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Ronke Somefun launches fashion brand, SMR and Dave Couture

Beautiful, fast rising fashion entrepreneur, Ronke Somefun of SMR and Dave Couture could shake the fashion industry soon.

The graduate of the University of Lagos firmly believes that her ideas would take her places and contribute immensely to the fashion industry.

ENCOMIUM Weekly had an interview with her on Friday, December 02, 2016 (two days before she officially launched her brand in Magodo Isheri, Lagos), as she shared her journey into the business, challenges, mentors and her dreams…

 

Kindly tell us about your background?

My name is Ronke Somefun, in my 30s from Abeokuta North (Ogun State). I’m the first born of my family. I have a son, his name is David Folagbade Elijah. I am into fashion.

What is the name of your company?

The name of my company is SMR and Dave Couture. SMR means Sweet Miss Ronke and Dave is from my son’s name. It is located at Tokunbo Disu, Magodo, Isheri (Lagos).

Tell us about your education.

I graduated from the University of Lagos in 2009. I studied Creative Arts but later switched to Visual Arts. I majored in textile. I attended Oriwu Model College, Ikorodu for my secondary school education. I went to a fashion school after graduating from the university.

How did your journey start into this business?

Some years ago while I was in UNILAG, I sew for students as I was studying Creative Arts. I later started coming up with ideas. When I went for my IT, I was in editing room. But instead of me looking at their editing, I was always turning into the fashion TV. I was always looking at styles. I was just always on fashion.

Then something came up one day and somebody just told me that since you love fashion so much, why can’t you try it. I thought about it and I decided to go into it.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I want to be known. I want to be like other well known fashion designers like Deola Sagoe, April by Kunbi and NHN. I believe with what I have, my ideas, it is going to take me places and I’m optimistic that I will get there.

Do you have any mentor?

Yes, I do. People like Deola Sagoe, Kunbi, NHN and the like. They are the people I look up to. I love their styles.

How do you intend making it with the current situation of the country?

I know the way I make my own money. People frequently do a lot of weddings, burials, so they call me to make clothes for them, aso ebi. And you know we ladies love fashion, we really love to wear good things and always look good so I believe things would work out well.

What are some of the challenges you face?

You know when you start a business, people working for you give you a tough time. You try to tell them what to do, how to go about it. Managing them is very challenging. Coupled with the challenge is the situation of power supply. I have to use a lot of fuel in my business.

Have you worked for celebrities?

Yes, when I was in school, I worked in a production company during my IT. I met some of these celebrities and I had the opportunity to work for them. The experience was simply amazing.

Which celebrity do you look forward working for?

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. I really look forward to working with her.

How were you able to juggle academics with business while in school?

It wasn’t easy. Most times I had to work on weekends because the stress of school is time consuming.

  • OLADOYINBO DANIEL
Encomium

Written by Encomium

A media, tech and events company.

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