Adesola Balogun is the mastermind behind the brand, OUTSPOK’N. Born in Lagos-Nigeria, he is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, author, podcaster and a creative who tries to express himself through colours with simple yet contemporary work.
Aside from creating masterpieces with fabrics, Adesola talks about everything business and fashion through his podcast; he consults for clients and is big on resourcing fashion entrepreneurs as well. As an author, he has written different books, with ‘Emerge’ as the recent one to hit the bookshops.
The brand, OUTSPOK’N, started when Adesola was in his third year at the Federal University of Technology in Akure, Nigeria. He started by making and selling shirts to his friends.
Then from kaftans, he moved to more contemporary outfits like jackets where he specialised until he delved into African fabrics. Here he simply merged traditional and modern pieces together; gradually, the full birth of what we all adore today came to light.
With so many brands almost similar to what he dreamt and still dreams of coming out with, there have been times of scepticism and self doubt alike, as to whether people will be able to discern if what he is producing for them is for them; albeit, staying consistent and sticking to what the true calling of the brand is has been his driving force.
Outspok’N has a long chain of clientele, including top-notch personalities, and Adesola says that they do so well to keep everyone satisfied by making them special and meeting all their needs.
Like many businesses, OUTSPOK’N have their challenges like lack of support financially, morally and otherwise. Yes, it’s been a tough task sometimes; but thanks to his amazing mentors who have held his hands and directed aright.
Blessings they say come to the patient and bold, and OUTSPOK’N have been blessed as they have appear at both local and international shows. They can afford to stay afloat and stay in business; and Adesola reiterates that’s by God’s special grace.
They were recently in Accra to exhibit OUTSPOK’N at the ‘Fashion Soul, Accra’, and he loved the calmness and welcoming spirit of the country. He was glad with the receiving ambience of the people and the camaraderie that went along with the two days’ mood.
With the acceptance of the brand by the Ghanaian community, Adesola sees himself having an outlet in Ghana for his customers and clients alike, very soon.
For younger designers who he feels need all the love and encouragement, he said whenever any mindset of giving up arises, the only key is to remain consistent. They must always remember the ‘why’ they wake up each day. Believe, put in the effort and understand that if you ever give up, then you probably don’t know why you started.
- Instagram: @outspoknclothiers & @outspoknwoman & @shopoutspokn
- Telephone: +2348121704602 or +2347033507609
- Location: 9b Mercy Eneli Street, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
