Omoye Abulimen, passionate about beautifying your feet
Omoye Abulimen, is a footwear designer and CEO, of Dé Chayil Shoes (Nigeria). She is devoted to keeping her hands dirty for your feet to look clean, in other words, She is a passionate cobbler. She designs and makes footwears for the love, fun and funds of it. Deciding to switch things up, beyond the basics and also making the Nigerian dream come true of manufacturing local products with international standards. She graduated from Bells University with a BSC degree in HumanResources Management. She is determined to create value, not just for herself but to the Nigerian Economy and different individual shoe stories across the world. Hence she came up with Dé Chayil Shoes. As a young lady at 23, she was told she couldn’t make it several times and the doubts that surrounded her would have been enough to ditch this dream, but with passion and focus, she can beautifully say there are over 2,000 Dé Chayil walking stars around the world. She says “It’s been a journey, with so many lessons and blessings.”
Starting up
I started shoe making for the love of it, it started as a hobby but I decided to venture into it fully as a business later on. Started up small, but growth has been rapid with over 2,000 walking stars in one year, we’re growing.
Where and how did you learn?
I attended a shoe making academy and was taught all I know. My shoes are distinct and stunning because I pay attention to details.
Clients
My clients are those that love amazing quality products and believe in the “made in Nigeria” dream. I have amazing clientele base from other African countries, Europe, Australia and USA for Dé Chayil products.
Materials used
I make use of 100% genuine animal skin leather. Materials are sourced both locally and internationally. To meet international standards, I ensure that the quality of the pieces can stand shoulder to shoulder with other international brands, quality is key to me and that’s what I stand for.
How has the state of economy influenced the cost of your shoes?
It has affected the cost of production of Dé Chayil Shoes, but I haven’t allowed it dictate the quality of the products.
Advice to the government
Firstly, I would like the Government to protect entrepreneurs when it comes to trademarks, ownership rights and create infrastructures such as tanneries, invest in research, and help educate people with the latest research and technologies when it comes to manufacturing in Nigeria.
Projections
Dé Chayil in a few years to come will be able to compete with international renowned brands and put Nigeria and Africa on the map as a leading brand.
Products for men and women
I make for men and women. I make female sandals and slippers, but I’m looking into expanding into varieties of designs for women. I make mostly male shoes.
Price
Price ranges between 16,500 Naira – 120,000 Naira and even more per piece or as a package, depending on the customer’s choice.
How did you learn?
In the craftsmanship aspect of it, I’m self-taught, but the business side to it, I have mentors I look up to like Tara Durotoye, Nkechi Harry Ngonandi, Samiah Oyekan Ahmed, Freda Francis and so much more.
Where are you based?
I operate from Kubwa, Abuja but my shoes are delivered all over the world.
Final words
Talent is not enough, passion is what fuels me on days I don’t feel like working, I’ve learnt to focus on me till the focus is on me. Also, it is important to note that we must trust God with all that we do.
Kemi Ajumobi