While many of her course mates at the University of Abuja chased after white-collar jobs, English Education graduate Ojo Oluwatobi Felicia chose a different route. She put down her textbooks and picked up a sewing machine, a needle, and a dream of building something of her own.
That dream has become Towbee Stitches, a Nigerian label founded on the belief that clothing does more than cover the body. For Oluwatobi, fashion is also about building confidence, identity, and opportunity for the people who wear it.
“For me, fashion was never just about aesthetics. It was about the quiet power you feel when you wear something made just for you.”
What began as a personal passion less than a decade ago has grown into a respected brand known for elegant bespoke outfits, bridal wear, and custom designs.
Today, Towbee Stitches serves clients in Nigeria and across the diaspora, with each piece reflecting her signature blend of quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
But behind the seams is a bigger mission: to create garments that empower the wearer and systems that empower the people behind the scenes.
In Nigeria’s multi-billion-naira fashion industry, where trends change weekly, Towbee Stitches chose the road less traveled: bespoke.
“Bespoke is slow, deliberate, and personal,” she said. “You’re not just selling a dress. You’re solving a problem.”
Sometimes that problem is a bride who wants to feel regal. Sometimes it’s a professional who needs authority stitched into every seam.
The result is hand-finished work, custom embroidery, and made-to-measure fits designed to last years, not just a season.
Her bridal collections have become a cult favorite, with clients citing the rare mix of structure, comfort, and intricate detail.
Growth came not from billboards, but from whispers. Satisfied clients kept referring others without being asked.
“Yes, when satisfied clients kept referring others without me asking,” she recalled, adding that the referrals funded better equipment and improved operations.
She sums up her design philosophy in three words: Elegant. Timeless. Confident.
Her process is intentional. She listens to the client’s vision, sketches the design, selects fabrics like crepe, creates the outfit, and polishes every finish.
The most thrilling test came when she delivered multiple outfits on a tight deadline for a major event — and nailed it.
“That moment showed me consistency and quality will always attract the right customers,” she said.
Even with rising fabric costs and pressure on profitability, she refuses to cut corners. “I pay attention to every detail and never compromise on standards.”
Inspiration, she says, comes from research, prayer, and simply observing everyday life.
But Towbee Stitches is not just fashion. It’s mentorship. Oluwatobi is closing Nigeria’s fashion skills gap one apprentice at a time.
“Many young designers have talent but don’t know how to price, manage clients, or produce without losing quality,” she explained.
Her apprentices work on real orders, learning pattern drafting, fabric sourcing, customer service, and business management.
“It’s one thing to teach someone to sew. It’s another to teach them to survive as an owner,” she noted.
One of her trainees has already launched her own brand and is growing steadily — a win Oluwatobi values above awards.
In 2023, her impact was recognized with the Skyewise Entrepreneurship Grant for innovation and economic contribution.
The grant helped her expand her workspace, upgrade equipment, and formalize her mentorship program.
Like many Nigerian entrepreneurs, she battles power issues, import delays, and artisans who leave for greener pastures.
Her answer is education: educating clients on the value of craftsmanship and her team on professionalism.
“Excellence is expensive, but mediocrity is costlier in the long run,” she said.
Looking ahead, she is expanding bridal lines, exploring sustainable fabrics, and building a digital mentorship module for designers outside Abuja and Lagos.
Her vision is clear: a globally recognized brand with ready-to-wear collections and international clients.
“I don’t want to just leave behind clothes,” Oluwatobi said. “I want to leave behind designers, entrepreneurs, and a legacy of excellence.”
As Towbee Stitches grows, one thing is certain: this graduate did not just find a job. She created one — for herself, her trainees, and the clients whose confidence she stitches, one outfit at a time