Urbanknit

First, a few basics:

My name is Oludolapo James and my little hustle is called Urbanknit. I am Nigerian.

What’s your story? How’d you get involved in your hustle/hobby/business? Is it your primary income? How long have you been doing what you do?

My mum taught me how to knit when I was about seven which seems crazy seeing as we lived in a tropical country! My brother recently reminded my of when I used to weave little wrist bands whilst in primary school and he’d go and sell them in his secondary school, each day returning with a list of new customers and the colours they requested. Taking custom orders began!

Like a lot of people, I made bits and pieces for friends and family and as more people got interested I decided to take it more seriously and formalise it as a business and give it ago about 4 years ago. I am also an architect so it isn’t currently my primary income.

What are some resources you’ve found invaluable to your work?

Does the internet count?! Its has made everything possible. From setting up a website to ordering supplies, filing taxes, getting information. All at a click of a button.

How do you get the word about about your hustle?

I experiment with different mediums and repeat those that appear to be most effective. I’ve tried print adverts, online ads, ads on blogs. I also have a blog www.urbanknit.blogspot.com where I write a bit about urbanknit but mostly about design and art in general and things that I find interesting. I like the interactive nature of a blog.

Word of mouth is also very powerful so I try to keep the brand visible even amongst friends and families with a facebook group and a twitter account. It takes a lot of time and I am constantly looking for new avenues. I’ve also been fortunate enough to be featured in a few blogs and magazines and even once on BBC radio which was very exciting!

Where do you find your inspiration and/or motivation?

I have an eclectic mix of interests which I think influence the way I work. For instance, I am an architect, love animation, bold graphics and prints. I’m a music junkie, like puzzles, art, gargoyles, graffiti, textiles and so many other things that in a direct or indirect way affect my work.

What are two or three things you find difficult on your path to your dreams? How do you deal with these challenges?

One of the challenges is people not valuing what is carefully thought out, handmade unique design. I don’t believe in over pricing but I do believe good design and good quality work should be rewarded. I tackle this by trying to give as much information to the buyer/customer about the processes, fabrics, yarns and so on used to produce each piece so that they know exactly what they are getting.

Another challenge is getting the word out and being able to reach people who would find that Urbanknit is just the right thing for them. This is an ongoing challenge but one that is a lot of fun to experiment with.

What are some things you wish you had that would make your work easier?

I dream about space! I actually have dreams about having a lovely and light studio space to work in. I’ll be in heaven once this dream comes true!

How has this so-called recession affected the way you conduct business?

I think I’ve noticed a slight drop in sales but nothing too dramatic. I’m a bit more cautious about spending a lot on stocking supplies. Its a wait and see situation for now.

Which people or organizations do you look up to? Why?

I like things that are simple but can make a statment even a subtle one so I’m a big fan of the modernist movement. There are a lot of people who I find interesting and admire for so many different reasons. Its hard to state them all.

What is the work you’re most proud of?

That’s another tough one! I honestly cannot pick. I am always excited and proudest when I have the finished product of something I’ve thought up, designed, reworked and finally finally see the bag or scarf or tote the way I originally imagined it to be.

What are you working on currently?

I’m currently working more with Aso-oke (a hand loom woven fabric from southern Nigeria) both the traditional and more contemporary versions. There are already some Snap cluthes available and there will be more of these in various sizes. I will also have a new Aso-oke tote for the autumn/winter season.

What is your dream project? Where do you plan on going with your business/hustle?

A dream project would be some sort of collaboration with another designer, a clothes one for example to accessorise a partiuclar collection or runway show. I think it would really interesting and quite a lot of fun.

The plan is to continue to grow the brand and make it available to people who would appreciate one-off quirky pieces. My ideal scenario would be to have Urbanknit in funky cool boutiques all over the world.

How has your dedication to your hustle/hobby/business affected your personal life (family, school, relationships, faith, etc.)

I really try not to let it take over and I am mostly disciplined with how I spend my time. So I think by and large it hasn’t had a great effect other than I bore people around me with details they probably don’t care to know!

What is something you know now that you wish you’d known before?

Without sounding to cynical I hope, a lot of people get in touch with offers and suggestions about collaborations, advertising and features. It hardly ever pans out as imagined. The ones that don’t seem like a great idea often turn out to be and those that seem fantastic don’t. You start to get an instinct after a while.

Lots of folk are trying to reach and achieve their dreams. What is something you’ve learned on your path that you would share with anyone just starting out?

If you are sure, really really sure and believe that it is what you SHOULD be doing then go for it. Not just go for it but really go for it and keep going despite the discouragement, disappointments and unattained goals.

Experiences that turn out bad will always teach you something that you should know.

Thank you Dolapo!