To meet Lara Alfred, you must be profoundly connected—both socially and emotionally. The reason is clear: in the grand atelier of her life, where passion intersects with purpose, Lara has woven a legacy of brilliance and unparalleled accomplishments.
A chartered accountant by training and a doyenne of Nigeria’s luxury fabric industry by destiny, Lara’s journey from the corporate world to founding Rinimesville is nothing short of poetic, a harmonious symphony of audacious dreams, meticulous craftsmanship, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Born with an innate talent for numbers and an eye for beauty, Lara began her professional journey in finance. Armed with an MBA in Financial Services from the University of East London and membership in the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (UK), she mastered precision, discipline, and strategy. Yet amidst the rhythm of ledgers and balance sheets, her heart yearned for something different, a desire to create, innovate, and inspire. In this interview, with ESTHER ONYEGBULA she shares her career journey.

As a chartered accountant, why and when did you decide to go into the business of exquisite fabrics?

As a chartered accountant, I’ve always had a strong sense of structure, precision, and attention to detail, qualities that served me well in the corporate world. However, alongside my career, I harbored a passion for fashion and luxury fabrics. Over time, it became clear that the world of numbers wasn’t the only space where my heart lay. Fashion has always been an integral part of me, particularly the artistry involved in fabric design and craftsmanship.

In 2012, after years of nurturing my love for fabric, I officially launched Rinimesville. My aim was to merge my business knowledge with my creative passions. I wanted to offer a unique perspective—combining the meticulous, detail-oriented skills I learned as an accountant with an appreciation for quality and luxury in fabric design. Rinimesville was born out of a desire to provide high-end, exquisite fabrics that elevate the lives of those who value craftsmanship and sophistication. It has been an incredible journey blending my two worlds, finance and fashion into one beautiful, luxurious brand.

When you informed your husband and friends, how did they feel about your decision to resign from your plum job?

When I informed my husband and friends about my decision to resign from my secure, well-paying job as a chartered accountant to venture into the luxury fabric business, their reactions were a mix of surprise, curiosity, and concern.

My husband, however, was my biggest supporter from the very beginning. He understood that my passion for fashion and fabrics had always been a part of me, even during my years in the corporate world. His encouragement and faith in my ability to succeed gave me the confidence to take such a bold step.

Some friends and family were understandably skeptical. Resigning from a “plum job” to start something new seemed risky to them. They asked questions like, “Are you sure about this?” or “Why leave such a stable career?” But as I explained my vision and shared my plans, they began to see how much thought and effort I had put into the transition.
Once they witnessed my determination and the success of Rinimesville, their attitudes shifted completely. Many became not just supporters but clients, cheering me on every step of the way. The experience reinforced an important lesson: not everyone will understand your journey at the beginning, but if you stay true to your passion and work hard, they’ll eventually see and respect your vision.

What kind of laces do high society personalities look out for?

High society personalities and celebrities have a refined taste for laces that showcase class, luxury, and exclusivity. They want fabrics that elevate their presence and exude sophistication. Here’s what they typically look for:
Intricacy and Elegance: High-end laces with detailed, intricate patterns, like Guipure lace for its bold, raised embroidery or Chantilly lace for its delicate floral designs.
Luxury Craftsmanship: Handcrafted laces with embellishments such as Swarovski crystals, glass beads, pearls, and sequins.
Uniqueness and Exclusivity: Limited-edition or custom-designed fabrics, including HOH, HKG, and Filtex laces, which are synonymous with status and elegance.
Statement Colors and Timeless Shades: Bold jewel tones like emerald or ruby, and neutral classics like gold, champagne, blush, and ivory for formal occasions.

At Rinimesville, we ensure every piece in our collection reflects elegance, luxury, and individuality. For our clients, it’s not just about wearing lace; it’s about telling a story of refinement and confidence.

A-List celebrities call you Nigeria’s Queen of Fabrics. Is this for real or just a statement to make you feel cool?

It’s truly a huge honor to be called Nigeria’s Queen of Fabrics. This title reflects years of dedication, hard work, and an unwavering passion for curating only the best fabrics for my clients. It’s not just a statement to make me feel cool; it’s a recognition of the relationships I have nurtured and the trust my clients, celebrities, royalty, and high society, place in me to deliver fabrics that define elegance and exclusivity.

For me, this is more than a business; it is a legacy of artistry, quality, and luxury that resonates with those who wear my fabrics. Being seen as the go-to person for Nigeria’s finest fabrics is both humbling and deeply motivating. It inspires me to keep pushing boundaries and redefining excellence in the fabric industry.

What lessons have you learned about life this year?

Celebrating another year has given me time for deep reflection. Life is a journey with distinct seasons, each carrying its own purpose. I’ve learned to embrace timing and not rush the process.

Self-care and mental well-being are non-negotiable. You can’t give your best if you’re running on empty. Prioritizing these has made me a better businesswoman and a more balanced individual.

Relationships matter deeply. Surrounding myself with supportive and inspiring people has reinforced the importance of community. This year, I’ve focused on impact over income, quality over quantity, and meaning over accolades.

Lastly, gratitude and faith transform any situation. Staying grounded and optimistic, regardless of challenges, keeps me moving forward.

What advice do you have for women who desire to wear your kind of fabrics but can’t afford them?

My advice is to focus on timeless elegance rather than the price tag. Luxury isn’t about quantity but quality and craftsmanship. Start with one high-quality, versatile piece that elevates your wardrobe and can be worn for years.

Additionally, take advantage of occasional sales to access exquisite fabrics at reduced prices.

Remember, confidence and elegance comes from within. Luxury is about how you carry yourself and the feeling a fabric gives you, it’s not just what you wear, but how you wear it.