Meet Kunmi Oni

We recently connected with Kunmi Oni and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kunmi, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism comes from being deeply rooted in a joyful lifestyle—one where I’ve chosen to live lightly, without letting life’s twists and turns shake me. It’s not that challenges don’t come, but I’ve built a way of being that allows me to hold them with ease. I don’t carry everything like it’s life or death. I move through life anchored in joy, not outcomes. That’s what keeps me steady.

Reading The Pathless Path really shifted how I approach life. It gave language to something I had been feeling for a long time—that fulfillment doesn’t have to come from following a prescribed path. Since then, I’ve been more open to living in alignment, even if it looks unconventional. It’s helped me let go of pressure and lean into trust that whatever is meant for me will not pass me by and if something doesn’t work out , it may not have been mine at that time.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At 1964, I lead the creative and strategic direction of the brand—from designing each collection to shaping how we show up in the world. What makes this work so special to me is that it’s not just about clothing; it’s about creating space for women who value ease, beauty, and intention in how they live and dress. Every piece we create is rooted in the idea of slowing down, reconnecting with self, and choosing quality over noise.

What excites me most is seeing how the brand resonates with women across different life stages—especially those who often feel unseen by mainstream fashion. Our pieces are simple but thoughtful, made from natural fabrics like linen and cotton, and designed to feel as good as they look. Earlier this year, we rebranded and moved our business base from Lagos to Toronto, launched our new collection called Good Earth, a reflection of where we are now: grounded, clear, and deeply intentional.

1964 is more than a clothing brand—it’s a quiet rebellion against fast fashion and performative living. And I feel incredibly grateful to be building something that invites women to feel seen, comfortable, and strong in their softness.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three things have really shaped my journey: resisting the urge to compare, learning to speak up for what I want, and understanding that you often have to spend money to make money.

First, comparison will literally steal your joy. There were times I found myself looking sideways at what others were building, only to realize it was draining my energy and distracting me from my own path. The turning point came when I committed to focusing on my pace, my purpose, and my progress. That clarity changed everything.

Second, I had to learn that closed mouths don’t get fed. Whether it was pitching to stockists, applying for grants, or asking for help—I had to stop playing small. If you don’t ask, the answer is already no. This shift helped me step into rooms I once thought were out of reach.

Lastly, investing in your dream is non-negotiable. I used to hold on tightly to every dollar, but at some point, I realized that growth costs money. Whether it was hiring help, doing a proper shoot, or upgrading our packaging—those investments paid off in visibility, sales, and peace of mind.

For anyone early in their journey: keep your eyes on your own lane, speak up for yourself even when your voice shakes, and don’t be afraid to bet on your own potential—even when it feels scary.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

Reading The Pathless Path really shifted how I think about life. It helped me realize that choosing an unconventional path isn’t failure—it’s freedom. It gave me language for the quiet nudges I’d been feeling for a while: that it’s okay to rest, to slow down, and to build a life that actually feels good, not just one that looks impressive. How to Win Friends and Influence People taught me that people don’t just care about what you do—they care about how you make them feel. Simple things like remembering someone’s name, listening more than you speak, or offering encouragement instead of critique can completely shift your relationships. And 10x Is Easier Than 2x? That one blew my mind. It made me realize that going bigger doesn’t mean doing more—it means getting super clear on what actually matters and letting go of everything that doesn’t. I’ve started to let go of the things I was holding onto just because they were “working,” and it’s opened up space for bigger, better moves. All three books, in different ways, reminded me to be intentional, trust my pace, and not be afraid to think and build differently.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.the1964brand.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/1964.brand