Oye Wemi-Akinsola - Creative Director Virgos Lounge

This month, we would like to introduce you to Oye Wemi-Akinsola. She's the Creative Director of Virgos Lounge. Virgos Lounge is a London based womenswear brand established in 2008. The brand was launched by three sisters who all happen to be Virgos ( that's where they got the name) and 25 year old Oye is our April Female All Rounder.

At what age did you decide you wanted to do something different from the norm?

Quite late actually. I was 20 and in my final year at university studying Psychology. Psychology and Fashion are very different.

Did you find that there were any transferrable skills that you picked up from your degree?

Psychology, not so much to be honest but I did my masters in Advertising and Marketing which has been very useful in terms of celebrity endorsements, product placements, social media etc.

How did you get started in fashion?

I started off customising vintage pieces to make them look a bit more modern and it progressed naturally from there.

Who is your typical customer/audience?

A lady who loves fashion and getting dressed up but wants something different from the norm.

What are some of your greatest challenges in the fashion industry?

The usual challenges faced by any business like costs, resources, stock control, etc.

Do you find it easy to find a balance between your personal life and working life?

Yes, because I love what I do... so its fun for me but as a result I rarely ever take time off so yes and no really!

What else are you passionate about?

I am passionate about God. I won't say passionate but I really like music and food too.

Do you feel religion played a large part in your success story?

It plays a massive part in all aspects of my life and work is certainly no exception. Everything that happens in my life is by the grace of God!

Which three people would you most like to invite to a dinner party (famous or otherwise) and why?

There are a way more than three people but I'll narrow it down to 3 that I would invite for similar reasons. Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce Knowles and Donna Karen because they are 3 modern day iconic and strong women in different fields that I'm inspired by.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

Starting a business in a recession! That’s definitely a brave move.

What gave you the final push to do it?

We started out on a small scale so it wasn't a huge risk but when we saw the positive reception from customers and retailers we were a little more confident to take it a step further.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your life and how did you overcome it?

I believe everything happens for a reason so I won't change anything as its all brought me where I am today.

Have there been moments when you felt unsure as to whether you were on the right path?

No, there have been moments when I considered giving up but because I was sure of the path I was on I didn't.

How would you like to inspire other young women/aspiring Female All Rounders?

A Female All rounder should have a relationship with God, ambition and good manners.

I am currently in a mentoring programme with a school in South London where I mentor a student for a given period of time. I'd like to do this on a larger scale as well but I have to conquer my fear of public speaking first. Baby steps.

How exactly did you get involved with this mentoring programme?

A friend of mine who does it recommended me and I got in touch with the school directly.

There’s a couple of campaigns at the moment targeting the unfair labelling of ambitious women as ‘bossy’. Where do you feel the balance lies? Is there such a thing as being too ambitious?

There's no such thing as too ambitious if you go about it without ever compromising your morals. There is such a thing as being bossy though but that's not gender specific and it has nothing to do with ambition or success because there are lazy but bossy men and women out there. People should be judged as individuals not by gender, race and so on. If a woman is to be singled out for being successful it should be in a positive light because being successful in your chosen career and simultaneously raising children/taking care of a family (which a large percentage of women end up doing at some stage) is something to be applauded not condemned.

Do you intend to expand Virgos Lounge outside Nigeria to other African countries?

We are currently stocked in Lagos and Abuja and are definitely looking to gradually expand to as many cities and countries as possible.

Visit Virgos Lounge at www.virgoslounge.com

Follow them on Instagram here

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