Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration is the resilience of diasporic creators who build businesses rooted in culture while pushing innovation. OYIN draws deeply from Yoruba textile crafts and the generational knowledge behind it. That heritage reminds me that businesses are more than profits – it can preserve stories, evolve tradition, and create new expressions of identity through design.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by the purpose behind OYIN. The brand exists to express identity in motion – honoring where we come from while evolving into who we are becoming. When I design, I’m not just making garments; I’m translating heritage into modern expression. Knowing the work can help people all around the diaspora see themselves reflected in fashion keeps me focused and committed.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Proposed use of $25,000: $4K for 2 capsule collections with sustainable denim and Nigerian textiles; $2K for Shopify, LLC, accounting, and packaging; $4K for social analytics, ad testing, and content scheduling; $8K for cut-and-sew manufacturing in Nigeria with samples and export pipeline; $5K for Jean campaign shoot, lookbook, and social launch; $2K for shipping and import duties.