Tosin Lawson’s mission to make African Things more mainstream
African Things is Nigerian in origin and has been running for 3 years. Brainchild of Tosin Lawson, who graduated in design from the University of Nottingham with a BEng in Product Design and Manufacture. Pure London at Olympia was chosen for the brand’s UK launch.
Back in 2013, Tosin was working at a college as part of her national service. She saw all the children with their practical, but boring backpacks and that inspired her to add some authentic African Colouring.
In 2015, she decided to develop the business full time and applied for a grant from the Tony Elumelu Foundation. She was awarded almost £4,000 and that was enough to get her enterprise up and running. She added jewelry to her bag designs and then expanded from there.
She creates new designs every week – searching for the new ‘hot design’.
She took 2 short courses at London St Martins and one of her lecturers suggested the Pure show.
She creates new designs every week – searching for the new ‘hot design’.
She took 2 short courses at London St Martins and one of her lecturers suggested the Pure show.
She’s hoping to meet professional buyers and to take her business into new markets.
Journalist Priscillia Mudiaki, met with Tosin at Pure London to find out more about the brand.
Journalist Priscillia Mudiaki, met with Tosin at Pure London to find out more about the brand.
Tosin now sells through 30 outlets in West Africa, including Spar and Mega Plaza Mall – as well as online stores on Amazon, Julia, eBay and Konga.
We thank Tosin for taking the time to talk to Africa Fashion and sharing her story. Check out African Things full range on their website and follow their socials. Website: www.africanthings.org | Twitter: @AfricanlThings | insta: africanthings |
Remember to join us Facebook and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter to get all the latest stories as they happen.
Image credits: Taken by Seyi Body-Lawson for African Things
