_accessories/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omoyenijewelry
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/omoYenisJewelry

Image Credits
Drea Nicole photography
Britney Lee Ford
Captured in Love photography