Ep 5 Eva Sonaike | Reflecting on 10 years and what it takes to build a luxury African textiles brand

This is episode 5 where I am joined by textile designer Eva Sonaike.

ABOUT EVA:

Eva Sonaike is the founder of Eva Sonaike, a London-based interiors and lifestyle brand creating luxurious textiles and home décor products. Eva, who was born and raised in Germany and is of Nigerian heritage, has taken the best elements of these two cultures to inspire her work. The result being designs that bring the vibrancy of African colours and aesthetics to the luxury home décor and accessories market.

We talk about:

• What led her to starting a textile design business, and the journey of turning a hobby into a full-time business
• How her first collection attracted the attention of Selfridges and Liberty London, two prestigious London department stores. How being in the right place at the right time has led to some of her biggest opportunities.
• Celebrating ten years of Eva Sonaike and what has this journey taught her about herself and as a business leader
• Developing the characteristics of a textile designer and the importance of business acumen
• Using trade shows to help get her brand exposure, and what participation has taught her about branding and building a world-class brand
• Why you shouldn’t say yes to every opportunity
• The perception of luxury African Design in a western market
• Getting her products into African countries, the ease of doing business
• Overcoming discouragement and seasons of doubt
• Balancing family and business

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Selfridges - https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/

Liberty London - https://www.libertylondon.com

Fenwick - https://www.fenwick.co.uk

The Observer Magazine - https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/may/06/african-express-how-bright-textiles-brought-one-london-home-to-life

Alara - @alaralagos https://www.instagram.com/alaralagos/?hl=en

Temple Muse - http://www.temple-muse.com

Concept Store in Rwanda get name

Eki Orleans - https://ekisilk.com

Lisa Folawiyo - http://www.lisafolawiyo.com

Aburi Gardens Ghana - https://touringghana.com/aburi-botanical-gardens/

Google Analytics - https://analytics.google.com//

Where you can go to find out more about Eva

https://www.evasonaike.com

Instagram: @evasonaike - https://www.instagram.com/evasonaike/

Facebook: @evasonaike - https://www.facebook.com/evasonaike/

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55