Today we’d like to introduce you to Gladys Ogunsegha.
Hi Gladys, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Just after I turned 10 years old, I went off to boarding school. When I came home for summer breaks, I spent my holidays with my grandmother and followed her to her shop daily. Each day was fun because you never knew who would stop in the shop to buy fabric. My grandmother owned two shops filled with beautiful and unique designs of lace fabrics by the yard, waiting to be purchased by the elite, fashionable women of that time.
A few weeks into my first summer at the shop, my grandmother took me with her to Aiyepe, the lace factory where she would place her bulk orders. The factory was grand and operated like a well-oiled machine. My 10-year-old self was overwhelmed looking up at the varieties of designs, colors and textures from which my grandmother could select or put her special touch of design on. She spoke with knowledge and moved with ease. She’d been doing this for a long time. I was both proud and impressed. When I returned to school, I remember thinking I would love to use fabric to delight people one day. I would love to do it with knowledge and ease, too.
Over the course of the next four years, I would see and touch hundreds of fabrics, lay them out for customers and watch them marvel. At such a young age, I had learned how to measure fabric, how to manage a fabric shop, and how to operate a business from my mother and grandmother. But more importantly, I had learned how to identify beautiful and unique designs that speak to the core essence of that African Pride that each of us exudes each time we wear our unique fabric and design.
A few years ago, I decided I wanted to start a clothing line; pick my own fabrics, design them, have them produced and offer them to the market at an affordable price. It is very important to me that people feel great in what they wear.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Though it has been a labor of love, the road has not been a smooth one. Owning a small business is a 24-hr a day job. The hours of designing, fabric searches, production, shipping – operations as a whole has been (and continues to be) a learning opportunity. I consider myself a life long learner, so I welcome the experience. The pandemic, however, created challenges. All in-person sales opportunities (which is a significant percentage of my revenue source) were cancelled. I had to learn to develop an online following, start online marketing, try to build online sales and activity. It continues to be an uphill battle. I do, however, see it as an opportunity to get to know my target market.
We’ve been impressed with Embellish, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Embellish is a ready-to-wear African print clothing and accessories line for women, men and children. The beautiful fabrics are sourced and handcrafted in Africa, improving economic conditions for skilled individuals. My goal is to bring quality pieces that are beautiful, trendy and affordable to the market. Quality and price sets Embellish apart.
Embellish offers tops and shirts, skirts, shorts, jumpsuits and dresses, and of course, we are known for our Ankara blazers. We also sell headwraps, belts and facemasks. My clothing line has different types of fabrics sourced from within Nigeria. My designs are mostly made out of Ankara; 100% cotton fabrics with vibrant prints and colors
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Minnesota is AMAZING! I love our beautiful seasons, as well as our history and historic landmarks. Our Winter season is not my favorite, but I pride myself on thriving through it.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.EmbellishALC.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embellishalco/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7nU1WY8W2U
Image Credits
Jimi Faya (https://www.instagram.com/jimibadass/) and Jonny Stuckmayer (https://www.instagram.com/jonnystuckmayer/)
