As air is to breathing, so are bold steps to entrepreneurship. Perhaps it was this realization that drove Omobolaji Esther Adediwura, the Creative Director and Founder of Lahjiz Signaturez, to transition from selling fabrics to designing beautiful outfits.
It all began with fabric sourcing. For Bolaji, it was more than buying and selling; it was a game of connection where she sates young professionals and students with high-quality African textiles sourced from Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Aba. The glee on their faces whenever they discovered prints that resonated with their identity turned them into passionate brand evangelists of Lahjiz Signaturez. In no time, the brand sold over 2,000 fabrics and garments between 2017 and 2020, earning a reputation for reliability, bold colors, and culturally grounded aesthetics.
But that wasn’t enough. Bolaji’s hunger to make an impact in the Nigerian fashion space only intensified. Like a stroke of serendipity, customer demand aligned with her vision to tell African stories through clothing. And so, Lahjiz Signaturez metamorphosed into a bespoke and ready-to-wear fashion brand. Today, it creates timeless, modest pieces that celebrate African textiles in refreshing, contemporary ways.
We had a chat with the young designer to uncover the raison d’être behind this bold leap and how the journey has been so far. She gave us a fill. Let’s dive right into her mind.
What inspired you to make the big switch?
I started selling fabrics back at university, mainly to students who would buy from me and take them to campus designers. As time went on, many of my customers began saying, “You have such a good eye for fabrics, can’t you just make the clothes too?”
After I graduated and moved to Port Harcourt earlier last year, I realised it was time to take that next step. I often had a clear vision for how each fabric should be styled, but it was hard to find anyone who could capture that exact idea. I wanted every design to reflect the story I had in mind when I first picked the fabric.
At first, I collaborated with a designer in my area to help bring those ideas to life, but over time, I realised the best way to express my creativity was to learn the craft myself. That’s when I decided to learn properly. I enrolled in an intensive training with Treshbee Signatures, and it completely changed the direction of Lahjiz Signaturez. I went from just selling fabrics to actually creating full pieces that matched the stories and emotions I saw in them. For me, it wasn’t just a business move; it was about finally bringing my own creative vision to life.
Oh wow! Your drive for success is so inspiring. You even had to learn when tailors weren’t meeting your standards. Impressive! Did you ever doubt your decision?
Honestly, yes. At the beginning, I did. Switching from something that was already working to something completely new felt risky. I had built a steady flow of customers who trusted me for fabrics, so taking a step into design meant starting from scratch in some ways. There were moments when I wondered if I was doing too much or if people would even accept Lahjiz as a clothing brand.
But every time I felt that doubt, I reminded myself why I started, because I knew I had more to offer. Once I began my training and started creating my first few pieces, the excitement I felt completely outweighed the fear. Seeing my ideas come to life made me realize I was exactly where I needed to be.
Beautiful. I agree—there’s an ineffable thrill an idea becoming real gives. But how did you handle negative voices from people around and even your inner critic?
At first, it wasn’t easy. Some people didn’t understand why I wanted to leave something that was already working to start all over again. I heard comments like, “Why complicate things?” or “Just keep selling fabrics, that’s your thing.” Even inside, I had moments where I questioned myself. But I realised that people often speak from their own fears, not yours.
Instead of letting those voices stop me, I used them as motivation. I reminded myself that growth never feels comfortable. I also surrounded myself with people who believed in me: mentors, creatives, and supportive clients who saw my potential. And whenever my inner critic got too loud, I went back to designing, sketching, or sourcing fabrics, because creating always reminded me of why I started.
Speaking of your clients, did you face any objections from them? Also, what about the designers you used to collaborate with?
Yes, there was some hesitation at first. A few clients were used to me as their go-to fabric plug, so when I shifted focus to creating full outfits, some were unsure if I could deliver the same quality in design. But I understood that change takes time for people to accept.
Instead of trying to convince everyone with words, I let my work speak for itself. I started small, creating bespoke pieces for a few trusted clients and showcasing the results. Once they saw how well the designs came out, their confidence grew, and soon after, new clients started coming in through word of mouth. It became clear that the switch wasn’t just a business decision; it was an evolution that allowed me to serve people better.
You did what people call “Silence them with your results.” And that’s the beautiful thing about success. How’s it going so far?
It’s been both exciting and challenging, but definitely worth it. Every step has taught me something new, from understanding patterns and fittings to managing production timelines and client expectations. The feedback has been really encouraging, especially from customers who used to buy just fabrics and now trust me to handle their entire look.
What’s most fulfilling is seeing people wear my designs and tell me how confident and beautiful they feel in them. That’s when I knew I made the right decision. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s growing, and I’m proud of how far Lahjiz Signaturez has come in such a short time.
Truly, Lahjiz has come a long way in such a short time. This makes me wonder: What challenges did you face when you made this switch, and how did you handle them?
The biggest challenge was transitioning from being a fabric seller to managing a full production line. It came with new costs, time demands, and technical skills I had to learn quickly. Another challenge was getting people to see Lahjiz not just as a fabric brand anymore but as a full clothing line.
I handled it by being patient and consistent, sharing my progress, showing my work, and investing in proper training. I also learned to budget differently, knowing I was now creating end products, not just selling raw materials.
Interesting. How did you launch the rebrand? With a collection or bespoke pieces for clients?
The rebrand started gradually. For now, I’m focusing on creating bespoke pieces for clients who trust my vision and appreciate the personal touch. It’s been a great way to refine my style and build stronger connections with my clients. Eventually, I plan to launch a small capsule collection that will reflect the new direction of Lahjiz Signaturez— elegant, modest, and deeply rooted in African creativity.
Great! What were the reactions to your rebrand?
Honestly, the response was better than I expected. A lot of my old customers were excited to see me evolve and said the designs felt “so Lahjiz Signaturez,” which made me smile because it meant I hadn’t lost the essence of the brand. Even new clients loved how I kept our African identity alive in a more refined, modern way. It gave me a lot of confidence to keep going.
I’m glad you got positive reactions that motivated you to keep going. Now, will Lahjiz still be selling fabrics, or will you be strictly focused on bespoke and ready-to-wear pieces?
I’ll definitely still be selling fabrics because that’s where Lahjiz began, and it’s such a big part of who we are as a brand. But the vision has grown. Many of my clients still enjoy picking their own materials, while others prefer the convenience of having their outfits made from start to finish. So I’ve found a balance. Lahjiz will continue offering beautiful, carefully sourced fabrics for those who enjoy custom designs while also creating bespoke and ready-to-wear pieces for clients who want the full experience. It’s all about giving people choice and making sure every piece still carries that personal, creative touch.
That’s brilliant! You’re truly an entrepreneur. Where do you source your raw materials?
Most of my fabrics come from trusted textile hubs across Nigeria. That is, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Aba, and Lagos. I also work directly with local producers to get high-quality African prints in Ilorin. My goal is to always highlight African craftsmanship, so I make sure every material used has a story and a connection to our culture.
How are you handling the costs of running a clothing brand?
It definitely requires more financial planning. I’ve been careful to scale gradually, focusing on quality over quantity. My accounting background helps me handle budgeting and cost management. I reinvest profits, plan around production cycles, and ensure that every piece adds value to the brand. It’s about smart growth, not fast growth.
So you’re not just a designer but also an accountant? Interesting! That’s an extra spice to your brand. Now, what other thing makes Lahjiz Signaturez unique?
Lahjiz Signaturez stands out because of its blend of modesty, culture, and modernity. Every design tells a story; it’s not just about style but also identity. I focus on making pieces that are elegant, wearable, and deeply connected to African aesthetics. I also care about how my clients feel confident, graceful, and authentic. That emotional connection is what really defines the brand.
I guess it’s that emotional connection that keeps bringing your customers back. What advice will you give other fashion entrepreneurs looking to take a path similar to yours?
Start with what you have and grow with intention. Don’t rush to impress people; take time to learn, evolve, and understand your craft. There will always be doubts and challenges, but if you stay consistent and true to your vision, everything else will align. Most importantly, never be afraid to start over. Sometimes, the best version of your dream comes after you pivot.
You couldn’t have said it any better, Bolaji. Moving forward, what should we expect from Lahjiz Signaturez?
You should expect growth in creativity, quality, and purpose. I want to build a brand that represents African elegance on a global level. I’ll be exploring ready-to-wear collections, modest fashion, and more collaborations. I also have an exciting wedding project coming up in collaboration with Bisi Stitches, which I’m really looking forward to. Every piece will continue to tell a story, and every design will reflect who we are and where we’re going.
That sounds like a lot. I’m excited for you. Thank you for making out time for this interview. I really can’t wait to see the many great things Lahjiz Signaturez will do in a few years.
Thank you too.
