Deola Sagoe On Buiding Her Fashion Business Against The Odds

Jaiyeorie January 02, 2018

Founder of Nigerian Haute Couture Brand, House of Deola – Deola Sagoe is one who has managed to break the boundaries that the fashion industry holds up.
“I have seen myself foremost as a business woman who happens to be very creative or should I say the other way round. I have seen myself as a creative who can actually not only survive but make something huge out of what I do, so, yes I know that the constraints are there as a woman in terms of; ‘you’re not taken seriously, they are still looking for the man who’s behind you etc,’ but I do not concentrate on such things, I have no time, I cannot afford the luxury to keep thinking first, ‘oh, I’m a woman, ‘ then if I do that, then I might as well say that, ‘I’m a woman, I’m black, I’m Nigerian,’ and then it paralyses me but I choose to look at the positive side of things that African women are very strong women.”
Her vision is laid in her heart and she is working tirelessly towards achieveing it.
“The vision for the House of Deola is to be the African brand of choice when it comes to luxury and premium ready to wear. When it comes to any product that needs to be traced back to Africa.”
She has been in the fashion industry for over 25 years, won many awards and showcased her designs on international platforms but no way is she stepping down until her legacy is known.
“The legacy I would like to leave behind is one who went into her heritage, into her history and made us to be recognised again that we are indeed people who add value.”
In this episode of Against The Odds with Peace Hyde, she talks about her journey, the creative process of building her brand and what legacy she hopes to leave behind for the Nigerian fashion industry.

“I have seen myself foremost as a business woman who happens to be very creative or should I say the other way round. I have seen myself as a creative who can actually not only survive but make something huge out of what I do, so, yes I know that the constraints are there as a woman in terms of; ‘you’re not taken seriously, they are still looking for the man who’s behind you etc,’ but I do not concentrate on such things, I have no time, I cannot afford the luxury to keep thinking first, ‘oh, I’m a woman, ‘ then if I do that, then I might as well say that, ‘I’m a woman, I’m black, I’m Nigerian,’ and then it paralyses me but I choose to look at the positive side of things that African women are very strong women.”
Her vision is laid in her heart and she is working tirelessly towards achieveing it.
“The vision for the House of Deola is to be the African brand of choice when it comes to luxury and premium ready to wear. When it comes to any product that needs to be traced back to Africa.”
Watch