How did your journey into crafting begin?
Crafting has been part of my life since childhood. I was that child who was fascinated with handmade and took every opportunity to make something with my hands. But my journey took shape when I was introduced to Crochet. My Aunt, Mama Jesu Seun, was an avid crocheter who worked from memory despite her limited education. It felt magical to see her bring a product to life with just yarn and a crochet hook. I was completely smitten, and crochet remains my first craft love. I love Crochet!
2. What was your very first project, and do you still remember how it turned out? Did any project outcome ignite your interest in another kind of crafting skill?
My very first “official” project as a young girl was a crochet purse. I felt so proud of myself. As for cross-inspiration, yes! I started with simple craft projects and quickly became curious about Needle crafts, jewelry-making, and later, mixed media. One thing always led to another. Attending the CHA Shows in America gave me ample opportunity to try various crafts like Decoupage, mosaics, painting, and others. This curiosity is still very much alive in me today.
3. How has your craft/craft business (especially Crafties Hobby Ltd.) evolved over the last two decades?
Crafties Hobby Ltd. began as a humble vision—to create a space where crafters could find quality materials and inspiration. Back then, sourcing tools and supplies was a challenge. Most items were imported, and awareness was low.
Today, we’ve moved with the times—our inventory has grown to thousands of SKUs; we run workshops, children’s craft classes and collaborate with schools. The digital age has opened up incredible opportunities: e-commerce, online tutorials, digital marketing, and automation. We’ve embraced all that while still maintaining the warmth and community spirit that our early customers cherished.
When I began to combine my natural inclination for crafting with a desire to teach, things happened!
One major milestone was when I hosted a weekly craft show on NTA sponsored by Dudu Osun. That show was a big deal then! It gave me the opportunity to share my love for crafts with a wide audience—children, parents, teachers, and hobbyists. The feedback was so heartwarming; viewers would say how they looked forward to learning something new every week. When the Show came to an end, the Producer asked if we could teach during the program “Going Places”. That experience and the reviews reinforced my belief in the creativity of Nigerians. I also began to see crafting as a legitimate business path fueled by what I observed in Hong Kong at the time.
4. Have you discovered/adopted any modern crafting techniques or tools, or do you prefer traditional methods? Or both still remain needful?
I would say both are equally needful. I absolutely embrace modern tools—punch needle kits, Cricut machines, beading looms, digital patterns, and YouTube tutorials have expanded what’s possible. One simple tool discovered years ago, which really stood out for me, was the latch hook rugs yarn cutter tool. I found a simple tool for cutting yarn, which is a big improvement over the cardboard we used to use. It was faster and less tedious
However, I also deeply respect traditional methods. There’s something irreplaceable about hand embroidery, hand-knotting, and time-honored dyeing techniques. The key is knowing when to blend both for the best results.
5. Have there been moments when you felt like giving up? How diiousd/do you overcome them?
Yes, absolutely. There were times I felt overwhelmed—financial constraints, low sales periods, creative burnout. But I’ve learned a few strategies:
- Step back: When emotions are high, clarity is low. I give myself space.
- Re-evaluate: I write down what’s not working and brainstorm possible solutions.
- Seek help: Discussing with my siblings helps me regain perspective. It could be a friend or friends that you rely on as sounding boards
- Reconnect to purpose: Reminding myself why I started helps me to keep things in perspective and energizes me to feel I have got this’
- Take action in bits: Small progress is better than paralysis. Paralysis is dangerous.
Taking active steps has helped me many times.
6. If you could go back 20 years, what would you tell your younger crafting self?
I’d say: “Dear one, don’t be afraid to charge your worth. Build structures early, even when the business is small. Rest is part of the process; don’t let burnout steal your joy. Things will not always go according to carefully thought-out plans, and that is okay; you will learn survival tricks. Document your journey; others will learn from it someday.”
To young crafters: Your passion is valid. Your hands hold power. Build with intention and stay curious.
7. What ‘craftpreneurial’ skills would you recommend to someone just beginning their craft business journey?
- Pricing right: Learn the cost of your time, skill, and materials.
- Presentation: Good packaging and photos sell.
- Storytelling: Share your process, it builds trust.
- Consistency: Show up regularly, even if imperfectly. Show who you are
- Financial literacy: Know your numbers. Not knowing can spell doom for you.
- Adaptability: Trends change; stay teachable, stay current, make wise choices
- Community building: Relationships are gold in this business.
- Health is wealth: Take care to eat healthy and live a balanced life
- Organize your Business: Structure your business from the beginning to save time and stress
8. Share your opinion about team building and collaboration.
Teamwork and collaboration are crucial. You can go fast alone, but to go far, you need others. I’ve seen growth happen when I surrounded myself with the right people—interns, staff, fellow creatives. What is more, as a pioneer, it is necessary to share knowledge to prevent people making the same mistakes.
It is important to be in a related community so as to learn, get support, and give. Remember, the more you share of your knowledge, the more you receive.
9. What’s cooking? CraftFest, The Craftpreneur Guild? Tell us all!
So much is brewing!
- CraftFest continues to celebrate handicrafts from all over Nigeria. We’re planning more workshops, exhibitions, and competitions in the near future.
- The Craftpreneur Guild is a new initiative I’m deeply passionate about. It’s a community for craftpreneurs who want to grow their businesses, collaborate, stay inspired and live happier lives. We’re building it as a safe space for learning, networking, and visibility.
- And of course, we’re working on online courses, resource packs, and strategic partnerships. The goal is to raise a new generation of successful, balanced craftpreneurs!
10. What’s an ideal birthday gift or style of celebration for you?
It varies every year. This year I was happy to spend time with Council members. Often a quiet day with my family, surrounded by cards, flowers, and handmade gifts. I love ti have time for introspection.
I feel deeply appreciated when I see others grow because I shared what I know, preventing them from making the same mistakes
11. Five fun facts about you:
- I hand- painted the blouse I wore on the opening of Crafties just the day before
- I love Scrabble, and I love to play Ludo.
- I enjoy teaching just as much as crafting, but maybe more!
- I have a sweet tooth and would be quite happy to eat dessert first
- I still keep scraps of fabric, yarn, textured paper, etc. I believe every piece has a future! Waste not want not!
