We were lucky to catch up with Abisola Yelé Oladeinde recently and have shared our conversation below.
Abisola Yelé, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Growing up, I faced unique challenges that ultimately sculpted the confident individual I am today. Losing my mother at the age of 3 was one of the most profound moments of my life. This loss meant that while most kids had their mothers to lean on for guidance, I had to navigate many of life’s intricacies on my own. This early independence made me more self-aware, pushing me to decipher my personal style and define my identity.
Fashion became my language, my refuge. I began designing at 16, inspired by the legacy of my grandmother and auntie who were remarkable ‘tailors’. They unknowingly passed on the baton of creativity, resilience, and innovation to me. Every dress I crafted, every stitch I sewed became a validation of my identity, echoing stories of my culture and the love I have for it.
But like any journey, mine wasn’t without its hurdles. Being a newcomer in the world of fashion, I was initially intimidated by the industry’s vastness. But instead of letting it deter me, I leaned on my roots, my history, and my unique narrative. Every piece I designed was a celebration of my Yoruba heritage, a manifestation of my life’s experiences, and above all, an extension of my personality.
With each collection, each design, my confidence grew. Feedback, whether positive or constructive, became an opportunity for growth. I learned to take criticism with grace, and compliments with humility. As my brand, Yele LLC, flourished, so did my self-esteem. Knowing that my designs not only resonated with my audience but also gave them a piece of Africa to hold onto became my driving force.
Today, as I stand at the helm of Yele LLC, I look back with gratitude. Grateful for the challenges that shaped me, the legacy that guided me, and the love for fashion that gave me purpose. My confidence isn’t just about knowing my craft; it’s about embracing my journey, respecting my roots, and continuously evolving with passion and perseverance.
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?
At the heart of Yele LLC lies a deep-seated passion for merging the vibrant heritage of Africa with the dynamic world of contemporary fashion. We don’t just create clothes; we craft stories, memories, and emotions. Our brand is a tapestry of traditional African motifs interwoven with modern aesthetics, reflecting the beauty and strength of the journey between two worlds.
Every piece at Yele is unique. Rooted in my Nigerian upbringing, our designs harness the vivid artistry of Adire prints, which are not just patterns but narrate tales of culture, tradition, and love. These prints, exclusive to our brand, ensure that each product carries an authentic fragment of African artistry, setting us apart in the vast world of fashion. From handcrafted dresses to uniquely designed shoes and handbags, every item sings a song of its origin, echoing the rich tales of the continent.
What truly excites me about Yele is its ability to challenge and redefine the narrative around African fashion. Gone are the days when African designs were seen only as tribal or traditional. Our Afrofuturistic themes, combined with Western trends, create a fresh and out-of-the-box look that resonates globally, positioning African fashion on a pedestal it truly deserves.
But Yele’s journey is not just about fashion. It’s about empowerment, about reclaiming space, and about ensuring that every individual can find pieces that resonate with their identity. Our recent collection, “The Power of Love,” embodies this ethos. Each piece, like the striking “Give Me My Space” jacket dress, makes a statement, urging individuals, especially women, to command their presence and embrace their power.
As we look to the future, Yele is gearing up for some thrilling ventures. We’re expanding our presence, exploring collaborations, and launching new collections that will further cement our position in the fashion world. We’re also focusing on community engagement, with workshops like “Runway Revolution” aiming to empower budding designers.
I invite everyone to experience the world of Yele LLC – a realm where tradition meets trend, and every stitch tells a story. Join us on this exhilarating journey as we redefine fashion, one design at a time.
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?
1. Embracing Cultural Heritage: My deep appreciation and understanding of my Nigerian heritage have been instrumental in my journey. The knowledge of traditional motifs, stories, and the rich tapestry of African art has given Yele LLC its unique voice in the fashion world. Advice: Dive deep into your roots, whatever they may be. Embrace your history, learn the stories, and use them as a foundation. Authenticity is a powerful tool in any industry.
2. Adaptability and Continuous Learning:
Fashion, like many industries, is ever-evolving. My ability to adapt, learn new techniques, and incorporate contemporary trends without losing the essence of traditional design has been crucial. Advice: Be open to change. Commit to lifelong learning and stay updated with trends in your industry. But remember, while it’s essential to adapt, don’t lose the core essence of what makes you unique.
3. Building Genuine Connections:
Networking isn’t just about expanding your contact list. It’s about building genuine relationships. Many of my opportunities arose from connections where mutual respect and understanding were the foundation. Advice: Network with intention. Seek mentorship, attend relevant events, and approach every interaction as a two-way street. Listen as much as you talk, and value the relationships you form. Genuine connections often open doors you didn’t even know existed.
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?
Absolutely, I am always open to collaborations that align with Yele LLC’s ethos and vision. Specifically:
Fashion Bloggers and Influencers: With an authentic following and a passion for sustainable, unique, and culturally-rich fashion. Their influence can help in expanding our brand reach while offering their audience something fresh and distinct.
Artists and Designers: Especially those with an African background or those who resonate with the vibrant African aesthetics. Collaborative designs or capsule collections could be a beautiful blend of creativity and heritage.
Sustainable Fabric Suppliers: As we aim to be environmentally conscious, partnering with suppliers who prioritize sustainable practices would further our commitment to eco-friendly fashion.
Community Initiatives: I’m keen on initiatives that aim to uplift communities, especially within the African diaspora. Be it fashion workshops, training sessions, or community events, Yele LLC is all about giving back and empowering.
If you align with our vision and see a potential collaboration, I invite you to connect with me directly via our official website or drop a message on our Instagram handle. Let’s create magic together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yelestitches.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/yelestitches
- Facebook: yelestitches collection
- Linkedin: Yele Oladeinde
- Twitter: yelestitches
- Youtube: Yele Stitches
- Yelp: yelestitches
Image Credits
Images: Caver imaging for project artscape Photographs from Revive by Cavanagh house
