By Olufemi Ajasa

With a passion for precision, cultural depth, and timeless style, Segun Olagbaju, the creative force behind Shigon Threads, has steadily built a brand that blends artistry with business acumen. Since formally incorporating the label in 2017, he has transformed it from a personal hustle into a respected fashion house, delivering bespoke designs while championing consistency, originality, and client trust. In this interview, he opens up about the challenges of the industry, his sources of inspiration, the principles that guide his craft, and his vision for taking Shigon Threads onto the global fashion stage.

Q: When did you first discover your passion for fashion?
I discovered my passion for fashion at a very young age in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. I was fascinated by colours, textures, and how clothing could convey personality and culture. While most kids played, I would sketch designs and experiment with fabrics, already dreaming of creating pieces that would inspire others.

Q: How did your early life shape your vision as a designer?
Growing up in a town with a rich artistic heritage instilled in me an appreciation for cultural storytelling. My family emphasized creativity, discipline, and integrity, which guided my approach to design. These values remain central to how I craft each collection and engage with clients.

Q: What inspired you to formalize Shigon Threads as a brand?
I realized in 2017 that my designs deserved more than being a personal pursuit, but rather they needed a platform. Incorporating Shigon Threads allowed me to combine artistry with business strategy, delivering consistent, high-quality pieces while building a professional reputation locally and internationally.

Q: Who have been your major influences in fashion?
I draw inspiration from both Nigerian and international sources. Traditional tailors taught me precision and craftsmanship, while global designers introduced me to balance, structure, and minimalism. My work blends these influences, creating designs that honor heritage while appealing to modern tastes worldwide.

Q: What are some challenges you face in the business?

Time pressure is one . You know last-minute orders with unrealistic timelines. Also, logistics. You can create the perfect piece and have it ruined by a delay in delivery. It’s frustrating, but we’re learning how to work around those issues, using better systems and being honest with clients about expectations. That way, we are able to get the job done, while adequately managing clients’ expectations.

Q: What was the turning point for you professionally?
Incorporating Shigon Threads in 2017 changed everything. That’s when I stopped treating it like a hustle and started treating it like a business. From the branding to the client process, everything got more focused. It also made people take me more seriously. That was a defining moment that changed practically everything.

Q: Are there principles that guide your work?
Definitely. Consistency, attention to detail, and treating every client with the same level of respect, whether they’re ordering one outfit or ten. I also believe in learning continuously. There’s always something to improve, something to learn, something to know. I engage in continuous rebranding and relearning to ensure that I am at the top of my game always. Fashion is always evolving. You have to learn to evolve with it else you may be left behind.

Q: What skills do you think are essential for someone entering fashion today?
Creativity, of course. You cannot stand out without being creative and let’s not forget originality. You will also need patience, good communication skills, and business sense. A lot of people can design, but not everyone can run a fashion business. Knowing how to effectively manage pricing and value, how to manage expectations, and how to build relationships is just as important as knowing how to sketch. They are all conjuctive and one is not independent of the other.

Q: What does Shigon Threads represent on the global stage?
Shigon Threads represents a fusion of tradition and modernity. It reflects precision, elegance, and cultural depth, showing that African fashion can meet international standards. Globally, I aim to showcase that our heritage can inspire contemporary design without losing authenticity.

Q6: How do you envision contributing to the fashion industry internationally?
I want Shigon Threads to be a bridge between African artistry and global fashion markets. By expanding ready-to-wear collections and collaborating with international stylists and designers, I aim to elevate African design, creating recognition, opportunities, and cultural exchange on a worldwide scale.

Q: What’s next for Shigon Threads?
I want to expand our reach, not just with clients, but in how the brand connects with people. We’re building out a ready-to-wear line that we can ship globally. I want the brand to be known globally not just for how it looks, but for what it represents:  precision, dignity, and style with cultural