We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Afor Tenye. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Afor below.
Hi Afor, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Mmmm, that’s a good one, where do I starrrtttt!!! I will like to start with my life experiences. Dealing with people when starting a business is even more challenging than getting funds. Just like everyone else I’ve had my very own life challenges as a business woman, and I am sure there are many more to come. In such times there is always a choice to be made and that includes not making one as well.
When you plant flowers for example do you pay attention to the flowers or to its environment? We mostly pay attention to the environment; checking if the soil is fertile enough, if it’s getting enough sunlight, if it’s getting enough water and so on, no one checks the flower itself, why? Because nothing is wrong with it, it is not doing well because of its environment. Hence I am constantly checking to ensure I am in the right environment. This represents the people I surround myself with ( from family members to friends to mentors to podcasts etc) they pour a lot into me, they constantly remind me of my potentials and how far I have come. That keeps me going. (Oh btw that whole flower principle I got that from a podcast 😂😂😂😂)
Lastly the mercy, favor and grace of God,(Isaiah 41:10).
So in a nutshell; I get my resilience from within, my immediate family and friends and lastly the most important of them all God.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Stitches by Tenye, I believe that every lady deserves to feel like a goddess on her wedding day, birthday or maternity shoot day. My brand is born out of a passion for crafting exquisite robes that capture the essence of romance, beauty, and sophistication. Step into my world of fashion and craftsmanship, a “masterful” designer and tailorpreneur who brings creativity, style, and precision to every stitch. With a passion for crafting garments that blend innovation and timeless elegance, my design philosophy revolves around my clients and the memories they are hoping to create. Each piece is a work of art, meticulously crafted to not only elevate one’s style but also embody individuality and luxury.
I love creating bespoke “get-ready” robes for women, this includes brides, bridesmaids, moms to be and whoever desires to be part of the #TenyeTribe.
All robes are a labor of love, meticulously designed and crafted using the finest silks and laces. Each robe showcases intricate detailing, delicate embroidery, and a perfect fit that envelops the client in luxury and comfort.
Our design philosophy combines timeless elegance with a touch of modernity. Whether you prefer classic lace, minimalist satin, or vintage-inspired designs, our collection offers a variety of styles to suit your unique taste, which can be worn multiple times and styled differently.
I like to be different and standout hence I understand that every client is unique, and that’s why I offer customization options, that is choose your preferred color palette, or tailor your robe to complement your wedding theme. Your robe, your way. With Stitches by Tenye Robes, your wedding day, birthday, maternity shoot day becomes a moment of pure enchantment. Our robes not only enhance your beauty but also become treasured keepsakes of a magical day.
Explore our collection to discover the robe and or inspiration that will elevate your day to new heights of elegance and sophistication. Visit our instagram to view our breathtaking designs and make your dream robe a reality.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Believe it or not, I was survival mood that pushed me into explore what I could do. After being around designers and walking down the runway, the idea wasn’t a bad one. I got a little push when gifted a sewing machine. Et maintenant nous Sommes ici (haha that’s for my French clients ). Hardwork, consistency and resilience are the qualities that kept me going. YouTube has been the best part of my journey, a girl has got to figure this journey out one way or the other. I am also blessed to have people that are experts in the industry whom I seek counsel from especially when it come to drafting patterns, ( the math don’t be mathing sometimes okayyyy ) My advice will be to believe in yourself and surround yourself with awesome people that will encourage you when you can’t figure it out. Creative block is a thing. Another thing I don’t do is follow trends, that can get stuck in your subconscious and you find yourself trying to catch-up with trends and loose your voice. Lastly pray over your business,
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I,m sure if they are reading this, my mom will be tapping her leg and shaking her head, while my dad will be cracking dry jokes, (hahaha). Honestly, there is one thing the have done, are doing and I believe will continue doing. That is praying bold prayers on my behalf, and for that I am grateful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @stitchesbytenye
- Facebook: @stitchesbytenye
Image Credits
Moving Mountains Studio EAndrew Murray Mesus Studios
