Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Shola Yusuf is the founder and creative force behind Shola Designs. The Pharmacist turned shoe designer moved to New York City from Nigeria in 1989 with less than $100 in her pocket. Taking security guard positions, she put herself through the College of Pharmacy at LIU, graduating in 1995. In 2003, she opened her own pharmacy and now owns four in the Tampa Bay area where she and her love for shoes and accessories resides. She says, “I devour every form of media when it comes to fashion. I travel 20 times a year. I am always away somewhere – West Africa, New York City, Hong Kong, Italy, and London. These are my main shopping and design destinations. I follow leading designers and the best retailers.” Shola has become a household name in the Tampa Bay area as she has showcased her designs in countless fashion shows within the Bay area. I have so much admiration for her as a business woman. Her business acumen is certainly one to admire. Having to manage four pharmacies, a shoe line and the multiple aspects of life, there is no secret that Shola Yusuf is a busy woman. She certainly makes it look easy. I chatted with the Nigerian business woman recently, see what she had to say about fashion, her inspiration and the future of her brand.
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I was born in Lagos, Nigeria which is fashion destination of Africa.
Q: Did you go to school for Fashion?
A: I did not go to school for Fashion, but I have an eye for fashion.
Q: What inspired you to be a fashion designer?
A: Fashion has always been a driving force in my life. I am related to Art and Fashion. I grew up with a mother who sold luxurious fabrics and she was also a fashionista. My mother will take a yearly vacation to go to Rome and Paris to buy shoes, cloths and bags that will last her for the next vacation. She may not repeat the same clothes, shoes and bags that she wears today for the next year or two or never wear them again. I took after her. From a young age, I was always interested in dressing well.
Q: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
A: I have always been inspired by different colors and traveling to other continents. When you travel as a designer you have to be open and aware of your environment. Sometimes inspiration can come from friends, family, culture, magazines or walking down the street.
Q: Describe the woman who embodies the Shola Designs brand of footwear?
A: My styles allow women to choose how they wish to be perceived, and also define the personality of women that wears them. Women that wear Shola Designs should like themselves and be more confident within self.
Q: What is your long term vision for the Shola brand?
A: My long term vision is to aspire to be an independent fashion business woman with recognizable brands. With this— comes the rewards of having a loyal customer base.
Q: Who are some of your favorite shoe designers?
A: My favorite shoe designers are Charlotte Olympia, Christian Louboutin, Prada and Sergio Rossi.
Q: Heels or Flats?
A: There are number of reasons why women enjoy wearing heels. Personally, I feel more confident wearing heels and like the attention that it gets me. They also make me appear slender. High heels add height, especially for a petite woman like myself. I wear heels to overcome my small stature. Heels can make a woman look more assertive which in turn makes her feel more confident.
