We had the good fortune of connecting with Oby Orim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oby, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Oby’s Couture because I have always found African print fascinating. The possibilities of the colours and patterns African print could be found in are endless. I kept thinking of the things I could introduce by simply being an African print store. My sewing is far from perfect as I started learning not too long ago, but I decided my designs could be actualized with the help of other tailors. To test the client base, I started by being a retailer for a female African print wholesale clothing brand. By the time I launched my second collection, most of the designs were mine and I introduced a few shirts for guys as well. Going into our one year mark, I’m currently working on a third collection which includes African print bags and I now take custom orders as well.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets you apart from others? I remember needing an African print dress sometime in 2014 for an event in the university, everything was so expensive, especially with my student budget at the time. I kept wishing there was something slightly more affordable. My brand aims to give quality at an affordable price. The truth is real African print clothes will never really be as affordable as walking into some of the stores in the mall, but the quality will always be worth it. Real African print material is 100% cotton and would last years with proper care. This is why with every piece we sell, we include detailed care instructions.
Also, when starting this, one thing I wanted to do was create jobs back home. I have found some of the most talented and most enthusiastic tailors and we’ve teamed up to make sure we give you quality! A purchase from us will always be a wise investment!

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand?
Our slogan at Oby’s Couture is “Everything Ankara – Made just for you.” Whatever you think you want made in African print, I want to try to bring that to life. I am always open to custom orders where we could both put our imaginations to work and create magic together!

Has it been easy?
I started the business about a year ago and I’m truly grateful to God for the growth. I will be a vendor at AfroFest in July. AfroFest is the largest free African music festival in North America. Although I’ve accomplished quite a bit in a year, it hasn’t been a bed of roses especially with COVID, but I think I knew that going in. The weather in Canada also makes it hard to expect a full year of sales as it’s cold most of the year. However, I’m hopeful that as more cities discover the brand, the weather won’t be a problem as their climate may be more favourable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Food- We would try a lot of things, we’re both really picky so it may be specific things from each restaurant. We’ll have the calamari at Figo. We’ll definitely have the seafood pasta at Upper Beaches’ Bourbon House and Fox & Fiddle. We’ll try the steak at the Keg and the mashed potatoes as well.

Drinks – We enjoy cocktails so we would try quite a bit of those at places like Barchef, Bar Isabel and Bar Raval.

Sites to see – Downtown Toronto is an attraction on its own as something pops up everywhere. Other specific spots will be the CN tower and Ripley’s aquarium. If it’s the summer then we will likely target a week that will have AfroFest, Caribana or the Canadian National Exhibition.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a very special shoutout to my roommate who is one of my closest friends. She has been there every step of the way and is the reason we have a lot of loyal clients in Quebec. Thank you Marie-Esther! I really cannot imagine doing this without you. Also, to our very loyal customers, who trusted the brand and have continued to support and spread the word, you’ve done way more than you’d ever know and I’m forever thankful.

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Website: https://obyscouture.com/

Instagram: @obys_couture

Facebook: Oby’s Couture

Image Credits
Image Credits: MikaelB Studios

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