Pride Magazine Nigeria speaks with Oluwatimumide Louise Akintunde, a lawyer with a passion for Jewellery. She is the owner of NeroBespoke a company specializing in making bespoke jewellery.
Pride Magazine Nigeria (PNG): We appreciate the opportunity to interview you. Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers, as well as tell us about your business?
Oluwatimumide Louise Akintunde (OLA): Hello readers and thank you Pride Magazine Nigeria for this rare opportunity. I am a young female with a law degree from the University of Southampton. I have also been called to the Nigerian Bar to the glory of God. I hope to major in Energy and Tax Law – that’s my work side. On the other side, I have a flair for jewellery and have a jewellery line called NeroBespoke. NeroBespoke designs affordable, specially crafted bespoke jewellery pieces for individuals. People buy jewellery for many reasons such as to commemorate celebratory events or because of its perceived rarity, which NeroBespoke provides. And beyond that, NeroBespoke aims to inspire the Nigerian youths, demonstrating that as long as there is a desire, you can achieve all what you want in whatever field by the grace of God and hard work.
PNG: You mention bespoke jewellery. What is the difference between plain old jewellery and bespoke jewellery?
OLA: In simple terms plain old jewellery looks archaic and traditional. While bespoke jewellery is specially crafted trendy jewels suitable to each individual. The truth is the value of jewellery increases with age, but the worth of bespoke jewellery speaks for itself at the mere sight of it.
PNG: So your love for jewellery led you to make bespoke jewellery and start your company. How did you translate your passion into a business?
OLA: Yes it did. From as far back as I remember I did love jewellery. Looking at my baby pictures, my mother wore really nice jewellery pieces on me. In high school, I remember even when we had socials I used to give out jewellery to my friends so we could all look like ‘babes’. This went on till I was at the University of Southampton. At university, I designed and ordered jewellery for myself till my mum and someone dear to me at the time said to me, “Why not start your own jewellery line?” And that was triggered the zeal. It was something I loved to do, so it was easy to translate that passion or zeal into a profitable venture by the grace of God.
PNG: What types of jewellery does NeroBespoke make?
OLA: Quite frankly we make all types of jewellery except watches. Anything imaginable: earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets and body jewellery. These can be made using different materials such as zircon, sterling, gold, silver, costume jewellery, corals, pearls and beads.
PNG: Do you make all the jewellery by yourself or do you have staff in your employ?
OLA: I make some of them and do have external sources who help out with the making of the jewellery. Some of the jewellery are also designed and produced in countries such as Dubai, Singapore, Switzerland and China.
PNG: Who are your customers?
OLA: NeroBespoke customers are both male and female, adults and children, and all races. In as much as jewellery is more relatable to females, I like to see a guy with nice bracelets, and so we cater to guys as well. It might interest you to know that the global market for male jewellery grew by 4.7% in 2017.
PNG: What are the challenges you have faced or are facing with NeroBespoke Jewellery, and how have you overcome them or are you overcoming them?
OLA: NeroBespoke’s major challenge has been constantly evolving fashion trends and keeping up with them. One minute there is a trend most people follow, another minute there is another trend. Initially, I found it difficult to keep up with the pace – before I can sell out products matching one trend, another trend comes into fashion which I have to also produce and sell. Now what was my solution to this challenge? I had to be on my feet and be informed to be J-I-T (Just In Time). This way I produce the right quantity to meet the demands of a set trend. I also forecast and try to be certain of an approaching trend, so that I produce and meet up with the demands of that as well.
Another challenge has been growing our consumer base online. In this digital age there are so many scammers and frauds so people do not want to take chances. Some consumers do not want to pay as a result of the fear of being defrauded. My solution to this is that I try to put up my reviews from clients to show it is a tried and trusted brand. I also have a 100% refund guarantee policy which has helped curb this challenge significantly.
PNG: What are your immediate and long-term plans for NeroBespoke?
OLA: Isn’t that letting the bag out of the hat?! I’m joking. My immediate goals for NeroBespoke is to continue to cater to our clients’ needs in that they tell us their budget and we find out a bit about their personality to help design jewellery that best suits them. In the long run, I strongly desire to broaden our clientele as we grow. I also have a strong desire to empower our youth through workshops, thereby unravelling their talents and bringing it into full physical manifestation beyond the jewellery sector.
PNG: Given the high level of youth unemployment in Nigeria, is this an area of business you will advise others to try if they have a flair for making jewellery?
OLA: Definitely!! If it is something you have an interest in, surely venture into it. In so doing it will be a win-win situation not only because it is an area one can thrive in but you are also maximizing your potential even if you do not do as well in it. No dream should be left in the dark, it should be brought to light. It is also a niche market hence very viable.
PNG: You are also a practising lawyer. How do you combine the two occupations – law and jewellery making? Is it difficult?
OLA: I just got called to the Nigerian Bar in December 2017 and started my NYSC in January 2018. It has been quite tedious balancing all as NYSC can be very time consuming. On the brighter side, since I enjoy practising law and I love jewellery making, my strength is in the joy and satisfaction I bring to people which makes it all worth it. I will say it may be tedious but it surely is worth it.
PNG: Do you foresee a day when you will quit practicing law and face bespoke jewellery making full-time?
OLA: I am in my early 20s and at this point this is not foreseeable. However, I have learnt never to say never. I hope to balance both, and hope for the best in what the future has to offer.
To contact or order jewellery pieces from NeroBespoke:
E-mail: nerobespoke@gmail.com
Instagram: @nerobespoke
Phone number: 08179590398
1 Comment
love them! Congratulations Mide, keep soaring.