Let’s get to meet you.
I am Akoleaje Funmilayo, the CEO of the Layodel Footwear.
What is your educational background?
Am a B.Sc holder. I graduated from Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo state in 2009, where I studied Biochemistry and I did my National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) at Igbo Eze North, Enugu State.
What prompted you to venture into shoemaking, even as a female?
I love leather work even before I graduated from the University. When I left school, I was always close to those who are making shoes and bags. When I had an opportunity to learn footwear items in Lagos, I quickly grabbed it, because it’s something I have passion for. And at first, I didn’t know it was going to be a business. I was just learning it then as something I had love for. But in the process. people saw my work and were asking if I was the one doing it.I replied yes to their amazement. They would ask if I could do one or two for them. And that was how I started the business.
For how long have you been doing this work?
I started this business officially in 2016, and since then I have been experiencing progress in my work, because God has been faithful to me.
How impactful is this work on your life and others around you?
Have encouraged a lot of people to venture into this work because when I started people were surprised that a female could go into shoe making. They have not seen it before, so, it was strange to them. Some people would tell me they taught shoemaking is for physically challenged persons. That was their thought about the work. But seeing a lady doing it, and a graduate at that, they were surprised. This in turn gave some boldness and were encouraged to go into it. I have trained fifteen (15 ) apprentices, both male and female. And even presently, I have four apprentices undergoing training. In essence, apart from becoming my source of livelihood, others have been motivated through it.
What were the challenges you faced or still facing since you started this work?
Well, when I first started it took a long time before people came directly to work with me because people doubted my competence, believing shoemaking is solely for men. But I built confidence in those people that patronized me with quality work. From there, I began to get referers when I do jobs like: palm slippers, half shoes or shoes for someone. They would later come with there friends and relatives for more works. The starting point is just for people to know that as a female, what a man can a woman can also, if not better.
Considering the economic situation of the country, how much could one have as capital before he/she can start the work?
The good thing about this business is that you don’t need to have a huge capital before you start. You can start small, so as you are growing, you can begin to acquire more instruments to make your work easier.
Apart from the sewing machine and filing machine that is quite expensive, if you have N50,000, you can buy little tools to start off.
What advice would you give to Nigerian youths on the need for creativity and self reliance, other than looking for white cola jobs?
Entrepreneurship is the key. There is no job anywhere. They should be job creators for the people. They don’t need to wait until government provides jobs. They can become employers of labour.
