We recently connected with Ola Omami and have shared our conversation below.
Ola, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I tackled it by reminding myself that nobody has it all figured out. We’re all just doing our best to navigate this crazy journey and I decided to embrace the uncertainty and roll with it.
“Fake it till you make it” became my mantra. Even on days when I felt like I was stumbling, I kept up the appearance of confidence. Turns out, acting the part can sometimes lead to actually feeling the part. It was like a gradual process of self-discovery. It took time, and it’s still work in progress (there’s always something new to learn when you’re running a business (especially in the ever changing landscape of fashion and retail) so I still find myself pretending like I know what I’m doing. For example, more recently I had to start increase my appearance in front of a camera for our social media and it’s very uncomfortable for me but I just play an influencer and hope for the best.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I started OMAMImini shortly after my daughter was born (she’s about to turn 14 now!) after having a hard time finding clothes for her that would resonate with my personal aesthetic. The brand’s motto is “edgy style for the future fashion icons,” but it’s really much more than that. I make sure every garment we make is not only cool-looking and fashion-forward but also absolutely comfortable, low-maintenance (nobody has time for dry cleaning or handwashing), and highly durable. Non-boring clothes can and should be easy to wear, easy to mix and match, and offer you a full expression of your personality.
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?
Grit, very clear vision of what I’m doing and why, as well as understanding of brand’s DNA. You don’t need and can’t know everything – for technical things like pattern making you can (and should) hire the proper professionals but you do need to develop the ability to delegate and manage, unless you’re planning to remain a one man show and happy with it.
Above all – don’t expect to become an overnight success. It helps to have a drive for what you do, because the journey is part of the destination. Listen to other people opinions, get a mentor – but bottom line listen to yourself.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client understands the importance of instilling good taste in kids. For them, good taste transcends mere appearance; it’s about making conscious choices that reflect our authentic selves rather than conforming to external expectations. They value quality over quantity, seeking out unique pieces that resonate with their individuality. By prioritizing authenticity and craftsmanship, they cultivate a wardrobe and living space that truly reflects their values and personality.
They understand that what kids wear can influence how they feel about themselves and how they interact with the world around them. Therefore, they seek out clothing that not only looks great but also feels comfortable (figuratively speaking and also comfortable in their own skin). By choosing pieces that encourage self-expression and comfort, they empower children to embrace their unique identities and navigate the world with confidence.
In essence, my ideal client is someone who recognizes that fashion is more than just fabric and threads—it’s a tool for shaping character, instilling values, and nurturing individuality in the next generation. They are conscious consumers who prioritize authenticity, quality, and the well-being of their children above all else.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.omamimini.com
- Instagram: @omamimini
- Facebook: @omamimini
- Yelp: @omamimini
Image Credits
Cameron Jordan, Roneil Chavez
