Ronke Edun is a designer and CEO of Sabali Stitches. She is also a multi talented entrepreneur who is passionate about food, arts, logistics and more. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she talks about her creative style, memorable experiences and life as Denrele Edun’s sister.
Let’s talk about life as a designer?
Life as a designer is interesting. Let’s just say I stumbled into it by accident. As an Art lover, I have always known that I was going to tread the artistic path with my brother but as a Business.
I started by running a Logistics company and I am still doing this. I would say that the inspiration came while I was growing up. My Mum had a great eye for detail and great inspiration for fashion despite not being Nigerian (she’s half Indian and Mauritian). It was exciting because she was very aware of Naija Fashion. We all learnt the art of tying our geles to church at age 5. This was also a complete outfit with our Oleku wrappers. My older brother ensured we were in heels all the time. So I grew up in a Fashion-forward environment. I constantly braved the odds to wear anything I wanted to wear. We grew up in a family house with so much bickering and relatives constantly dictating what not to wear) and I didn’t give a damn.
Creating Sabali Stitches was a walk in the park; I wanted Looks that were fun, not too serious but serious enough to get compliments!
How would you assess Nigerian designers at the moment?
Nigerian Designers are fast putting the Fashion Stratosphere on the Global Market. What I mean here is that if the likes of Michelle Obama can rock Maki Oh then we are doing very well. Also having the likes of Theresa May rock Emmy Kasbit, OprahWinfrey with Will and Jada Smith also patronising our Deola Sagoe, then what more are we saying here?
Nigerian designers are rewriting history and changing the narrative.
If we can even have our very own Mayowa Nicholas walk the Victoria Secrets Runway, then the Nigerian Fashion scene is doing something right! Despite the madness of the country, the chaotic economy and the haphazard way of living, we still try to find inspiration and be in tune with our inner creative genius! Power to the Nigerian designers, our Ministry shall never run down!!!!
How do you relax?
Can you ever relax in Lagos? Relax ké? That’s a tall order! But I try. I like to party, hang out at the beach, throw barbecues (I can grill a mean fish with all the spices), watch TV (Africa Magic especially for a good laugh) and swim. Let me check if they’ve cleaned the pool this morning sef! Overall, we don’t relax in my household but we find ways to cheat being busy for relaxation.
What type of books do you like to read?
Books ké? I don’t like books. Leave the reading culture to my older brother. The endless library of books in our house all belong to him. Growing up, he coerced into reading a lot of Fiction (else we wouldn’t get treats or go out with him) but here’s the crazy part… once we are done reading, he will give us a blank jotter to briefly summarise the book. Argh! When it comes to books, I’m an A plus guru with Accounts, Book Keeping and counting money!
You are also creative with food. What are some of the experiences making edibles?
It’s been interesting and I would say that what inspired me is the creativity that I see around me.
Most mothers are great cooks; did you get the inspiration from your mum?
Yes, I got a lot of the skills from her. My mother suffered for us, she faced a lot of challenges in my family house. It was a disaster. She gave us the best love ever, no matter the situation on ground. My mum is very spiritual and she is a great mum. She is the best thing that ever happened to me and my siblings. I also run a logistics company called Aderonke logistics. This I run in partnership with Jumia foods as well as Konga. I make edibles as well and it’s been an interesting journey. I also do lots of other things too. I find all this engaging and interesting because I am a very creative and smart person. I always strive for the best and I strongly believe that anything is possible. A lot has happened in my life but I thank God.
What are some of the things that you share in common with your brother, Denrele?
I admire a lot of things about my brother. He is a strong, free spirited personality. He is my role model and his personality is boom for me. He also has a great sense of humor and he is very intelligent. He has so many sides to his personality and this include being very funny, he is also very observant; he cares a lot about people. In addition, he is always ready to help everyone once it is within his power, always ready for anything. I must say that he’s got a good heart, very emotional, a big winch you don’t want to mess with.
I also admire him because he has a great career, he’s a Gemini, and he eats well but never gets fat. One other interesting aspect is that he is always ready for the camera. He knows how to shut people up with such much scrams, he’s so smart, and you don’t want to lie to him because he will catch you.
He is a Gemini and most times I don’t want to see his other side. Sometimes, he says I’m his worst nightmare and I’m the maggot in his Apple. I think not everyone deserve him. We share a lot in common especially body sizes, clothes shoes and brain. However, he tolerates anything but I don’t tolerate nonsense.
What do you admire about his style and personality?
So many things. He has a lot of great achievements and I am really grateful to God for that and more.
Do you make some of the things that your brother wears?
Yes, I make some of his clothes.
Who or what inspires the things that you do?
No one inspires me .I inspire myself. I would say that I do my things my way.
Let’s talk about the changes that you will like to see in the sector?
I will like to grow internationally and worldwide.
What are some of the other things that occupy your time?
I am a blot driver as well; I do a lot of things.
Tell us about your role models, people you admire in your career or in life?
I admire nobody but myself. I got no role models
Let’s talk about mentoring and the memories from your experience?
I don’t have one.
What are some of the principles that guide what you do?
For the principles that guide what I do, I would say everything and anything.
What lessons has life taught you?
I would say that life taught me the hard way. I never grew up with love in my life. I learnt the hard way
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