Ep 5 Eva Sonaike | Reflecting on 10 years and what it takes to build a luxury African textiles brand

Behind The Design

English - October 03, 2019 11:00 - 35 minutes - 48.7 MB - ★★★★★ - 2 ratings
Entrepreneurship Business Arts Design africa design entrepreneurship business creative entrepreneur Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Previous Episode: Ep 4 Farai Madzima | Designing user experiences with customers in mind, overcoming setbacks, and tech in Africa

Next Episode: Ep 6 Akosua Afriyie-Kumi - Tracing the journey of turning an idea into a globally stocked ethical fashion brand

This is episode 5 where I am joined by textile designer Eva Sonaike.

ABOUT EVA:

Eva Sonaike is the founder of Eva Sonaike, a London-based interiors and lifestyle brand creating luxurious textiles and home décor products. Eva, who was born and raised in Germany and is of Nigerian heritage, has taken the best elements of these two cultures to inspire her work. The result being designs that bring the vibrancy of African colours and aesthetics to the luxury home décor and accessories market.

We talk about:

What led her to starting a textile design business, and the journey of turning a hobby into a full-time business

How her first collection attracted the attention of Selfridges and Liberty London, two prestigious London department stores. How being in the right place at the right time has led to some of her biggest opportunities.

Celebrating ten years of Eva Sonaike and what has this journey taught her about herself and as a business leader

Developing the characteristics of a textile designer and the importance of business acumen

Using trade shows to help get her brand exposure, and what participation has taught her about branding and building a world-class brand

Why you shouldn’t say yes to every opportunity

The perception of luxury African Design in a western market

Getting her products into African countries, the ease of doing business

Overcoming discouragement and seasons of doubt

Balancing family and business

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Selfridges - https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/

Liberty London - https://www.libertylondon.com

Fenwick - https://www.fenwick.co.uk