Meet Temitope Ogunseitan

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Temitope Ogunseitan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Temitope , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Embracing my unique perspective, I have learned to embrace my uniqueness as a strength rather than a limitation, my background and experiences inform my artistic vision, allowing me to offer a perspective that may nor be commonly represented in the mainstream fashion industry. I’ve also come to understand that my voice matters and my contributions can enrich discussion and inspire others.

I also focus on building Authentic relationship with others in the industry, regardless of their background, experience by being Approachable and willing to share my journey, I create a space where dialogue can flourish.

Being confident in my skills and my vision, I have learned to assert myself in discussions, share my ideas and advocate for the value of diverse perspectives in fashion.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a multidisciplinary artist who expresses my creativity through fashion and Art. I curate collections from upcycled and preloved items, primarily sourced from vintage and charity stores. My work aims to make a bold fashion statement while promoting sustainability and inclusivity.

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to bridge the gap between different socio-economic classes.
I reimagine and style pieces from charity shops to rival luxury brands, demonstrating that fashion doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. I firmly believe, “It doesn’t take the whole world to look expensive.” With a positive mindset and creativity, anyone can achieve their desired style. Each unique piece I create not only showcases my artistic flair but also tells a story of transformation and empowerment.
My brand, TP4STYLE, is built on the philosophy of defying mainstream fashion norms. I utilize upcycled and preloved garments, authentic fabrics, and distinctive designs to create one-of-a-kind collections. Each piece is thoughtfully finished and accessorized, making my creations easily recognizable. Additionally, I take great pride in my creative journey and its impact on young creatives in Africa through my creative hub, DRIPPCITY NG.

I started this journey in 2010 by sourcing thrift and preloved clothes from local markets in Lagos—specifically from places like Katangua, Aswani, and Yaba—due to financial constraints. Over time, I transformed these pieces into eye-catching styles that gained the attention of fashion influencers and celebrities, ultimately leading to the establishment of DRIPPCITY in 2019.

Through my experiences, I’ve learned the importance of consistency, community building, and supporting others’ growth. I believe in embracing challenges with faith in my vision and viewing failures as learning opportunities. This perspective has allowed me to maintain a free spirit and a positive mindset, which guide my creative process. Through my initiative, TP4creative,I strive to inspire and empower young talents to realize their creative potential, emphasizing that making a difference doesn’t require vast resources, but rather determination and passion.
I’m excited to share that we are planning a series of workshops aimed at young creatives, where they can learn about upcycling and sustainable fashion practices. We’re also working on expanding our collection to include collaborative pieces with other local creatives artists and Designers, which I believe will enrich our offerings and foster a sense of community. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and create opportunities for young talents in the fashion industry.

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

1. Creativity and my Artistic vision has really shaped my journey over the year my ability to envision unique styles is my fundamental as a multidisciplinary Artist,
My creativity allows me to reimage and transform upcycled and preloved clothes and fabrics into a bold fashion statement for both the famous influencer persons and the ordinary people back in Lagos Nigeria at an Affordable price for everyone.

2. Community building and my Leadership spirit has also contributed in my journey, building a community around my brand through my creative Hub DRIPPCITY NG, I actively support and mentor young creatives in Nigeria.
My leadership skills enable me to foster an environment of Collaboration and growth, where aspiring Talents can learn and thrive, By promoting inclusivand creating opportunities,Now that I am in the western country I aim to empower others to realize their potential and contribute to the creative and fashion landscape.

3. Resilience and Adaptability is one of the major keys that also contributed to my journey .
The process of transforming thrifted items into sought-after fashion pieces has not been without challenges. My resilience allows me to face these obstacles with a positive mindset, embracing failures as learning experiences. This adaptability is essential in navigating the ever-evolving fashion industry, enabling me to stay relevant and responsive to changing trends while remaining true to my vision of sustainability and inclusivity.

These skills have not only shaped my brand but have also allowed me to make a meaningful impact within my community and the broader fashion world.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am eager to collaborate with various charitable organizations and brand globally to empower and inspire young people in embracing sustainability and discovering their creative potential. By sharing my personal stories, I aim to mentor them on overcoming challenges with a positive mindset and accepting themselves for who they are. My goal is to help them become independent individuals and positive role models in their communities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Tp4style.com
• Instagram: Tp4_style
• Facebook: Temitope Ayobami Ogunseitan
• Linkedin: Temitope Ogunseitan
• Twitter: Tp4_Style
• Youtube: Temitope Ogunseitan (Tp4_style)

Image Credits

Michael tiedka
Jimmysjpeg