Kene Rapu - CEO, Slippers by Kene (SBK)

Our Female All Rounder for June Is 24 year old Kene Rapu. FashIon Entepreneur. Kene is the CEO of 'Slippers by Kene' which falls under her brand Kene Rapu.

Ok, so I am sure you’ve been asked this a million times before but what motivated you to start your eponymous line?

Being tall I am always on the lookout for cute flats. One day, I decIded to make myself a paIr of AfrIcan InspIred slIppers out of ankara fabric; I got a lot of positive feedback from friends and family and really that was the beginning of SlippersbyKene. I took the business opportunity seriously and that is how 'Kene Rapu' the brand was launched in October 2011.

You've mentioned before that the Nigerian fashion industry is increasingly current and youthful. How do you stay inspired? Do you travel or follow certain blogs?

I get inspired by everyday life and what I see around me. A lot of my pieces also reflect my personality.

So you recently launched a menswear line of slippers. What further ambitions for your brand do you have?

Yes, we have expanded beyond female slippers to include female sandals and male slippers. I look forward to introducing other products under the 'Kene Rapu' umbrella in the near future.

Did your parents accept your decision to move into fashion considering your law background?

Yes, my parents have always been my biggest supporters. From my childhood, I have had two identifiable gifts- an analytical mind and a passion for fashion. I always intended to explore both.

I am grateful for the opportunity I had to study Law at the University of Bristol as it expanded my mind, taught me a lot about staying power and the value of research. Basically, everything you get from a challenging degree.

My Law degree definitely provided me with a broad based foundation which has heightened my sense of analysis and research and brings invaluable insight to my business portfolio. I am a strong believer in finding your purpose through passion, and so I'm glad to have law in my portfolio, but I reckon I will be sticking with fashion. The Nigerian fashion industry is growing and this is prime time to get involved and make an impact.

My parents are on the same page as I am.

Did you get the same kind of support from anyone else?

Aside from my parents, I have been fortunate enough to have great mentors. Whenever I need advice, I never hesitate to ask someone older and wiser who has 'been there... done that'.

You’re currently studying for your Masters in Fashion Entrepreneurship at LCF. How has going back to do your Masters added an extra edge to your business? What have you learnt from this experience coming from a non-fashion background?

Studying law I was able put formal training to my analytical skills, and I'm now doing the same with my passion for fashion by studying at the London College of Fashion. I feel that formal education is important in whatever area you want to excel in. Doing my Masters degree has been one of the best decisions I've made, it's given me a deeper insight into how to run a successful fashion business; from learning about major things like finances and business model planning to social media strategies. I have also done internships in various areas of the fashion industry so have been able to pick up practical experience along the way as well.

During these internships, you must have had someone you looked up to who inspired you to dream big. Which Nigerian designer do you most admire in this sense and why?

I would say Folake Coker of Tiffany Amber. I worked with her as a temporary store manager for a season and was able to learn a few things from her within that time. I find her inspiring.

You've taken part in some capacity with various fashion shows over the years. What has been your most exciting involvement to date?

I've worked with the Lagos Fashion & Design Week since its inception. It is a fantastic initiative to promote Nigerian designers and the team is made up of passionate hardworking people who are always great to work with. I also absolutely love Nigerian fashion so it feels great to be part of a team working towards promoting Nigerian fashion. I also recently worked with a production company during the London Fashion Week A/W 2014 on three major shows- Julien MacDonald, Matthew Williamson and Vivienne Westwood- it was an interesting and fulfilling experience.

As a young educated woman, do you feel the need to have more of an impact in other sectors apart from fashion?

I won't put myself in a box but I think it is important to have direction and walk in purpose- you might make the most impact excelling in one particular sector- be it fashion or be it finance; or you might make a greater impact being involved in multiple sectors; everyone has a different story.

What are the greatest challenges you faced starting a business in Nigeria?

My business has grown organically. So far, we have tried to pace ourselves and take the right baby steps in order to avoid major mistakes or huge set backs. However, one of the challenges I have had to continually deal with over the last three years in business is trying to inculcate the spirit of excellence in the craftsmen who work with me.

Oftentimes, the average Nigerian worker is so used to patching things here and there and "managing", it can get a little frustrating. Although perfectionism is a trap, i think it is important to strive for excellence!

What do you think about the FAR concept?

I think it is a great initiative to empower, encourage and inspire women. Sometimes women can be their own worst enemies, so it is great to foster a community of strong women making their mark in their various industries.

What qualities do you believe a Female All Rounder should have?

I think it's important to have as much of a balanced 360 life as possible. In terms of work, It is important to be focused, driven and hardworking, and be able to dream big. Being female, you need to look good- hair, nails and make up. Knowing when it's time to work and when it's time to socialise is key. Fitness is also important- this is where I let myself down the most I think. Lastly and most importantly, you need to remember to put God first- for me, praying for direction and wisdom is crucial. I think those are the main things you need to be a Female All Rounder, and I am very flattered to have been labeled one.

Get your own pair of Slippers by Kene "SBKs" online here

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