May 29, (THEWILL) – Serial entrepreneur, Toyin Lawani speaks with SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN about her brand, acting career, motherhood and sundry issues
How does it feel to be on the cast of Real Housewives of Lagos?
It feels normal. Most people who know me know that I am very real. Let me say I have always been real and I feel that quality attracted the show to my personality. So, it’s a win-win situation for me. I also feel my former reality show, Tiannah’s Empire Reality Show had a lot to do with my participation in Real Housewives of Lagos, too.
What was the experience like?
The experience was great. It had a lot of ups and downs and misconceptions, but I am focused on selling my brand. That is why I will continue to maintain my focus, no matter the misconceptions.
What did you enjoy most about the reality show?
I enjoyed selling my creations without saying a word. I mean, I am the fashion goddess and the king of all queens. Creativity is all I know. I’m a walking billboard. I don’t need to say anything. My fashion sense is enough to advertise my designs. The reality show gives you the arena to sell yourself on a world class standard and I have 33 brands I run on my back to sell, which is something huge for me.
You clocked 40 years in March. How does it feel?
I feel great, blessed and fulfilled. I’ve achieved a lot at my young age, God has blessed me with a family and I have kids, too. I run an empire and it feels great to see it growing every day. You can see that I have every reason to be grateful to God for the opportunity he has given me.
Do you have any regrets at 40?
I don’t have any regrets at 40. Turning 40 is the best thing to happen to anyone. I mean not everyone gets the chance to turn 40. I am grateful for the opportunity. So I’ve no regrets. I feel blessed and grateful to God.
A lot of people were disappointed that you didn’t roll out the drums to celebrate your birthday. Is there a special reason for that?
40 is a blissful year for prayers and honor to my late mother Princess Atinuke Babalola. That is why I didn’t have any celebration to mark it, except do a photo-shoot. When the next one comes, by God’s grace, I will make all the noise in the world.
What are the lessons you have learnt in your 40 years of existence?
I have learnt to be determined. I have learnt to expect the unexpected. To live your truth, be extra and always try to enjoy yourself and stay away from anything that will attract negativity to you. And for your brand, consistency is key. It is not just enough to be creative, you have to do it consistently.
Your designs are usually the most creative and they always stand out. How do you create such flattering pieces?
They call me the fashion goddess because I have remained undefeated over the years. No one does what I do in Nigeria and worldwide. I can also say that the kind of designs I create are of international standards. My ideas are always fashion forward and you can’t see them elsewhere. Maybe in a year or two, you will start seeing people create similar designs to what I have created. Some of those creative pieces take a year to complete. And I can create some within a few hours. My work is always mind blowing. I create something out of nothing. I’m selling Nigeria to the world with my creative pieces, I’m fearless with my pieces and I set trends which people follow later.
Which of your fashion pieces is the most challenging to create?
Avant-garde pieces are very difficult to create. They usually take a lot of hard-work. Sometimes, we have to weld, use harmful objects to create. I even feel most people don’t know what it takes sometimes that is why some people criticize them. But I’m all focused on the results.
You are a serial entrepreneur running several businesses at the same time. How do you find the strength to do it all?
It’s not easy, but it’s my passion. I started my business at the University of Lagos when I was 16 years-old. I learnt from my mom. So I was born into business. To be Tiannah is not easy, but I find it entertaining and not challenging. That’s what it takes to be the queen of all queens. Not many can wear that many hats comfortably and still be a mom and super sexy, my end result is what fuels me and gives my kids the best in life.
Have you ever been tempted to call it quits because of the challenging business environment in Nigeria?
I don’t think you have met me before. Challenges are afraid of me. Nothing scares me, not even when I lost N260 million during the COVID-19 lockdown and I had to move base. I didn’t let it put me down. I started all over again without saying a word to anyone. I simply moved on. Things like that will set a lot of people back, but I’m a moving train and I crush challenges. They call me unstoppable Toyin Lawani for a reason. Nobody said it won’t be difficult, but you just have to fight daily.
Can you share some of your business challenges and how you were able to overcome them?
Workers are the most difficult people to deal with. You train them and they become quite good at the job. But after gaining knowledge, they are off. They are inconsistent and it will always affect one’s business. So, you just can’t relax and trust them fully with your business.
A lot of controversies surround your person and creative pieces. Do you think you are often misunderstood?
For a creative-minded person like me, I’m used to criticism from people whose mentality is not capable of understanding me, my creations and what I stand for. Trust me, I won’t even go an inch to explain myself to anyone. I’m Toyin Lawani and I remain unstoppable. I don’t allow negativity get to me. Before I create any piece, I always know that I will receive criticism, but I still go ahead to create it anyway and it sets the trend which the international community follows.
How are you rocking motherhood?
I rock motherhood like no one can. At 40, I have three children, but I still look young and sexy because I take care of my body. Motherhood is the best thing to ever happen to any woman.
What is the greatest thing about being a mother?
Having a family that loves and protects you and can go all out to make sure you are well and safe.
Are you planning to have more children?
If it is God’s will, yes. It is God that gives children. Giving birth to my last child was challenging due to my health issues, but I thank God for his mercies.
