Art meets Craft in Ayomide's hands
If you know me, you’ll know that Art is very dear to me. In this post, I’m introducing you all to my sweet friend, and one of the most talented persons I know, Ayomide. I’ve known Ayomide for a while and I can surely say that she is one of the most consistent business owners in my corner, doing wonders with her artistry and craftsmanship, and also putting herself out there for the world to see. Grab a glass of drink and read along as we get right into it.
1) Introduce yourself, what do you do?
My name is Ayomide Adebowale, and I'm a self-taught artist from Lagos, Nigeria. I own an indigenous Nigerian brand that specializes in four distinct sizes of handcrafted leather bags for women. I'm a model on some days, too.
2) Tell us more about your business?
God blessed me with an incredible gift: ART, which also happens to be one of my enterprises. Artxymd, a Nigerian brand that specializes in handcrafted leather bags for women, is the other.
Art is my passion, and through it, I can creatively express myself and let down all barriers. It's a place where I can be myself, offer value, and communicate with others. My earliest memories are of me creating art, a God-given skill that I have developed over time. I try my hardest not to be constrained in my means of expression, but rather explorative, and as a result, I've been able to experiment with a variety of mediums to express myself.
Social activities, health issues, the beauty of the African lady, societal issues, and fashion are all themes in my work. I enjoy creating pieces that have a strong visual impact. I've recently found myself working on female-related topics. The beauty, style, and struggle of the African woman is one, while woman as God intended is another, in which I praise femininity; despite everything we go through, we emerge resilient and powerful with pomp and strength. Three shows coordinated by Baroque Age studio in 2018, Lasmara in 2019, The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), and Kohinoor restaurant in 2019 have showcased my work. I've also participated in a couple art workshops organized by the Hungarian Embassy's Trade Department in Nigeria and one by Glynn Vivian's art gallery in Swansea, Wales. SME 25 under 25 presented me with an award in the arts and culture category in 2019.
Art acts as a form of catharsis. It gives vent to several voices at several levels - voices of those that may never be heard. For me, this inclusiveness becomes the strongest point of art.
3) What made you want to start your business?
I started it to raise awareness and because I love art and the art scene wasn't well-known at the time, I opted to start with my small Instagram network. Also, the talent and passion I've been given aren't just for me; they're so that God might use me as a vessel to bring Him glory on earth. My mission field is the marketplace around me. My profession or talent will be the platform through which I shall express new life to the world. Finally, understand that God is the artist and I am the vessel, to have a great number of households blessed with YMD artwork.
4) When did you start officially/ unofficially?
I started officially in 2018 and unofficially many years ago when I started making birthday/anniversary cards for my parents and grandparents. So, I would say 2004.
5) What challenges have you gone through as a business owner?
Hmmm... from submitting works for open calls and not getting picked a thousand times to art materials being ridiculously expensive and striving so hard to make a respectable name for me. It has been a roller coaster. Oh! One more thing, in this industry you are discovering things on your own and that right there is another challenge on its own.
6) What were the favorable times when starting the business?
I have a lot of them, but the first will have to be my parents' and siblings' support. Second, I sold my first painting. Third, getting acknowledged and receiving an award, since I believe in celebrating your victories regardless of the circumstances. Fourth, I attended a session at the Hungarian embassy's trade office in Nigeria and had Mrs. Àgota Horvath point at my work and say she liked it (I was able to acquire a video of that moment), and it was a good time for me. Finally, having my first group show and, last but not least, made birthday and anniversary cards for my late grandparents, which they always adored and that warmed my heart.
7) What or who has been your biggest inspiration for your art business?
My biggest inspiration - is the first artist, GOD.
8) What was your biggest moment so far in your business?
Having full support from my parents and siblings.
9) What advice do you have for anyone starting an art business?
The creative sector, like any other, has its ups and downs, but ask yourself, "What do I love doing so much that the words success and failure become irrelevant ?" If it's art, go for it, and while you're doing it, create your stage with God in mind, and let people see you because the young artist of today will be the global artist of tomorrow.
10) What advice do you have for anyone starting an entrepreneurship business?
I’ll tell them this - Put God first; make Him the CEO. Know your why because people don’t buy what you do, they buy WHY you do it; the entrepreneurial path isn’t easy, especially in a country like Nigeria where you have to work twice as hard to get half as far. There are days you’ll get frustrated and you’ll most likely want to give up but if you place God first in your business, there’s no obstacle you can’t get rid of.
11) How can we reach you?
Via my business pages on Instagram- @art.by.ymd (art page)
@artxymd (leather bags)
