Femi Olayebi, the creative mind behind the renowned FemiHandbags brand, is a true visionary in the world of luxury leather goods. Her journey began over three decades ago when she first delved into leather craftsmanship by designing handbags in 1992. Little did she know that this initial spark of creativity would lead her to become a prominent figure in Africa’s fashion industry.
Olayebi’s talent and design acumen have not gone unnoticed. In 2008, she was recognized as a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women scholar, highlighting her exceptional skills in the realm of leather goods. Subsequently, her masterpieces garnered international attention at the Pure London handbag showcase in 2010, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.
By 2012, Olayebi’s business success became a subject of study at Lagos Business School—a testament to her innovative approach and entrepreneurial acumen. In 2017, she made waves by launching the Lagos Leather Fair, a groundbreaking platform that united designers and stakeholders within the leather value chain.
As Olayebi’s influence transcended borders, she showcased her designs at New York trade shows through SheTrades in 2019, underscoring her status as a global voice in the fashion world. Even amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Olayebi remained resilient and teamed up with the Mastercard Foundation to produce essential personal protective equipment across five Nigerian states.
Furthering her commitment to advancing the industry, Olayebi introduced Kafawa—an educational program developed in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works initiative. Her dedication to innovation and excellence culminated in being awarded the prestigious Legatum Foundry Fellowship from MIT’s Legatum Centre for Development and Entrepreneurship.
Beyond professional accolades lies a deeply personal side to Femi Olayebi—one anchored in family values. Residing in Ibadan with her husband Bankole—a distinguished book publisher—and their three daughters, Olayebi strikes an admirable balance between career milestones and cherished family moments.
Reflecting on her humble beginnings crafting handbags out of necessity for a diaper bag for her first daughter, Olayebi shares:
“My journey began quite unintentionally… I had just learnt how to use a sewing machine… I made [the bag], my very first ever.”
This simple act ignited a passion that would shape her life’s work.
Transitioning from designer to founder marked an evolution both personally and professionally for Olayebi. She notes:
“It’s been a journey of constant learning and relearning… from designing ecosystems and creating impact.”
Her shift from focusing solely on handbag aesthetics to challenging industry norms highlights her growth as both an artist and entrepreneur.
At the heart of every FemiHandbags creation lies a narrative of excellence and African artisanship. Olayebi emphasizes:
“Every piece I create is an invitation…to marvel at…potential within ourselves.”
Through intricate designs and meticulous craftsmanship, she seeks to redefine perceptions about locally produced leather goods—elevating them to international standards.
The annual Lagos Leather Fair stands as a testament to Femi O…
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