Today we’d like to introduce you to Abiola Agoro.
Abiola, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was always an extremely creative child, making clothes for my dolls from office supplies and jewelry out of any stones or shells I could find. After getting my first jewelry kit at the age of 11, my items started catching the interest of my mom’s friends. They would barter things like peach cobblers, extra jewelry supplies, and even clothing for my jewelry. Later that year my mom decided to help me file an official business license and before I knew it I was doing shows all over with the help of my mom. I named the business Fabiabiola & Mommy. The business evolved from solely handmade jewelry to jewelry and accessories, then also clothes and now into handmade and designed items.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a female and a black female specifically in business has never been easy and often in the fashion business, we have to jump through extra hoops just to get to the same starting line as everyone else. Some of our biggest struggles have to do with access & diversity in fashion. It can be a very hush world and you have to find things out on your own. Being able to know what road other designers took to get to where they are, what companies do and who they know to be presented as designers, and people stealing your designs. Nonetheless, I love what I’ve learned and what I am able to do. Each set back has taught me a tremendous amount and made me stronger in the industry.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
We specialize in personal styling/shopping and handmade African fusion inspired clothing. Our newest collection Black Couture is a great embodiment of this. What sets us apart the most is our designs and level of accessibility to clothing. Our handmade clothing is fully customizable so the customer gets to have a lot of control. People are shocked that our prices are so reasonable for unique things and that we are often pushing new boundaries for the benefit of our customers.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is being able to make a difference in the fashion industry by making consumers feel empowered about themselves in their communities and about their differences while also being able to make a profit and sell beautiful designs.
Pricing:
- Handmade African Boo Boo Dress $100
- Handmade Ankara Wrap Skirt $70
- Handmade Ankara Choker Top $45
- Handmade Men’s Pants and Top Set $100
- Handmade Womens Pants and Top or Skirt Set $100
Contact Info:
- Website: styledbyola.com
- Phone: 8173683055
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/stylingbyola/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stylingbyola/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/styledbyola
- Other: http://instagram.com/ahbeeolah/
Image Credit:
Temitayo Agoro (@arriagoro), Jaron Johnson (@politicsnpoetry), and K
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