BUKOLA FEBISOLA OGUNSAKIN, the highly talented Design director/draper/fashion illustrator with FEEBIES ACCESSORIES, a Nigerian fashion brand that’s winning the industry over with its unique crafts and products such as hair fixatures, suspenders, beaded jewelries, and bags, head wears, ties, swimwears. Feebies Accessories just completed a walkway event at the recent FADAN Mart Exhibition 2021.

What made you start Feebies Accessories?

I began Feebies Accessories as a hobby, driven by my passion for craftsmanship. A friend encouraged me to start making beaded accessories for sale and another begged me to make a head warmer for her. Before long, I was making different types of clothing items and accessories with wool and beads then I learnt to sew and I just had to find a niche for myself. Feebies Accessories started after I got a custom order of head warmers and beaded tote bags.

I upscaled by going ahead to watch DIY videos online and practicing until I could sew so I started making swimsuits for kids initially before starting my own swim wear collection for adults. My early experiments with knitting and beading laid the foundation for Feebies Accessories’ unique aesthetic.

What has been your experience as a swimwear/accessories designer?

While challenging, my journey as a swimwear and accessories designer has been incredibly rewarding. I enjoy making beaded accessories and other things, but the swim wears and the masked head warmers became my bestselling products and these has given me fresher perspectives on how upskilling is sometimes what makes the difference between a hobby and a business.

I’ve learned to balance creativity with commercial viability, ensuring each piece is both stylish and wearable.

You just showcased some of your works at the FADAN Mart Exhibition 2021. What was the highlight of the event for you?

Participating in FADAN Mart Exhibition 2021 was a transformative experience. The highlight of the events were the masterclasses. I learnt quite a lot from the trainers and the industry experts like Mr. Kola Yusuf. The exhibition provided valuable exposure and feedback from industry experts and potential customers.

What is next for Feebies Accessories?

Our focus is on continuous growth and skill development to solidify Feebies Accessories’ position in the industry. We hope to get to the point where every wardrobe has a product of ours. We would like to present our products at the Paris Fashion Show and other notable shows in and outside Nigeria. We’re exploring sustainable materials and practices to reduce our environmental footprint.

What other projects/partnerships are in the works for Feebies Accessories?

As part of our community outreach, we’re excited to offer free training sessions for students interested in fashion design and accessories. We aim to empower secondary school or university students with skills in beading, crocheting, and fashion designing, promoting self-sufficiency.