Lagos, Nigeria – Oghale Kadiri, a 25-year-old founder of Rattan By Sandrah, a Lagos-based handbag company, is making waves in the fashion industry. With a keen eye for design and a passion for promoting Nigerian culture, Kadiri has established herself as a prominent figure in the country’s burgeoning fashion scene.
Her company, which specializes in made-in-Nigeria handbags using materials like faux leather, original leather, and indigenous materials like Aso oke and Ankara, has produced over 12,000 bags and served over 5,000 clients since its inception in 2019. Recently, she launched a new collection called “Eight Bubble,” which showcases her brand’s unique blend of traditional and modern designs.
Kadiri’s journey as an entrepreneur has not been without its hurdles. She notes that managing a workforce can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to meeting deadlines and maintaining quality. Additionally, she highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property, an issue that many African entrepreneurs face.
Despite these challenges, Kadiri is driven by her passion for her country and the potential she sees in Nigerian youths. Her goal is to expand her brand, entering other African countries and potentially the European market, with a target of making at least 5,000 sales in 2025.
Kadiri’s success story is an inspiration to young entrepreneurs looking to make a mark in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of staying authentic and focused, citing her own progress from a small start-up. “I started small, and even though I’m not fully where I hope to push the brand to, I’m 20x farther than where I came from,” she said. Kadiri’s personal motto, “God is always in control,” reflects her approach to business.
As Kadiri continues to grow her brand, her story serves as a testament to the creativity and resilience of African entrepreneurs.
