Olatunji Barakat in Fashion and Jewelry Entrepreneurship
Olatunji Barakat in Fashion and Jewelry Entrepreneurship
In this exclusive exploration, we delve into the captivating life and transformative journey of Olatunji Barakat, a visionary who has seamlessly turned a mere business into a lifestyle. From curating collections that resonate with diverse tastes as a fashion designer and jewelry business owner to embracing the challenges of an ever-evolving industry, Olatunji Barakat stands as a testament to the remarkable power of passion and a keen eye for style.
Early Life and Background of Olatunji Barakat
Olatunji Barakat’s early life unfolded in Ibadan, Nigeria, where she received her primary and secondary education. A graduate of English and Literature from Kwara State University in Malete, Kwara State, she manifested her enthusiasm for fashion at an early age. In SS1, her multifaceted interests led her to acquire tailoring skills, gaining popularity for her ability to create and sketch designs off the top of her head.
Throughout her university days, Olatunji Barakat’s fervor for fashion design persisted. She not only sold fashion wear, accessories, bags, and shoes but also ventured into the shawarma business, demonstrating her exceptional ability to balance entrepreneurial pursuits with academic excellence.
Birth of her Business
The birth of her business unfolded during her university years. Initially, she sewed clothes for others, utilizing a local tailor’s sewing machine. However, the transition to selling jewelry became inevitable. In 2019, she officially registered her business and commenced her jewelry enterprise in 2020, just before graduating. Post-NYSC, she further elevated her skills, launching her fashion brand, House Of Sahar, seamlessly navigating between being a jewelry seller and a recognized fashion designer.
Challenges
Challenges became stepping stones for Olatunji Barakat. As a newcomer in the fashion industry, gaining the trust of clients presented a formidable obstacle. Convincing them to entrust her brand with their outfits or jewelry proved to be a challenging feat. Economic fluctuations posed another hurdle, with the rising prices of items impacting her business. Sourcing durable, non-tarnished items for her jewelry brand also emerged as a significant challenge.
Achievements
Despite the obstacles, Olatunji Barakat boasts an impressive array of achievements. Having served over 500 clients with impeccable jewelry pieces, she has retained a loyal customer base of over 150 individuals. Additionally, she has imparted her knowledge by training more than 20 individuals in the business. Her brand has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted jewelry brands in the city of Ibadan, a testament to her dedication and commitment.
Looking ahead, Olatunji Barakat envisions a future where her brand thrives. Her dream includes establishing walk-in stores with multiple branches, showrooms, and production rooms. Aspiring to become one of the leading brands in the fashion industry, she is poised to continue her journey with unwavering determination and creativity.
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